Why Horses?
The natural gait (movement) of the horse stimulates human walking movement in a manner that cannot be replicated mechanically. While riding, participants must constantly make postural adjustments to maintain their balance, which in turn increases their overall orientation and body awareness. Other benefits include improved muscle tone, posture, range of motion, flexibility, social skills and emotional well being.
In addition, our horses provide a non-judgmental relationship, accepting individuals for who they are regardless of physical, emotional or social abilities. They provide the vehicles for our riders to grow, learn, rehabilitate and simply enjoy life.They help our riders achieve things that most of us take for granted (such as walking or feeling good about ourselves) every day.
The equines at Hearts & Horses are the true heroes of our program. To become one of our equines is a great honor, as we choose these exceptional animals to perform with the highest degree of patience, love and ability.
Do you think your equine would make a great member of our herd? Turn your horse into a hero by clicking the button below!
MEET OUR HERD
Allie -- Sponsored by Lucky Three Ranch
Black Mule (Molly)
Allie started her life as a strong, sure footed trail mount and has become a lovely and reliable part of the herd at Hearts & Horses. Allie has lovely long ears and kind eyes.
Angel
Bay Quarter Horse (Mare)
Angel has always been more of a snuggler than a competitor. Her favorite speed is "slow", she loves hanging out with people and very few things make her excitable. Her quiet nature, gentle disposition and stout conformation help make her a wonderful equine partner here at Hearts & Horses!
Apollo -- Sponsored by Barn Team and the Kearney Family
Percheron/Standardbred Cross (Gelding)
Apollo is the Hearts & Horses version of Ferdinand the Bull. He is a big guy with an even bigger heart. Apollo likes to smell (and possibly eat) the flowers while out trail riding. Apollo has been a trail horse in the past, he is calm but assertive and is good riding alone or in a group. He is large but gentle and very aware of where humans are when they are around him. And if you couldn't guess it, he LOVES to eat!!
BaeBae
Fjord (Mare)
BaeBae is a young Fjord mare. Her calm demeanor made her a great confidence builder with her previous owner. She has all the qualities of an excellent therapy horse as nothing seems to surprise her. She enjoys slow walks on the trail, stands quietly for grooming & tacking, and has a warm personality (and a noteworthy mane!) that draws you in. We are looking forward to a long future with BaeBae building confidence with our participants.
Beau
Black Rocky Mountain Horse (Gelding)
Beau's Registered name is Choco Trogan Delight and he is a Rocky Mountain breed of horse. His coat shows the traditional color of his breed, that is described as a chocolate brown that has some dappling. He has a flaxen mane and tail. Beau has previously worked as a harness horse pulling a cart and also a great amount of trail experience as well. He is strong and gentle and loves people!
Ben -- Sponsored by NoCo CARES
Bay Connemara Pony (Gelding)
Ben has done a lot of showing with the Pony Club, including stadium and cross country jumping, as well as dressage and even had a stint in the circus! His registered name is “Bold Ben” – it is such a good name for him! Nothing seems to upset him. Ben loves everyone, children and adults alike, and expects loving attention in return.
Benny -- Sponsored by Chris & Jillian Lanciano in Memory of Frank Grimm
Canadian Sport Horse (Gelding)
With a team driving background, Benny is always trying to do the right thing and appreciates reassuring communication from his handler. He’s task oriented and a quick learner who understands when there’s a job to do. He’s friendly and likes the company of his herd mates, especially his brothers Deano and Leroy.
Big Jim
Quarter Horse (Gelding)
Big Jim is a "been there done that" type of horse with a long career in roping. He has great manners and likes being good at his job. His easy-going personality makes him an excellent member of the herd.
Chance
Tennessee Walker (Gelding)
Chance has spent most of his life as a trail horse. Common to his breed, he has a calm disposition, smooth gait and is sure-footed.
Fiona -- Sponsored by NoCo CARES
Dun Fjord Pony (Mare)
Fiona is a Fjord pony, who is so adorably cute and cuddly with her wild and thick mane. She has done many things in her life - barrels, poles, parades and jumping. She loves children, and adults too! If you call her name she may nicker at you!
Hope -- Sponsored by Christine Koldeway
Haflinger (Mare)
Hope is a Haflinger mare with a flaxen mane and tail, with a star and a narrow strip down her nose - almost like a shooting star! She has a sweet disposition and is interested in people. She is curious and uses her nose to get to know her surroundings and loves scratches behind her right ear.
Hughey
Draft (Gelding)
Hughey's bio coming soon!
Joe Buck -- Sponsored by Pat Cannon
Mule (Gelding)
Joe Buck loves working cattle, trail riding and cuddles. He spent 3 years in Utah at a packing and outfitting lodge where he would take guests on remote adventures.
Laney
Haflinger (Mare)
Laney has been an equine-assisted service horse for 5 years before coming to H&H. With determination and strong will, Laney will test your skills.
