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.

Meet the Herd

APACHE

14.2 hand Appaloosa gelding, born 1996

Apache is amazingly patient with all the students. His previous jobs included showing and trail riding. Apache is consistently dirty, so we call him Pig Pen around the barn. He is such a great horse to have at Saddle Up!.

BAILEY

16 hand 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

16.1 hand Belgian Draft cross gelding, born 1999

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

COPPER

14.3 Quarter Horse, born 2009, joined 2019

Copper was a pleasure horse for his previous job. He's a cuddle bug which has quickly made him a favorite among leaders. If you are ever looking for some love, Copper is your man!

ELVIS

Bucksin Connemara gelding, born 1994

Elvis is one of our most popular ponies because of his kind demeanor and his stunning good looks. Previously a short stirrup pony owned by Christian Currey, Elvis retired from the show ring due to an injury.

GABBY

12.2 hand grey pony mare, joined 2011

Gabby has fast become a barn favorite with her great size and temperament. She is every child’s ‘dream pony’.

HERSHEY

14.2 hand Quarter Horse gelding, joined 2010

Hershey’s gentle and loving nature has made him the perfect horse for many of our more timid riders. Before coming to Saddle Up! Hershey was a trail horse. Hershey is also the "author" of Hershey, Here.

JAC

15.1 7 yr old Quarter horse, joined 2018

Jac is an ex reigning horse. He is known around the barn for his good looks. We say he is our California dude because of his blonde mane and tail.

LUCY

12.2 hand black gaited pony mare, joined 2007

Before joining Saddle Up!, Lucy was a personal pony to one of our SU! riders. Lucy now brings happiness to many of our small riders here, and she definitely takes her job very seriously!

MAX

15 hand Appaloosa Gelding, born 2001

Max has been a wonderful addition to our herd for our independent riders! Before coming to Saddle Up!, Max was an endurance trail horse.

MOSBY

15.2 hand Flea Bitten Grey Quarter Horse Gelding, born 1997

Mosby is one of our most gentle and attentive horses at Saddle Up! He is great for independent or new riders. Before coming to Saddle Up!, Mosby was a Fox Hunter!

MUFFIN

16.1 hand TB/Perch gelding, born 1999

Muffin was a foxhunter before coming to Saddle Up!. Muffin is our resident gentle giant, and is the man in charge back in the barn!

OSCAR

13 hand POA gelding, born 1999

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

PEDRO

12.2 hand 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

14.3 hand Buckskin Quarter Horse Gelding, born 2005

Before joining our team, Rocco was owned by a rider who used a wheelchair, so Rocco is ridden completely through voice commands! This cool trick of his is an amazing asset to our riders here at Saddle Up!

SAMPSON

11 hand bay pony gelding, born 2008

Sampson is an adorable flirt around the barn with his punk rock mohawk and large personality! Sampson came to us as a rescue through Safe Harbor and has loved his new job and life at Saddle Up! ever since!

SHERMAN

9.3 hand black Miniature Horse gelding, born 2002

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

SHILOH

15 hand bay Paint gelding, born 2001

Shiloh is our most inquisitive equine on the farm. He absolutely loves all people and strives for attention, which makes playing games in lessons so much fun! His brother, Ace, is his best friend.

SUMMER

13.1 hand POA, born 2006

Before coming to Saddle Up!, 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

14.2 hand bay Arabian gelding, born 1995

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

TREASURE

13.3 hand bay Welsh cross pony mare, born 1995

Treasure was previously a lesson pony. She is extremely patient with our students, which makes her a great asset to our program!

WEBSTER

7 hand white 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 going places to tell other people what we are all about at Saddle Up!

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.