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Our Herd

One frequently asked question is which breed of horse makes the best horse for a program like this. The answer is that it’s not the breed so much as the heart of the horse. The horse herd at CKRH currently represents 12 different breeds. Check out our awesome herd below!

CKRH is proud to receive assistance from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the Thoroughbred Charities of America for the care of our off the track Thoroughbreds. After their racing careers, these Thoroughbreds still have a will to work and a desire to feel needed. A second career as an equine assisted services horse provides the stimulation they need as they develop relationships with their clients. In many ways, Equine Assisted Services benefit the Thoroughbreds just as much as the people they help. 

If you think you have a horse that would be great for our program, please visit https://www.ckrh.org/donate/donate-horse/

Headshots taken by JJ Sillman

CKRH Owned

Click on your favorite horse's name to send a hug, treat, or note! Click on the horse's picture to learn more about them!

Aksel

Aksel is a 13-year-old Norwegian Fjord gelding who joined the program in 2013.  A ham and lover of all attention, Aksel is a key member of all our programs from EASTT (Equine-Assisted Survivors of Trauma Therapy) to therapeutic riding lessons.  He is trained to use our Sure-Hands Lift and is the perfect gentle mount for those needing a slow walk and a heavily assisted mount.

Aksel

Astrid

Astrid is a 24-year-old Norwegian Fjord mare who joined CKRH in 2011.  She is our go-to horse for lessons of all difficulty and independence levels.  A lover of all creatures, Astrid currently lives with our miniature horses and has a blast bossing them around!  

Astrid

Bella

Bella is an 18-year-old Argentine Polo Pony in her second-career here with us at CKRH.  Having joined the program in 2017, she has integrated herself into the heart of our therapeutic riding program. Thanks to her active movement and quiet demeanor, Bella is a wonderful mount for sensory-seeking participants and those who make loud vocalizations.

Bella

Brigade

Brigade is a 15-year-old American Paint Horse gelding who joined the program in 2013 as a driving horse.  He is currently a star of our unmounted mental health programs and our annual fundraising gala, Night of the Stars.  A gentle giant, Brigade loves to share his gentle soul with others seeking mental and/or physical healing through equine therapies.

Brigade

Brigade

Courage

Happy

Happy

Happy Feet

Happy Feet, aged 13, is a regular face around town as an ambassador for our services at events such as Sunrise Trackside and the Railbird Music Festival - if you attend these events, be sure to keep an eye out for her! 

Happy Feet

Hutch (1)

Hutch

Jubilee

Jubilee is a 22-year-old miniature horse mare in our herd of minis at the front of the property. Upon her arrival to CKRH in 2007, she came with a bonus - pregnant with her baby Happy Feet!  Both have remained integral parts of our unmounted mental health herd since their arrival. Participating in groups such as KORE Academy and HorseAbility, Jubilee assists in teaching horsemanship and team-building skills.

Jubilee

KyKy

KyKy is 17 years old and has been with the program since 2013.  This Norwegian Fjord is known for being feisty in the fields and a level-headed mare in the arena.  KyKy specializes in therapeutic riding and hippotherapy lessons in which she provides a supportive base for her riders. 

KyKy

Laredo

Laredo is an 18-year-old miniature horse who has been with CKRH since 2007.  Known as the wiliest of our minis, she is known for keeping participants and volunteers alike on their toes with her shenanigans.  Despite her sassy personality, Laredo has a knack for making unbreakable bonds with participants needing specialized attention, such as one unmounted child who enjoyed petting and painting Laredo with her feet. 

Laredo

MerryLegs

Merrylegs, aged 18, has extreme patience in allowing participants to learn horsemanship skills at their own speeds.  Merrylegs has a knack for making unbreakable bonds with participants needing specialized attention.

Merrylegs

DSC_3541

Neo

Rhett

Rhett, a 16-year-old Paint horse gelding, joined the program in 2013 as a driving horse. He is currently used in unmounted mental health groups such as EASTT, the National Guard Resiliency program, and residents from Sayre Christian Village. Known for his stunning markings and gentle nature, Rhett has a knack for coaxing nervous new participants to share their stories while becoming comfortable with large horses.

Rhett

Steve

Steve is an 11-year-old Quarter Horse gelding with an active walk and curious nature. A regular face in Veterans and at-risk youth programming, Steve is currently establishing himself as a regular in therapeutic riding lessons as well. He even attended his first Night of the Stars in 2019! 

Steve

Vixana

Vixana is a 16-year-old Thoroughbred broodmare used in unmounted programming here at CKRH. A young lady with lots of spunk, Vixy is used to ruling the field and telling people who’s boss.  Fun fact: Vixana was once pasture-mates with 2009 Breeder’s Cup Classic Winner, Zenyatta! 

Sponsored by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Thoroughbred Charities of America.

Vixana

Wanda

SNF Juanita Mae, lovingly dubbed Wanda, is a 21-year-old Norwegian Fjord mare who has been with CKRH since 2011. A beautiful mare with sass and grace, Wanda can be found in all aspects of programming from therapeutic riding lessons to unmounted mental health groups.  She is loved by volunteers and participants but is most adored by the staff members who get to love on her daily. 

Wanda

Free Leased

Click on your favorite horse's name to send a hug, treat, or note! Click on the horse's picture to learn more about them!

Biggie

Biggie

Quest

Quest

Dolly

Dolly is a 15-year-old Belgian/Quarter Horse cross mare who joined us in 2019.  A gentle giant, Dolly is a favorite amongst staff and clients, always making her presence known with a friendly whinny.  She is currently thriving in her first therapeutic riding session here at CKRH!

Dolly

Sinari

Sinari is a 21-year-old Welsh Cob mare with a strong background in dressage training. Whether in the lesson of an adult working on dressage skills or a child working on independence and energy regulation, Sinari focuses her efforts on improving her riders while keeping them safe. Frisky in the fields, Sinari loves to let loose and run with her friends when not providing services to participants at CKRH. 

Sinari

Jitterbug (1)

Jitterbug

Tucker

Tucker, a 14-year-old Quarter Horse cross gelding, joined CKRH in 2021. After a career as an eventer, Tucker's owner thought CKRH might be well served by his active movement and curious nature. He can always be found calling to his friends and getting hugs from STABLES students.

Tucker 

Liam

The youngest member of our herd, Liam is a 5-year-old Quarter Horse gelding rescued and brought to us by our very own, JJ Sillman. He is learning the ropes of CKRH through his usage in Operation Remount, our military veteran's group, and Life Rhythms, a mindfulness-based equine-assisted learning program. He recently participated in his first summer program IRIDE, a program that focuses on redirecting young women through equine-assisted therapy, where he developed an undeniable bond with one of the participants.

Liam

Awarded Horses

Astrid

2020 PATH Region 4 Horse of the Year & 2023 KVMA Animal Hall of Fame Recipient

Astrid

2020 PATH Region 4 Horse of the Year and 2023 KVMA Animal Hall of Fame Recipient

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Contact Information

PO BOX 13155
Lexington, KY 40583
Phone: 859.231.7066
Fax: 859.252.5016

 

 

 

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