Horses have a unique way of sensing that these children are special so they tailor their behaviors accordingly. In all my years of observing horses I have never seen such amazing changes in their attitudes when working with special needs children. They all just seem to settle and go with the flow when we are in session.

Rasha: A beautiful stone white, 22 year old Arabian mare that was donated to our program by Laura Wernimont. Although Laura owned her for several years, she was no longer able to take care of her. Rasha is very elegant and proud as she carries her riders through their lessons. She is extremely willing and gentle in spirit and very loved by all who meet her. What a blessing to have her on board!

BO: A handsome 21 year old, chestnut gelding. Have you ever heard that if you love something ,you let it go? Bo was my ex-show horse that I sold to wonderful lady by the name of Donna Perry. She took wonderful care of him for many years and did a lot of trail riding with him. Bo helped her gain her confidence and was the horse of her dreams. Since he was getting up in age (don’t tell him that), Donna donated him to Victory Reins. He now enjoys the easier life of working with the students which he so enjoys☺ He is truly a gentleman and has the privilege to carry many of our students to ribbons at the shows.

Duke: He is a 6 yr old, tall elegant bay Arabian gelding. What can I say? Duke is Duke and that is, the way it is ,according to Duke! He is the laziest thing on 4 legs in our barn. Whoa is his favorite word! He is laid back enough to carry the most fragile of riders with the utmost grace and elegance yet spunky enough to carry the more accomplished students into the blue ribbons at the horse shows. Just say ‘‘show’‘ and he turns on the charm! Duke was donated by the Mitchell family of Park Forest. IL.

Ollie: Ollie is a 18 year old Shetland pony that is the ambassador for the barn. He is so cute and little that he is just the right size for our pint sized little friends. Not only does he work under saddle but he also pulls the “Ollie wagon”. He has won the hearts of everyone who visits Victory Reins! Everyone warms up to Ollie and gets comfortable before moving on to the bigger horses. He brings pure enjoyment to everyone he meets. Ollie, his cart and tack was donated by the Cheney Family of Park Forest, IL.

Brandy: A 6 yr old Palomino Half -Arabian. Another throw away horse that was in a barn that was going to be bull dozed, horses and all. A horse lover came on the scene and demanded that they stop until she could remove the horses. Brandy is also being trained up to be incorporated into our program. She is working with the able bodied students and learning how to trust them and in turn becoming a very sweet mare.

Spot: Spot is a 10 yr old Half Arab-Paint that is owned by one of our borders. He has the “make me do it “ attitude and can be quiet a handful when ridden by his owner, yet gentle enough to carry a special needs rider ever so carefully when being used in the therapeutic lessons.

Dakota: He is a 10 year old Sorrell, Foundation Bred Quarter Horse that is really trying to capture the “laziest horse of the year award” from Duke! He will test his owner and act like a naughty child at times but behaves like the perfect, gentle giant that he is, when working with the special needs children and adults. He just knows when to be naughty and when to be nice!

Romeo: A handsome 6 year old Bay, Half- Arabian Saddle bred gelding. He is definitely a work in progress. I almost shudder when I think of what must have happened to him to have made him mistrust mankind so much. Horses that have been damaged to this extent are usually deemed killers and destroyed before they hurt anyone. Through much unconditional love, patience and time he has become the friendliest horse in the barn when approaching him in his stall or in the pasture. He has just started his saddle training and growing more and more confident everyday. Someday by Gods grace he too will minister to the children as well!