Leroy -- Sponsored by Chris & Evan Hyatt
Canadian Sport Horse (Gelding)
Leroy is a Canadian Sport Horse which lends to his good character, intelligence, and athletic presence. They are typically a courageous breed but Leroy likes companionship and support from his fellow herd members and handlers.
Levi
Miniature Donkey (Gelding)
Levi is very smart and playful, and enjoys getting out to go do anything engaging and fun. He's outgoing and very friendly, and loves coming into the offices! Unlike his half-brother, Paco, he'd rather be on the go, exploring, than staying still. He especially loves bringing smiles to everyone who meets him.
Lucy
Quarter Horse (Mare)
Lucy has been a trail horse and working cow horse. She is steady and quiet.
Lucy -- Sponsored by Morgan McGinley
Draft Mule (Molly)
Lucy is a draft mule which makes for her impressively large stature and signature long ears. Don’t be intimidated by her size though, she is always up for making new friends and loves a scratch from whoever comes close.
Magic -- Sponsored by Poudre Pet & Feed Supply
Appaloosa (Gelding)
Magic grew up on the Nez Perce Indian reservation in Idaho. He has been primarily used as a trail horse, especially on the Chief Joseph Trail Ride. He enjoys being with people but can be pushy at times. He is very easy to connect with and loves being loved on. Magic has a keen awareness of his surroundings, but doesn’t panic at new things. Magic’s coat pattern is what is referred to as a Tri-Colored Leopard.
Mohica -- Sponsored by Christian and Jennifer Jorgensen
Buckskin Quarter Horse (Mare)
Mohica is a buckskin quarter horse with a kind, sweet disposition. She has experience in both English and Western riding and listens excellently to voice commands. Mohica is tolerant and patient with new riders. She loves to be groomed and waits patiently for the next person to come give her attention.
Moses
Bay Quarter Horse (Gelding)
Moses has been a faithful and much loved companion to his owner on trail rides as well as in the arena. He has undergone a great amount of wonderful training, and loves to have a job. Bold and kind, Moses is a larger Quarter Horse that comes to Hearts & Horses to serve adults and youth alike.
Mystique
Mustang/Friesian Cross (Mare)
Mystique loves her herd friends, but doesn't need them as long as she has her human friends. She is a former show horse who likes going on trail rides.
Niko
Quarter Horse (Gelding)
Niko, true to the QH breed, loves all people and horses he meets and is very easy to work with. He is a very smart horse and quick learner and has been primarily a trail and arena horse, and loves working cows!
Paco -- Sponsored by Lee & Carol Blomgren
Miniature Donkey (Gelding)
Paco is a bit shy and cautious, but once you earn his trust, he will be your best friend! He enjoys grooming, slow, mellow walks, and partnering with people with adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs or walkers.
Roxie
Chestnut/Sorrel Appaloosa (Mare)
Being a blanket Appaloosa, Roxie is a business in the front, party in the back kind of girl. Before coming to H&H Roxie was a thrill seeker when sorting cows and partaking in ranch versatility events. Now she enjoys the quiet life and structure of arena work. She will often show her enthusiasm to go to work by sticking her tongue out.
Scarlet
Quarter Horse (Mare)
Scarlet was bred, born, and raised in Loveland. She has been a star at team penning & sorting competitions.
Sunny
Paint (Mare)
Sunny is a jack of all trades, she has been a roping horse, trail horse, jumping horse, and now she is adding therapy horse to her resume. Sunny enjoys classes where she can bond with her riders.
Swagger-- Sponsored by BEMER, Ian Robb
Bay Thoroughbred (Gelding)
Tall, dark and quite handsome, Swagger is very sweet and friendly. He is a retired jumper and is owned by our Hearts & Horses equine trainer.
Sylvester
Arabian (Gelding)
Sylvester was trained in endurance riding, which is a long-distance sport that tests the fitness and stamina of the horse as well as the rider.
Tucker
Quarter Horse (Gelding)
Tucker comes from a team penning background which evolved from the common ranch work of separating cattle. So he loves to keep an eye on the neighboring elk!
Varsity
Palomino Gypsy Vanner (Gelding)
After a 5-month-long Facebook voting contest in 2014, Hearts & Horses won Varsity! Described as "a go with the flow" type of guy that does not demand attention but loves affection. Varsity is an essential equine partner serving in every program, helping participants achieve their goals though his kind and steady disposition. All his hard work awarded him the 2020 PATH Intl. Region 10 Equine of the Year!
Wrangler -- Sponsored by Laurie & Kirby
Black and White Paint (Gelding)
Wrangler comes to H&H after retiring from a long and successful career as a Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger Horse. From packing out the lost and wounded to taking a Ranger up to the top of a mountain, Wrangler lives to serve others.
Xellie -- Sponsored by Judy & Scott
Bay Pony (Mare)
Princess Xellie, or Xellie for short, is a small but mighty therapy pony. As any good princess should be, Princess Xellie is patient, smart, capable, and shows genuine affection for her riders and friends. As a previous trail pony for small children, she is amazingly patient with unbalanced riders. She has impeccable ground manners and eagerly goes on adventures with her riders.
