Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach

Traveler has a very calm and sweet personality. He loves to please. Traveler is a student only horse as he tires easily. Before coming to TRC, Traveler was a lesson horse for the blind. Traveler is also our escape artist. He has learned ways to unlatch his stall and wander into the food pantry! So, Traveler's stall is now nicely suited with a lock to keep him safe.

Dunny is 17 hands tall, very sweet and loves to be groomed by all the volunteers and students. He was a grand champion Reiner in 1997 and 1998. Reining is a discipline of western riding that features stopping, spinning and pattern work. After being grand champion he was leased by a private party for 2 years and then became a primary lesson horse for Rick Baer from 2002-2009. He carries all riders, young, old, and experienced as well as the most inexperienced. He was donated to our program when he became too old to perform the back to back lessons that are required of a lesson horse. He is perfect for our program and we love him!!!

For nine years, Rhythm carried our smallest students. Her quiet nature and sweet way put them at ease and gave them confidence. She taught her riders to have courage, patience and to never give up. Rhythm was so sweet and gentle that she could be trusted with a baby - and she, in fact, did carry a baby; our youngest student ever, 18-month-old Lexi, who still rode her at age six. That wasn't the only record for Rhythm; in 2004 she became the only TRC pony ever to go to school when she was her student Steven's first grade show-and-tell project.

It wasn't just TRC students and volunteers who loved Rhythm. Many other boarders came to visit her and walk with her. If you were having a rough time, you could always go give her a hug and scoops of her favorite treats, and things were better. Even visitors to the equestrian center commented on how good they felt just being with her. Of course every pony has her defiant streak, and Rhythm was no exception. If you happened to be out walking her on her day off and she spied a turn-out, you could easily have found yourself being herded the opposite way you intended to go! A good roll in the turn-out was her absolute favorite thing in the whole world.

Rhythm's journey to Huntington Beach is as mysterious as the mist rolling out to sea. Whether she was born on wild Assateague Island, went on the famous pony swim to Chincoteague and was sold at auction, we'll never know. It seems fitting though; the Chincoteague Pony auction is an annual benefit for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. Rhythm may have been affiliated with nonprofits from the beginning.

However it happened, we had the best pony a riding center could ever have. Students, volunteers, instructors and everyone else who crossed her path will always remember the little pony with the big heart.

Dollar has had an exciting life which includes trail, roping, parades, and flags along with carrying a rodeo princess. Now, at TRC, he is a reliable mount for our rides. Dollar takes advantage of his unique sorrel overo color pattern which definitely attracts attention by visitors to the barn. Outside of lessons, Dollar is pulling down tack that is left on the rail or his blanket on his back. Yet, in the ring with a student on him, he's all business. And on his off days, he's always happy to see visitors to his stall.

Cheyenne is from “The Rodeo Capitol of the World” - Cody, Wyoming, where he lived with his grandparents on the Hawkeye Ranch. Cheyenne didn't do well in the cold of Wyoming, so two years ago he moved to the warmer climate of Huntington Beach. After a few weeks basking in the California sun, going for some leisurely trail rides and putting on some weight, Cheyenne was ready for a new job, and today is a faithful mount for TRC students. Cheyenne is a very gentle, loving horse. He's happy to be in the warm weather, and even happier when visitors to his stall bring carrots, his favorite treat.

Name: Ralph

Registered Name: Rainbow Ruffian

Breed: American Paint Horse (could also be registered as Quarter Horse)

Age: Approximately 25

Arrival to TRC: 2010

With his four white stockings and prominent blaze on his face, Ralph -- aka: the Babysitter -- is easy to spot in a crowd. Ralph has a versatile background, having been trained in Western as well as Dressage. He has experience in barrel racing, trail riding and as a lesson horse. Ralph loves watermelon and kids. He was donated to TRC so he could continue to have a job and brighten kids’ lives

                          
                            Sweet, energetic, 18 year-old Daisy joined TRC in September 2011. She is a 13.2 hands high Welsh Pony.  Daisy is super adorable, very kind and loves attention.  She has a background of many years as a school horse where she gave English flat and jumping lessons to children.  She has adapted very nicely here at TRC as she is very calm and willing to please any student she carries!

                          
                                Buckley is our newest addition here at TRC.  Born in the state of Iowa, she is a 10 yr. old registered American Paint.  Her registered name is *Maxs Lady Luck*, affectionally known as *Buckley*, due to her beautiful buckskin color with a black mane and tail.  Buckley is a former show jumper and holds the honor of placing in the top ten horses in the Hunter Trials at the World Paint Show in Oklahoma.  Buckley was also used as a *camp* horse for kids where she was always the favorite horse that everyone wanted to ride.  Her previous owner who generously donated her to TRC describes Buckley as a "smart, talented horse with a heart of gold". We agree, Buckley is a very special horse and we are excited and privileged to have her!