Saddle Up!

12/23/2024

The barn is buzzing as we complete end of the year health and wellness - teeth floating, weighing, deworming, saddle fitting, vaccinations, injections and body work, sheath cleaning and the list goes on. And on! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts (and hooves) to everyone who helped with herd care costs this year by sponsoring one of our amazing therapy horses! Want to know more? Message us!

12/20/2024

In 2016 a very handsome quarter horse gelding arrived at Saddle Up!, voice trained for his previous owner who could not ride with traditional physical cues and ready to change the lives of dozens -- maybe hundreds -- of children and young adults. Was he a little bit high maintenance? Uh, yes. Was he a saint for the farrier? That would be a no. Could you throw a ball over his head? Please don't! Was he a patient and steady mount for his kids, standing patiently at the lift and never bothered by a wheelchair or cranky with an unbalanced rider? YES! Every day and every ride! We will miss Rocco in so many ways, but after 8 years, he has earned his retirement. Rocco will live an extraordinary life with lots of treats and scratches on the head. Retire well, good gelding! WE LOVE YOU!

12/18/2024

Neither snow nor HEAVY rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays OUR FEEDERS from the swift completion of their appointed rounds! The herd says THANK YOU!

12/18/2024

The end of a session always brings retirements from our incredible therapy herd, and tonight, we are wishing Mango a fabulous retirement full of unlimited treats and the joy of being a "one boy pony" in a forever home with a Saddle Up! family. Mango came to us early in 2023 from his previous job as a lesson pony, and he was a solid and confidence-building partner for our riders. We send him off with tears -- and cheers -- knowing that a very light riding life is the very best option for him. Thank you to everyone who contributed to his "going away" bucket! Go be a blessing, Mango!

12/17/2024

Saddle Up! is thrilled to welcome Ali Schmitt as our newest Lesson Assistant. Ali comes to Saddle Up! with extensive horse experience. She was a University of Tennessee Equestrian Team member and has served as a groom and intern at multiple Lexington, KY barns. Most recently, Ali served as the Horseman Hospitality Coordinator at Keeneland. With a heart for children with disabilities, Ali is excited to join the team at Saddle Up! to learn more about Equine Assisted Programming and to assist our staff and volunteers as we change lives through the power of interaction with horses.

Ali begins her training the week of December 16th and will officially start her service in lessons on January 6th when the Spring Session begins! Be sure to welcome her when you see her around the barn!

12/15/2024

This is a wonderful program! All of our Equine and Farm Team attends and what a great idea for the perfect gift!

Give the gift of education this holiday season! The Tennessee Master Horse Program kicks off in January and you don't want to miss it! Includes 8 weeks of unbiased, science-based equine management, health, and nutrition information, access to national experts, and incentives, too!

Register today at tiny.utk.edu/TMHP2025

12/13/2024

Our sweet volunteers and families have asked what the herd wants from Santa this year! New Stall Mats! We plan to replace all of the stall mats in 2025 and are asking for Tractor Supply Gift cards or cash donations toward this big project (stall mats are about $50.00 each). The herd thanks you in advance for ALL of the ways that you generously support their health and well-being. Come by the farm and see us or mail to 1549 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, 37069 or use the QR code here or go to the website link in our linktree in about or bio. THANK YOU!

12/13/2024

Every day is a celebration of the horse here! Happy National Day of the Horse to all of the horses out there who heal, support, calm, encourage, build confidence and balance, and bring joy. You know who you are!

12/13/2024

Reindeer... tiny trees... candy canes...adorable kids, and fabulous sunsets! If you're not volunteering Today, (Friday), Saturday, or Monday for the last lessons of the Fall session, you should be having FOMO! Check out Wranglr to see what you are needed to contact the volunteer office! Come get in the holiday spirit with us!

12/12/2024

Meet Kiska and Taylor! Kiska is a beautiful flaxen-maned chestnut mare and a genuine Chincoteague pony - the first Saddle Up! has ever had! She is a kids' pony dream and is on loan to SU! for the next three years while her military family is serving overseas. Taylor (so named because of the "13" brand on her shoulder) was part of a broodmare band and then taken to a sale widely known as a pipeline to slaughter. Thankfully, our good friends in Ohio saw her potential, saved her, put time into her, and helped her find her way to us. As they officially enter the lesson program, Kiska and Taylor are looking for a sponsor!

