Our Horses
Our horses are the heart of Ride & Shine Therapies. We own and care for four therapy horses and partner with local horse owners to borrow additional horses on Tuesdays, allowing us to expand services to more participants. Each horse is carefully selected, trained, and cared for to ensure a calm, safe, and effective therapeutic experience.
The Heart Behind the Healing
At Ride & Shine, our horses are more than part of the program — they are true partners in every rider’s journey. Each one brings a unique personality, history, and temperament that helps create safe, individualized experiences for those we serve.
Carefully cared for and thoughtfully matched with riders, our therapy horses work alongside licensed professionals and dedicated volunteers to support growth in body, mind, and spirit. Their steady rhythm, patience, and presence make healing possible in ways that are both powerful and deeply personal.
Together, they are the heart of Ride & Shine.
Books
Therapy Horse | Steady Partner | Treat Enthusiast
Books joined Ride & Shine from Paradise Guest Ranch in Buffalo, Wyoming, where he spent his days guiding trail rides and helping cowboys rope with confidence. These days, he still enjoys a good run in the pasture—just to remind everyone he’s got some speed left. Books is a loyal protector of his herd and takes his therapy partner role seriously. Steady, strong, and dependable, he’s always watching out for his riders.
Charlie
Therapy Horse | Confidence Builder | Grain Motivated Professional
Charlie came to us from Kendra and Todd Anderson, and he truly lives up to his calm and steady reputation. Whether it’s a first-time young rider or an experienced horseman, Charlie doesn’t mind one bit—he’s happy to carry anyone with quiet confidence. The only thing that might stir him up? Dinner being late. Charlie loves his grain, and if you’re behind schedule, he will kindly (but firmly) remind you.
Brownie
Therapy Horse | Calm Companion | Chief Relaxation Officer
Brownie was generously donated by Jim and Patty Brown, and he was Patty’s trusted right-hand partner for years. If she wanted to go somewhere, Brownie took her there. Nothing seems to ruffle this guy’s feathers—storms, noise, commotion? He’s unbothered. Brownie moves on his own time, and not even a bucket of grain can convince him to hurry to the barn. Calm, steady, and completely unflappable, he sets the tone wherever he goes.
Red
Therapy Horse | Confidence Builder | Retired Ranch Legend
Red joined us from TJ Wesley, bringing years of ranch experience and plenty of cow-moving stories. In his younger days, he worked hard and covered many miles, and he still likes to think he’s the young boss of the pasture. Red occasionally reminds the other horses who he believes is in charge—but at heart, he’s a hardworking partner who enjoys having a job to do.
Milky
Therapy Horse | Sweetheart in Charge | Trail Queen
Milky is borrowed from Bev Baughman, and she may just be sweetness in horse form. She has carried Bev across countless miles of mountain trails and has a gentle, patient spirit that makes riders feel instantly at ease. Milky has a special place in her heart for young riders and seems to know exactly how to take care of them.
Jack
Therapy Horse | Confidence Builder | Snack Intern
Jack is our pony, borrowed from Brenda Kron, and he may be small—but he has a big personality. Trained to drive a pony cart, Jack brings versatility and charm wherever he goes. He is visually impaired in his left eye, but that doesn’t slow him down one bit. Jack confidently navigates his world and reminds us all that limitations don’t define what we’re capable of.