Our Horses

Freedom has four legs.

Our horses are vital partners in making a difference in the lives of our participating children. Saddle Up! horses are “a breed apart” – very special animals carefully selected for their talents and temperament and trained for their roles. Meet our therapeutic horses below – a variety of breeds and sizes – all qualified to be partners and special friends for our children. We have several more horses and ponies in training, looking for their opportunity to join these special mounts.

Do you have a horse you would like to donate to our program?

Horse Wishlist

Horses of average size (15 - 16 hands)
Ponies (11 – 14 hands)

If you have a horse (or horses) you'd like to donate to Saddle Up!, please let us know. Read our therapy horse criteria to see if your horse fits the bill! If you think your horse meets our criteria, please fill out the horse donation form and email it to our Equine Manager or fax it to our office (615) 794-7973.

Are you interested in adopting a retired Saddle Up! horse?

Horse Adoptions

Saddle Up! wants to provide the best for our therapy horses, even after retirement. If you are interested in providing a forever home to a retired horse or would just like to be on the list when one becomes available, please review our Horse Adoption Process. Once you have reviewed the process click continue to complete our Horse Adoption Application. Completed applications can be emailed to the Equine Manager or faxed to our office (615) 794-7973.

Meet the Herd

ARROW

15.3h quarter horse gelding, born 2008

Once owned by a country music star, Arrow gave guided trail rides. He's named from arrow pattern on his coat, and his personality is very similar to a Labrador retriever puppy.

BAILEY

16h American Warmblood, born 2001

Bailey came to us after his career as a fox hunter. Bailey is the most patient and forgiving horse you will ever meet. He is great with every child he has met.

BARON

16h Belgian Draft cr. gelding born 1999

Baron's long flowing locks make him a barn favorite, and he loves to let them blow in the wind. Patient and understanding, he's an awesome addition to our herd.

BEN

15.3h Quarter Horse Belgian cross, born 2003

Ben competed as a 3-day eventer and was a favorite lesson horse for summer camps. He likes to be the boss of his herd.

BIG MACK

16.3h Georgian Grande born 2004

Big Mack is known for his size, and his celebrity look-a-likes, the Budweiser Clydesdales! He is a great horse for our larger riders.

BOOMER

15h Quarter Horse, born 2001

Boomer is known for his trot. He has the comfiest trot on the farm. Before coming to Saddle Up! in 2019, Boomer was a champion team roper.

CHIP

12.2h Silver Bay Welsh Pony Gelding, born 2000

Chip was a Hunter Jumper before arrival. Check out his unique coloring; his undercoat is a different color than his topcoat.

COMANCHE

14.2 Pony cross, born 2003

Comanche has been there and done that. His experiences in life make him a great therapy horse. He is excited to be loved on by all the kids!

GABBY

12.2h grey pony mare

After joining Saddle Up! in 2011, Gabby fast become a barn favorite with her great size and temperament. She is every child’s ‘dream pony’ and we love having her here.

HOBIE

15.3h quarter horse gelding, born 2006

Formerly a champion team roper, Hobie's very patient and has a very slow walk, despite his size. His short tail makes it easy to identify him in the pasture.

JAC

15.1h quarter horse, born 2011

Jac was a reigning horse prior to joining in 2018. He is known around the barn for his good looks. We say he is our California dude because of his blonde mane and tail.

OSCAR

13h Pony of the Americas, born 1999

Oscar's previous job was showing and teaching lessons. His cuteness is noticed by all students and volunteers. He is a great pony for independent riding.

PEDRO

12.2h bay gelding pony, born 1999

Pedro was used for beginner lessons before starting his work in our program. His active trot and short stature make him an excellent mount for our young riders.

ROCCO

14.3h quarter horse gelding, born 2005

Previously owned by a rider who used a wheelchair, Rocco is ridden completely through voice commands! This cool trick is an amazing asset to our riders!

SAMPSON

11h bay pony gelding, born 2008

Sampson is an adorable flirt with his punk rock mohawk and large personality! He came to us through Safe Harbor rescue and loves his job and life at Saddle Up!.

SCOOTER

15.1h quarter horse, born 2002

Scooter is known for his distinct facial features - a droopy lip from some facial paralysis - making him easily recognizable. Scooter was previously a team roper.

SHERMAN

9.3h Miniature Horse, born 2002

Sherman loves helping new students get comfortable around horses by helping with grooming. He also participates in our EAL program and does community outreach.

SHILOH

15h bay Paint gelding, born 2001

Shiloh is our most inquisitive equine and loves all people. He strives for attention, which makes playing games in lessons so much fun!

SMALLS

13h Paint Pony Gelding, born 2005

Smalls was a mounted games/lesson pony before coming to Saddle Up! He competed in the Rolex Arena for the Mounted Games President's Cup.

STORMY

14h quarter horse, born 2007

He is known around the barn for how pretty he is. So pretty, he is often mistaken for a mare. Before coming to Saddle Up! in 2018 Stormy enjoyed doing 4H shows.

SUMMER

13.1h Pony of the Americas, born 2006

Before joining, Summer was rescued by her previous owner. She can be easily recognized by her long forelock and blaze. Summer is one of the few ladies in our herd.

TEX

14.2h bay Arabian gelding, born 1995

Tex is a very kind soul, and was previously used for pleasure riding before coming to Saddle Up!. He is loved by all our volunteers and students!

WEBSTER

7h Miniature Horse gelding, born 2004

Webster likes to greet everyone, horses and people alike, and his personality is ten times bigger than his body! He loves telling others what we are all about at Saddle Up!

WHISKEY

15h Quarter Horse, born 2003

Before coming to Saddle Up!, Whiskey was a reining horse who could stop on a dime. He is very easy-going and loves his new job as a therapy horse.

Photo credits: Amanda Laginess

Contact Us

Saddle Up!
1549 Old Hillsboro Road
Franklin, TN 37069-9136
VIEW MAP
615-794-1150
FAX: 615-794-7973

Program Hours

Monday - Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Please contact us during these hours for assistance. We are closed Sundays & major holidays, except for special events.

If you have questions or would like more information about our program, please don't hesitate to contact us.

About Us

Saddle Up! is the region’s oldest and largest recreational therapeutic riding program, and it is the only one exclusively serving children and youth with disabilities.

Saddle Up!’s mission is to provide children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities with horses.