Our Happy Herd. The Heart of Equi-Ed.
At Equi-Ed, our horses are more than partners—they are teachers, healers, and trusted friends. Each horse plays a vital role in our programs, helping to foster confidence, connection, and growth in every participant. Their patience, intuition, and unique personalities make them irreplaceable members of our team and the true heart of everything we do.​
Scroll down to learn more about each horse.
Charlotte
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Charm
Chloe
Garland
Mike
Peggy
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Sweet Tea
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Tiki
Tilly
Many of our horses come to Equi-Ed in their second or even third career, having spent earlier years as show horses, trail partners, or working mounts. With age comes wisdom, and these seasoned souls bring a calm, steady presence to our programs. Their maturity, reliability, and gentle nature make them ideal partners for therapeutic work—offering our students a safe, solid place to land and grow.
Now enjoying a slower-paced lifestyle, our horses work just a few days a week and receive daily love, care, and attention from our dedicated team of volunteers. They’ve earned this next chapter, and we’re honored to provide them with a meaningful role, a nurturing environment, and a whole lot of affection.
Charlotte
Charlotte is a delightful Welsh/Shetland pony who proves that great things come in small packages! Though petite in size, she has an enormous heart and a personality that shines wherever she goes. Her charm and dedication earned her the prestigious title of 2024 Sonoma County Horse Council "Pony of the Year," a testament to her incredible spirit and impact.
Charlotte is on a long term "lease of love" via Katie Moore and her family. Charlotte had a successful career as a Pony Club competitor, taught many kids to ride over the years, and now is a favorite amongst many of Equi-Ed's volunteers.
Charlotte is graciously sponsored by:
The Monte Rio Theater
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Charm
The newest addition to our herd, Charm is a spirited and social Haflinger who brings fresh energy and brightness to the barn. Still on loan from his generous and thoughtful owner who wanted him to continue having a meaningful job, Charm is already making his presence known with his curious nature, strong will, and big personality.
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Like many Haflingers, he’s incredibly social - keeping his eyes on everyone in the herd, he thrives on connection, which makes him a great fit for our programs. We’re excited to see Charm settle into his new role, build relationships with our students, and continue to grow as a valued member of the Equi-Ed team.
Charm is currently seeking a Sponsor
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Chloe
Chloe is a registered Quarter horse. She's the sweetest thing and a favorite of our students, staff and volunteers. She loves attention and loves to snack. Her favorite treats are carrots and watermelon.
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Chloe was generously donated by the Vogt family when they moved out of state and decided that this "California Girl" deserved the more desirable winter weather here in Sonoma County. We remain in close contact with her family and are incredible grateful for their gift of such a wonderfully kind and easy going mare.
Chloe is graciously sponsored by:
The Fisher Family
"We felt a special connection to Chloe from the moment we met her. She reminds us of the gelding we raised together in Ohio."
Mike
Mike is a happy and handsome Haflinger with tons of personality. Goofy and a little stubborn at times, he’s a true character who knows how to make everyone smile. Despite his playful quirks, Mike has a deep sense of responsibility when it comes to his job. He truly shines when he’s paired with a brand-new rider, taking his role as their guide and teacher seriously.
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A horse of many talents, Mike is as versatile as he is charming. He rides, drives, and has participated in parades, shows, and even an endurance event. His experience and steady nature make him a valuable partner in our program.
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Haflinger horses are a relatively small yet sturdy breed, instantly recognizable by their striking chestnut coats and elegant appearance. They are known for their distinctive gaits, which are both energetic and smooth, and are well/muscled yet elegant. With a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, the breed’s origins are surrounded by fascinating theories, adding to their enduring charm and mystique. Haflingers are not only dependable workers but also loyal companions with a charm that’s impossible to resist.
Mike is graciously sponsored by:
Jan Kahdeman
Jan and Mike's friendship runs deep as Jan both donated Mike to Equi-Ed and currently serves as Mike's loving sponsor! ​
Garland & Peggy
Our Pint-Sized Power Duo - Peggy and Garland are a delightful pair of Miniature Horse/Shetland mixes who bring big joy in tiny packages! With their charming personalities and petite size, they’ve quickly become favorites among students and campers—especially those new to working with horses. Their smaller stature makes them approachable and less intimidating, helping to build confidence from the very first interaction.
