Our Horses
Each of Equi-Ed's horses are specially selected and tested extensively before entering the program. Take a look below to learn more about our super-star horses! Also, click on the links to learn about horse breeds.
Maude is a Belgian mare who is Equi-Ed's lead vaulting horse. A professional vaulting horse the majority of her life, Maude has come to Equi-Ed with a heart of gold to match her size. Weighing in at 1800 lbs, she is able to carry 2-3 of our vaulting students at a time comfortably.
History shows that Belgians are direct lineal descendants of the "Great Horse" of medieval times. The Belgian, as the name implies, is native to the country of Belgium. This little country is blessed with fertile soil and abundant rainfall, providing the thrifty farmers of Belgium with the excellent pastures and the hay and grain necessary to develop a heavy, powerful breed of horse. The modern Belgian is still a great worker, and has become a excellent wagon and vaulting horse.
Pogo is one of about 160,000 registered Miniature Horses around the world - but she's the one and only here at Equi-Ed! And one of a kind she is! Pogo may be small in size, but her heart is HUGE! This is one special little horse!
According to AMHA Rules, Regulations and Bylaws, Miniature Horses exceeding 34 inches in height are not eligible for registration with the American Miniature Horse Association.
Cisco is a handsome bay Quarter Horse. With his sweet, gentle nature, it's no wonder why he's many students 'favorite'.
The American Quarter Horse is the first breed of horse native to what is now the United States. A melting of various breeds brought to the English colonies in the 1600s, the Quarter Horse evolved to fill the colonists' passion for short-distance racing. These heavily muscled, compact horses could run a short distance over a straightaway faster than any other horse. The breed's versatility and gentle nature have made it one of the world's most popular breeds of horse.
Rojo is a handsome Quarter Horse gelding whose gentle, kind spirit touches everyone he meets. Rojo is the color of love, and love him we do!
There are 13 recognized colors of American Quarter Horses, including the most prominent color of sorrel (reddish brown, which is Rojo's color). The others are bay, black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, grullo, palomino, red roan and blue roan. American Quarter Horses are also only allowed limited white markings on the face and legs.
Java is a Thoroughbred/Appaloosa cross mare who loves to be on the go. Both a student and volunteer favorite, Java loves to go on rides with her friends.
The Thoroughbred is one of the most brilliant and versatile horses bred in the world today. Noted for its ability to carry speed over extended distances, the Thoroughbred is also a popular choice among horsemen in many disciplines beyond the race track, including hunting, jumping, eventing and polo.
Joe, a Quarab, served twelve years on the San Francisco Mounted Patrol Unit. He is the first horse from the unit to be retired to a therapeutic riding program. Joe is a very special addition to Equi-Ed!
The Quarab's body type may resemble more the stock-horse type with muscular forearm and gaskin and well-rounded hip, or the Arabian type with long, well-arched neck, long barrel, and level croup. The head usually shows refinement, large eyes, wide forehead, and slight to extreme dish in the face, depending on the ratio of Arabian to Quarter Horse blood. Height ranges from 14 to 16 hands.
Little Bit, an Appaloosa mare, loves Equi-Ed so much that she brought her human, Sheila, to the program as a volunteer and staff member! Both Sheila and Little Bit are part of what makes Equi-Ed so special - wonderful horses and humans!
The Appaloosa - the beautiful spotted horse is one of the most beloved of American horse breeds and can be found throughout the world, excelling in disciplines including western pleasure, games, working cow horse and dressage. Appaloosas are prized for their easy-going dispositions and their reliability as family horses.
Bonita is a bay Paso Fino mare who has been with Equi-Ed for 10 years. If she looks familiar, you may have seen her in one of the local parades. Bonita loves to show off her dance moves any chance she gets!
The Paso Fino is born with a gait unique to the breed. The gait is smooth, rhythmic, purposeful, straight, balanced in flexion and synchronous front to rear, resulting in unequalled comfort and smoothness for the rider. The Paso Fino is a graceful, agile and supple equine athlete that uses all four legs with precision and harmony. The gait of the Paso Fino horse is totally natural and normally exhibited from birth. It is an evenly-spaced four-beat lateral gait with each foot contacting the ground independently in a regular sequence at precise intervals creating a rapid, unbroken rhythm.