Meet the Herd - MANE - Montgomery Area Non-Traditional Equestrians

CAPPUCCINO

QUARTER HORSE | Born 2003

Cappuccino, more affectionately known as “Cappy,” is a buckskin gelding donated by a generous and faithful supporter of MANE. This golden boy has the winning personality to make friends with a variety of students and volunteers who come to MANE throughout the year. Cappy has an easy-going mindset that matches

Thank you, Howell Family, for being full sponsor of “Cappy” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

CHARLIE BROWN

QUARTER HORSE | Born 2005

Charlie Brown is MANE’s newest “Steady Eddy.” Staff, volunteers and riders alike value his calming nature and gentle spirit. Since coming to MANE, Charlie Brown has excelled with both ground students and riders!

Thank you, Bentt Spear, for being full sponsor of “Charlie” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

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WYATT

AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE | Born 2010

Donated by Auburn University’s Equestrian Team, Wyatt is a stunning bay American Quarter Horse gelding with looks to kill. During his collegiate career as a reining horse, Wyatt was known by his registered name Hold Your Guns Steady. Wyatt is the newest member to the MANE herd, his easy going personality makes him a straight shooter for the MANE program.

Thank you, Gaston Cattle Company, for being full sponsor of “Wyatt” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

DARLA

WELSH PONY | Born 2007

Darla is the latest edition to the MANE herd beginning in the Summer of 2024! Darla’s cute stature and spunky personality have quickly captured the hearts of many a MANE student and lovers of the movie “Little Rascals”. Darla previously resided in Auburn, AL as a retired hunter/jumper pony, before being generously donated to MANE’s program by The Ingram Family. Keep a watch on MANE’s newest “Little Rascal” as she conquers BIG things for years to come!

Thank you, Steve and Niki Johnson & The Sloan Family, for sponsoring “Darla” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

HALF PINT

QUARTER HORSE CROSS | Born 2001

Half Pint is a quarter horse cross that takes life in the slow lane. Before joining the MANE herd, Half Pint enjoyed showing off his counting skills – watch out for this trickster! With such a calm demeanor and steady gaits, Half Pint is a great asset to MANE’s therapeutic riding program.

Thank you, Pat and Cyndi Crockett, for being full sponsor of “Half Pint” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

LEDGER

QUARTER HORSE | Born 2012

Ledger, donated by the Auburn Equestrian Team, came to MANE in August of this year and quickly adapted to his new role as a therapeutic equine. Ledger is a tall, dark and handsome Quarter Horse that enjoys working alongside his fellow Auburn friends Chuck, Wyatt and Fred. This lovable gelding has a goofy yet willing personality that will bring smiles to the faces of MANE’s students, staff and volunteers for years to come!

Thank you, Double B Ranch, for being full sponsor of “Ledger” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

SONORA

AMERICAN MUSTANG | Born 2010

Sonora, a mustang from the open plains of Wyoming, learned how to survive in the wild in her early years. Her outstanding performance at the 2016 Mustang Makeover challenge caught the attention of a generous MANE supporter. MANE staff, students, and volunteers admire her kind eye, intelligence, and devotion.

Thank you,The FurmanaTTor, for being full sponsor of “Sonora” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

SPIRIT

ARABIAN MINIATURE CROSS | Born 1997

Spirit is an integral part of MANE. Known as the energizer bunny, he has been teaching children to ride for over 10 years. Trotting is the name of his game, especially when competing against his best friend, Baba. He loves to help promote confidence and independence in his riders so they can graduate to greater challenges.

Thank you, Warren & Coleen Walhaug, for being full sponsor of “Spirit” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

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STORMY

QUARTER HORSE CROSS | Born 2004

Stormy came to the MANE program in 2022 and has quickly become a class favorite. She jumped in with all four hooves to MANE’s summer camp and never looked back! Staff and students alike value her for her rock solid brain and kind, caring disposition.

Thank you, Sommer, Gaines & Cav Vaughn, for being full sponsor of “Stormy” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

SWOOPES

GYPSY VANNER | Born 2009

Swoopes is a black and white paint Gypsy Vanner who was acquired by MANE through a Facebook contest in 2016. MANE won Swoopes through daily Facebook votes by committed supporters, volunteers, and students. This traveler, who was originally imported all the way from the United Kingdom, has been welcomed with open arms by the students and staff of MANE!

