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Riding to Enrich Lives
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 Hoofbeats Four-legged Staff
   
Bertie BERTIE: 13.2 hand Welsh Pony gelding. Bertie came to Hoofbeats several years ago from Bridgewater College, where he had been a school pony and show hunter. He is well educated, has a strong work ethic, and is perfect for students ready to advance their skills as independent riders. But he also loves carrying our smallest leadline children, and he adores the attention of young groomers, especially those who braid his mane. He rules the barn and keeps everyone in line!
   
Flash

FLASH: 15 hand Quarter Horse gelding. As the Hoofbeats instructors’ choice of mount to teach beginners the basic mechanics of riding, Flash has spent the last 10 years introducing riders to rising trot and to the canter.  “Maria’s main man” (as he is known around the barn) loves to play games, but his favorite lesson activity is a relaxing walk on our new Sensory Trail with his entourage.  Flash also does extremely well at horse shows, helping his riders handle their equitation, trail, and pole bending classes with style.
   
Sherman SHERMAN: 16.2 hand Percheron/Thoroughbred cross gelding. Our largest horse, Sherman was born at Mount Vernon where his mother had served as a carriage horse. Trained both to ride and drive, Sherman’s earlier, somewhat checkered career included field hunting, and a brief stint as a vaulting horse. Sherman joined Hoofbeats in 2008. His specialties now include dressage and musical kur, he has performed well in horse shows, and in Special Olympics competition he has carried all his riders to medals. Hoofbeats’ tiniest students beg the chance to sit atop this gentle giant.
   
Blueberry

BLUEBERRY:  14.3 hand Appaloosa gelding. Blueberry, who seems to have magical powers, specializes in helping riders with ADHD and anger issues.  He has become the instructors’ “go to” horse for a beginner’s first lesson, as he is so adept at helping timid students overcome their anxieties.  He develops special relationships with his adoring riders, and has a talent for teaching them to become independent.  Blueberry loves games, especially relay races (although he sometimes tries to eat the props!)

   
Licorice LICORICE: 14 hand Grade Pony gelding. “Licky’s” career at Hoofbeats spans some 17 years, during which time he has introduced countless young riders to the fun of being in the saddle. As our herd’s senior veteran, Licky teaches the ropes to all new recruits. Licky specializes in little kids and insecure riders. He invents new games, thinks trail rides are the greatest lark, and thrives on attention and treats. An excellent little show horse, he keeps everybody calm and confident. Licky’s attempts to retire have failed; he always returns, not only in response to popular demand, but because we believe he trusts no one else to properly fill his shoes.
   
Henry HENRY: 15 hand Belgian/Quarter Horse cross gelding. Hoofbeats’ “baby” at only 7 or 8 years of age, Henry has become a competent leadline horse for heavier riders. He serves as a walk/trot “packer” for several of our more independent riders, and has become a pony club mount for one of our advanced students. Henry thrives on variety, loves breaks in the routine, and is happy to go anywhere and do anything asked of him (although quick to offer his opinion, solicited or not!) He has a great sense of humor, and can be a real tease, especially with new volunteers.
   
Jasmine JASMINE: 14 hand cross-bred mare. Our newest member of the herd (accepted on trial with some trepidation as we lacked separate turn-out for mares), has managed to win her way into everyone’s heart. She is part Rocky Mountain Horse, a gaited pony with a wonderfully comfortable running walk. Very intuitive, very soft, she adores especially our youngest, smallest riders. Jasmine participated in her first horse show with Hoofbeats, and dealt beautifully under stress. She seems to love her work, whether dressage, games, or trail rides; in fact she has said “yes” with grace and good humor to everything we have asked of her.
   
Billie Rae BILLIE RAE & PUDDIN: 1.2 hand Domestic Shorthair females! These young “resident greeters” are the very latest additions to the Hoofbeats 4-legged staff. They are bundles of energy, endlessly inquisitive, and are beginning to earn their keep as mousers around the barn. They can’t resist an open drawer, consider any unguarded pencil the perfect addition to their toy collection, and can shuffle a whole pile of papers in the blink of an eye. Favorite activities include snuggling in someone’s lap, napping in the sun, and crashing any catered event!
 
Puddin

 
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COME JOIN US Saturday, October 16, 2010 for the THE VIRGINIA STATE COMPETITIVE TRAIL CHALLENGE (Rain date October 17)

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