Since joining Equi-Ed, Peggy and Garland have embraced exciting new roles. Both have been trained to ground drive and pull a cart, showcasing their versatility and eagerness to learn. They love meeting new people and have proudly represented Equi-Ed at events like the Inclusion Festival in Petaluma, the Fourth of July Parade in Calistoga, and on visits to the special places like Varenna Retirement Community in Santa Rosa. These two are the ultimate greeters—proving that good things really do come in small sizes!
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Fun Fact: While they may be small, miniature horses are not considered ponies. They possess all the proportions and characteristics of full-size horses—just in a much more compact package! Miniature horses are intelligent, adaptable, and full of personality, making them an absolute joy to work with.
Peggy & Garland are graciously sponsored by:
Ken Monnens & Reflect Kindness
Two ponies deserve two amazing sponsors!
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Ken is a longtime supporter of Equi-Ed whose generosity has made a lasting impact on our program. Ken not only champions our mission but also donated the delightful duo, Peggy and Garland, to Equi-Ed.
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Reflect Kindness fosters "resilience and self-sufficiency through comprehensive support to address the immediate needs of individuals and families and provide the means to manage overwhelming hardships and pave the way to a brighter future." Learn more here!
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Sweet Tea
Before joining Equi-Ed, Sweet Tea played on a women’s polo team — and while she once raced across the field, she now takes life at a much gentler pace. With her easygoing nature, kind eyes, and big heart, she’s become a beloved part of our herd.
Sweet Tea is a steady and gentle partner for our students, offering quiet confidence and endless patience. She truly lives up to her name — sweet through and through.
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Thoroughbreds are known for their incredible athleticism, intelligence, and spirit. Originally bred for racing, these horses are built for stamina, and agility — but there's so much more to them than their performance. Many Thoroughbreds, like Sweet Tea, bring a beautiful combination of sensitivity, heart, and willingness to learn into their later-in-life careers. Their versatility makes them exceptional partners in everything from polo to therapeutic riding, where their gentle nature and work ethic truly shine on.
Sweet Tea is currently seeking a Sponsor
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Tiki (aka Tequila, aka Pool Party, aka Jenny Babe)
Tiki is a mare of many names and many lives—each one adding to her depth, charm, and character. Before joining Equi-Ed, Tiki was part of the Stanford Women’s Polo Team, and also served as a training horse for new polo players helping young athletes learn the ropes. Prior to her polo days, with likely another job in between, she was a registered racehorse, complete with a lip tattoo marking her early days on the track.
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Now, in her newest chapter, Tiki is thriving in a slower-paced, more connected environment. Calmer, older, and more settled, she’s become a steady, reliable partner in our program—proof that horses can live many lives and still have so much to give.
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Her favorite pastime? Soaking up the sunshine on the hill alongside her BFF, Sweet Tea.
Tiki is currently seeking a Sponsor
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Tilly
Tilly is a beautiful, registered purebred Haflinger with a heart as golden as her coat. In her earlier years, she enjoyed life as a trusted trail horse and a devoted broodmare, leaving a legacy of strength and grace in her foals. When her previous owners decided to sell their remaining Haflingers, they made the heartfelt decision to generously donate Tilly to Equi-Ed.
Now a cherished member of our herd, Tilly brings her spirit, steady nature, and years of experience to our program. Her story is one of giving, and she continues to give back by making a difference in the lives of those she serves.
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The Haflinger is a compact and versatile horse breed, known for its stunning chestnut coat and flowing flaxen mane and tail. Originating from Austria and northern Italy, Haflingers are celebrated for their strength, agility, and friendly disposition. Despite their smaller stature, they are incredibly hardy and possess a balanced, muscular build that combines power with elegance. Their smooth, rhythmic gaits and steady temperament make them ideal for a variety of disciplines, from riding and driving to therapeutic programs.
Tilly is currently seeking a Sponsor
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🕊 In Loving Memory of Karma 🕊
Karma was more than just a horse — she was a quiet, steady soul who carried countless riders through moments of growth, healing, and joy. With her kind eyes and gentle nature, she helped riders feel safe, supported, and seen. She had a special gift for knowing exactly what each student needed, whether it was a calm ride, a little nudge of encouragement, or simply her calming presence.
Karma was a treasured member of our herd and a true partner in our mission. Her spirit lives on in every hoofbeat, every trail ride, and every life she touched. 💛​​​
A heartfelt thank you to Shelley Robertson and HH PEMF for taking such wonderful care of Karma - Check out Shelley's MagnaWave Therapy...​
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