Thank you, Buce Family, for being full sponsor of “Swoopes” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

WHINNIE

MINIATURE HORSE | Born 1995

Whinnie is a chocolate palomino miniature horse. As a tenacious ambassador, Whinnie has introduced and promoted MANE’s equine-assisted programs to thousands of children across the River Region. Though too small to be ridden, she is the perfect travel size. MANE’s little mascot loves to be the center of attention at schools and special events!

Thank you, Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, LLC and Birdie Raley and Family, for being sponsors of ” Whinnie” for 2024-2025!

SPONSORED

MVPs of MANE

We could never forget these retired horses. They will always hold a special place in our hearts, as well as in the hearts of the countless people who met and rode with them.

BABA

PAINT | Born 1996

Baba made a huge impact during his many years in the MANE program. He had a successful career as a show pony in the hunter ring before his role as a therapeutic equine began at MANE. He was a “grumpy” old man who was dedicated to teaching some of MANE’s youngest riders. His unsurpassed devotion led to non-verbal students saying “Baba” as their very first words. Baba earned the title ” MANE Horse of the Year” in 2023. In the Summer of 2024 Baba’s purpose on earth was fulfilled and he gained his angel wings. His kind heart will not easily be forgotten, even by riders who have long since graduated from MANE’s Program.

CHANNING TATUM

Haflinger

Channing Tatum was a handsome Haflinger gelding who charmed all of MANE’s participants along with the volunteers and staff members too! “Tatum” as he was commonly referred to, loved his students and daily antics. Sadly, Tatum passed in the Spring of 2024 and is greatly missed by many.

DIXIE

Quarter Horse

Dixie is a refined bay Quarter Horse mare who charmed her way into thousands of hearts. She worked as a lesson horse before becoming a member of MANE’s herd. Her dressage training helped Dixie teach MANE students how to use their aids properly. After retiring from MANE, Dixie relocated to the country to be pampered by two loving little girls!

GOLDIE

Thoroughbred

Goldie was a 19-year-old Thoroughbred. With a smooth walk, trot, and canter she was perfect for all students at MANE. Goldie holds the honor as the first equine therapy horse at MANE to be certified to use the mechanical lift for mounting, making her the staff’s go-to for anyone with mobility issues or wheelchair bound.

ILLION

THOROUGHBRED | Born 1995

Illion, a tall, dark and handsome bay thoroughbred, was a great competitor in the Hunter/Jumper ring before coming to MANE. His gentle demeanor has helped carry riders of all ability levels to the next level. Illion is enjoying his retirement pasture and has been reunited with his former owner.

JILL

Quarter Horse

Jill was a 36-year old Quarter Horse with over 10 years of service at MANE. Though the majority of her last years at MANE was spent in the pasture relaxing, Jill thoroughly enjoyed hands-on time and attention from new volunteers as they learned about grooming and tacking therapy horses.

JOSIE, OLIVE & NUTTY

Coming from very different backgrounds, these three ladies were the backbone of MANE for many, many years. Pasturing and working nearly every class together, Josie, Nutty & Olive were inseparable! After their service to MANE, Josie is making a comeback to her original career as an all-around show horse and Nutty retired to life in the pasture with an occasional day of roping! Sadly, Olive passed in 2020 and the MANE staff likes to think she is happily galloping as a fox hunter once again.

Arabian

A miniature Arabian with a heart of gold! Despite his short stature, L.C. believes he is the King of the MANE Herd. His independent nature and rhythmic canter make him a perfect fit for students looking to advance their riding skills. L.C. continued to transition students from beginner riders into intermediate equestrians until his passing after many years of service at MANE.

LOU LOU

Appendix

Lou Lou, often referred to as “Lazy Lou”, was a fox hunter before excelling in her career as a therapeutic riding horse. This chestnut Appendix had a wonderfully smooth trot and quick, sound mind. She calmed even the most timid of riders with her slow and steady personality.

PUDDIN’

Haflinger

Puddin’ is a spunky little Haflinger mare who is just as sweet as her name. Greeting MANE riders and volunteers with a soft whinny, Puddin’ gave comforting sensory feedback. With an active walk, she was well suited for MANE’s therapeutic riding programs before retiring as a pasture companion in Georgia.

TWEET

Morgan

Tweet was as sweet as can be and loved attention! This Morgan’s love of being a therapy horse was apparent with every step of her trademark bouncy trot. Introverted and shy, Tweet’s favorite place to be was in her stall or bargaining for a special treat!