Horse sponsorships are vital to our program, and your generosity can significantly impact. For just $1,500 a year, you can join our caring community of sponsors, who contribute to offsetting the annual costs of caring for these precious horses.

If you feel moved to make a difference in this way as you plan your year-end giving, please call Ken or Amanda at the farm at 615-749-1150. Your support would mean the world to Kiska and Taylor! That nicker you hear means "Thank you!"

12/11/2024

Calling all elves!!! We know it's a busy time of year, but we are still here and in lessons through next Monday! Our college students are finishing finals and going home for the holidays - leaving us with several lesson openings to fill! Can you help? The weather is nice, and the kids are in high holiday spirits. We are riding with lots of smiles and great activities. Please go to Wranglr to see the openings or contact the Volunteer Office. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

12/11/2024

"We saw a different Grace when she was on top of a horse...Saddle Up! literally changed Grace's life. Grace learned how to speak, how to communicate, how to socialize. It was a total transformation." In this season of giving and grace, we are honored to share Grace's story. Grace is a true champion and rides a miracle every time she is in the saddle.

At Saddle Up!, we help unlock the potential of every child, every day! As you plan your year-end giving or 2025 volunteer commitments, please consider how you can contribute to the miracles and milestones here on the farm "Where All Children Are Equal in the Saddle!" All the links are in our about information and our IG bio. Thank you!

12/11/2024

The 2025 Saddle Up! Wall Calendar is here! Featuring our gorgeous herd, this glossy, full-color, spiral-bound calendar will make a perfect gift or add just the right touch to your home or office. A donation of only $20.00 (cash or check, please) and one of these can be yours! Drop by Saddle Up! and pick one up at the front desk. To see the entire calendar, check out the link in our Linktree in our FB "About" or IG "bio". Happy 2025!

12/10/2024

Saddle Up! is hiring a Director of Development. We are currently accepting applications from qualified individuals who have a heart for our mission to impact the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through the power of equine-supported therapy, education, and recreation. Why are you the perfect fit for this vital position at Saddle Up!?

When you are passionate about something, you are fully committed and "all in".
You know your strengths and how to put them to use for a mission you believe in.
Your enthusiasm is infectious, and your leadership skills are legendary.
You love people and value relationships.
You have been thriving in Nashville and the surrounding area's non-profit fundraising network and have the results to prove it.
You are a natural storyteller. When you have a great story to tell (and we do!) you can't wait to share it.

The link to the listing on our website is in the link tree in our about information or bio. You can also find the listing on Linkedin and on the Center for Non-Profit Excellence website.

12/09/2024

Leipers Fork Christmas Parade a few years ago! Who recognizes these elves?

12/06/2024

Who looks adorable in his cozy new blanket? Yep! Jellybean for the “Who Wore It Best?” award every time! 🩷

12/06/2024

We know you will see a lot of important messages this week, each asking for your support. Because YOU are with us for every ride, Saddle Up! will serve almost 200 children and young adults with disabilities this year with 5000 hours of programs, and will touch the lives of another 122 individuals who are differently abled through our community partnership program, From the Ground Up! We are riding (and growing) a Hundred Smiles an Hour! Thank you for taking a moment to consider how your gift -- no matter the size -- can support the miracles and milestones that happen daily at the farm Where All Children are Equal in the Saddle!

12/05/2024

"We saw a different Grace when she was on top of a horse...Saddle Up! literally changed Grace's life. Grace learned how to speak, how to communicate, how to socialize. It was a total transformation." In this season of giving and grace, we are honored to share Grace's story. Grace is a true champion and rides a miracle every time she is in the saddle. At Saddle Up!, we help unlock the potential of every child, every day! As you plan your year-end giving or 2025 volunteer commitments, please consider how you can contribute to the miracles and milestones here on the farm "Where All Children Are Equal in the Saddle!" All the links are in our about information and our IG bio. Thank you!