BABA
PAINT | Born 1996
Baba is like an oreo cookie – black and white, round, and sweet. He had a successful career as a show pony in the hunter ring before his life began at MANE. He enjoys teaching some of the youngest riders at MANE. His long, smooth stride is a huge confidence booster! Baba’s kind heart is not easily forgotten, even by riders who have long
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
WYATT
AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE | Born 2010
CHUCK
PAINT | Born 2002
Chuck has quite the education to give MANE students! Originally from California, he earned an APHA Youth World Championship title. He then traveled to Auburn University and competed with the equestrian team in Western Horsemanship. He is excited about teaching young riders at MANE with his calming
ECLIPSE
WELSH PONY | Born 2005
Eclipse is a retired hunter pony, donated to MANE by The Calabro Family of Tallahassee, Florida. Her name matches her beautiful color, but Eclipse is a ray of sunshine! This raven-coated is a delightful addition to the herd. Her patience and kind attitude makes her a favorite among students and volunteers alike!
FRED
AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE | Born 2010
Fred is a 12-year old bay American Quarter Horse gelding with just enough chrome to make him standout! Standing at 16 hands, this gentle giant has captured the hearts of staff, students and volunteers alike. Donated by the Auburn University Equestrian Team, he has made a splash here since his arrival!
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.
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.
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.
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
TEAL
GYPSY VANNER | Born 2016
Teal was donated to MANE by Lexlin Gypsy Ranch when she was just 2 years old. This spunky filly spent her childhood learning how to be a therapeutic equine from the older horses in the MANE herd. Teal is a uniquely marked mare with one blue eye, and steals hearts with her looks and attitude.
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, special events,
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.
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.
LC
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!
