Mouse is a grulla quarter horse gelding who is playful and loving. Mouse was two years old when he was purchased. He was living at a farm with a women who had taken him in as a favor to a friend who had fallen ill with cancer. Mouse is a sweet, kind, intuitive boy. He is eager to smell you up and down while nuzzling you softly to say hello. Mouse lowers his head and softens his movements when he senses it is needed. He has a special ability to make whoever he is with feel as if they are the only person on the farm. Mouse has an old injury on his left front leg due to a severe cut that occurred near his cornet band. The injury was significant enough that it has left visible scaring, however that has had no bearing on his willingness or ability to work. Due to diligent foot care he has never been lame a day in his life and has been able to participate in play of all sorts at the ranch. He is masterful at meeting people where they are at and giving them exactly what they need in that moment. His intuitive, willing and playful nature make him a special and treasured friend of many at the ranch.

Lanie is a bay mare quarter/fox trotter mix. She came to live with us at the age of 5. Lanie's first years of life where hard ones. We adopted her from the MHAR who had come into possession of her due to a court ordered human case involving roughly 25 horses that lived on a farm where they were suffering due to neglect. At the time she was seized she was one of five horses that was still alive. Many of her pasture mates where found dead and decaying amidst her. Lanie spent her first few weeks at the University of Minnesota being treated for lice. She spent the next few weeks in a stall being monitored for weight gain and general care purposes. In the early stages it was evident that she had virtually no handling and was very weary of humans in general. Once things were stable she was turned out in the arena and paddocks and it was there that she began to demonstrate what a smart and social girl she was by carefully checking out the place before running and having fun. Lanie is very sensitive, willing girl who is serious about her work. Lanie is inquisitive yet cautious about new things. She observes and studies the movements of those around her and while she is not quick to trust once she does she is a very loyal friend. Lanie is a survivor. She reminds us daily that it is important to approach life with a willing attitude and to not allow our past experiences define our future ones. She is living proof of how a bad situation can become good and good can lead to great purpose.

Einstein is a bay quarter horse gelding that was rescued from a loveless life. Einstein is a big baby boy. Standing at roughly 16 hands high and sporting a beautiful athletic frame he demands a second look as he glides around the arena as he moves. He is playfully sassy. Interested in anything you think he should not be interested in and always looking for something new to explore. His playful, inquisitive nature make him fun to be around and interesting to work with. He is a good boy and we believe he gets great joy out of being pampered and told how handsome he is. Einstein definately enjoys a good bath and grooming after a days work.

Linus is a palomino gelding and is often referred to as the healing horse. He has huge capacity for love and the ability to sense this need in people. Linus in his own right has experienced a degree of torture in his life and it might be this very thing that allows him to sense it in others. Since being moved from his previous situation he is learning to have fun doing a diverse amount of work and interacing with many people. Linus especially loves heading down the road for a nice long ride on the trails. He seems to relax and find peace on the trail as he walks freely with nature. He is quick to greet you at the gate, to say hello or to just stand quietly next to you should that be what is needed.

Jet is a dun buckskin gelding that was donated to Hope Rides. Jet is just a babe, but in so many ways ahead of his time. He impresses us daily with his good nature, level headed and playful heart. As a babe Jet has already mentored many. Jet is especially good at teaching and working with people who are facing new experiences or change. To him everything is a science experiment and he approaches everything he does with a spirit of willingness and confidence. In just a few years of life he is playfully teaching people how to approach life head on, with an open mind, open heart and sense of adventure. Jet has been a great student of the ground work training he has received so far, we are excited to continue to expose him to all sorts of new situations

Sarah is an appaloosa mare pony that is sweet, sweet, sweet with a little bit of sassy mixed in! Sarah was donated to Hope Rides by a family that valued her and provided her with great care which has made her a very balanced and healthy girl. Sarah has been teaching kids how to ride for 20 years. There is nothing that phases her. She impresses us with her everlasting graciousness with riders and teaches us to practice grace in our own lives in ALL situations. Everyone who visits the farm knows Sarah and pays her a visit at all cost. She is special girl that understand her role at Hope Rides and does a beautiful job at being a constant, loyal, steady friend to many.

Snowball is a white quarter horse gelding pony. Snowball is known as the wonder-pony. He is a little guy with a big attitude and a big heart. He has a whinny that is so strong you would never believe it came from something so little. His size makes him very approachable, allowing smaller children who are unsure to get up close and personal with a pony. It is not uncommon to see snowball reach around and hug little ones with his neck. As a child approaches him he reaches around to hug them and as he does their eyes soften and hearts open. Snowball has Cushing’s and a cataracts in one of his eyes, so he has some health related issues that require daily attention. Due to great care snowball has been able to maximize and enjoy a quality life playing with many young visitors at the ranch. Snowball lives a life full of challenges and proves that what is impossible with man (and ponies)…. IS possible with God! Instead of focusing on his lack or sickness he focuses on what he can do…love each and every child in need.

Campari is a Swedish warm-blood gelding. He was donated to Hope Rides after it was decided that he needed to retire from competitive show circuit due to a hind leg injury. He has found a new job and purpose at Hope Rides. He is 17 hands high and moves like a dream. His sheer size and ability to move effortless and with complete beauty is breath taking. He marches around like a prince as we think he believes he is royalty. While on the ground he can be a bit of a show off, but when a rider slides onto his back he moves with a servants heart and allows those who ride him to see the world from a different view point. He shows us how as one purpose passes from life it is possible to find another.

Sandy is a palomino quarter horse mare. She is steady and mature and calmly accepts whatever comes her way at the ranch. Week in and week out she works with some of our most challenging circumstances. When working with the children Sandy is sweet and gentle. She is especially great with children who are shy or uncertain. Her tender and patient demeanor invites children and adults to take a breath, stand a little closer and simply enjoy the friendship. Sandy is eager to do whatever is required of her. She reminds us at the ranch daily about what it means to be obedient. She does what is asked of her time and time again and with a spirit of willingness and joy.

TeeJay Is a quarter horse gelding. He is a solid in every way imaginable. On the farm he is referred to commonly as the gentle giant. TJ is an absolutely sweet boy. He is good through and through. There is nothing that takes TJ by surprise. He is one of the first horses to come when he called or when he sees kids on the horizon. He makes it his personal responsibility to extend a greeting everyone who comes to the ranch. TJ is a big boy in many ways. It would be easy to be intimidated by TJ due to his size, but his sweet personality has the ability to melt away any cause for concern within just a few minutes. TJ is a teacher in ever capacity of the word. Whether he is carrying a rider, getting a bath, play or just available listening…. he is always on the mark. He is a big boy with an incredible capacity to connect to those he interacts with at the ranch.

Hello, I am George. As a baby I was full of mischief. I would leave my momma’s side and chase other foals, chickens, puppies, and kittens. My favorite game was to knock over the garbage cans! This earned me the name Curious George. When I turned two I went to live with a family and it was there that I was able to put my curiosity to great use. My new family included 3 little children and only me. So, as soon as I was ready, one of the first things I learned was how to give rides bareback. Over the last 17 years I have acquired some bumps and bruises that have left me with scars, aches and pains, but that has not affected my zest for life. I always try to learn from my experiences and keep moving forward. I have done Precision Drill Team, Square Dancing, Mounted Patrol, trail riding, camping, and lots of other fun things. Yet of all the things I have done my favorite thing is to be with children. I love children of all shapes, sizes, colors, and temperaments. I like children to brush me, give me treats, ride politely, and always enjoy themselves. I try to never disappoint. I look forward to seeing you at the ranch. Come see me and my friends soon.