Happy Valentine’s Day from our horses here at High Hurdles! No matter your relationship status, our horses are here to be loved and love you right back 🐴🤎•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #equineassistedservices #valentinesday #ladybug #therapeuticriding #therapyhorses #horselife #horselover
Ahhh Rapunzel. Our 16-year-old Haflinger mare has been bringing her unique charm to our program since August of 2022. She has a background in trail riding and gaming shows with her previous family. With her hilarious personality and love for people, Rapunzel quickly became a standout member of our herd. Rapunzel takes her job very seriously and adores her kiddos, always eager to give them a fun and memorable ride. She is like a little choo choo train🚂, full of enthusiasm and a determination to make every session special. Her energy and drive are heartwarming—though sometimes a little challenging to keep up with! Rapunzel’s purchase was made possible through sasi’s Foundation Board, and we are thankful for the generosity of many donors that made it possible!
Let’s hear it for Rapunzel! Share your favorite memories of this feisty, lovable mare in the comments below. 💛🐴 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #equineassistedservices #therapeuticriding #therapyhorses #rapunzel #halflinger #horsesofhighhurdles #horselife
Attention Current Volunteers!
Join us February 22nd from 1-3pm at 13339 Route 39. Sardinia, NY for our Emergency Preparedness Training!
This training is available to all current volunteers at High Hurdles and Lothlorien. We will be going over our emergency procedures, practicing emergency dismounts and reviewing the locations of all equipment including first aid kits.
You will even have the opportunity to get on a horse!
#equineassistedservices #VolunteerTraining #therapyhorses #therapeuticriding #horsesofhighhurdles #TherapeuticRiding
Thank you Anna Galley for sharing this video montage of our herd!
Attention all Volunteers!
We've rescheduled our tack and equipment training day that was cancelled because of the snow. We're hoping the weather cooperates on February 6th from 4-6pm.
Let us know if you can make it, and we'll see you there!
#therapeuticriding #equineassistedservices #therapyhorses #GratefulForVolunteers #VolunteerTraining #tackandequipment
Thank you to all of our volunteers who joined us for our leading and lunging training last Wednesday. Our horses got to meet new faces from the volunteers at Lothlorien Trc and see some returning ones too! If you missed January’s but are interested in learning, the next leading and lunging training will be on March 8th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. We hope to see you there! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #equineassistedservices #therapeuticriding #horsebackriding #volunteering #therapyhorses
Next up, Beau!
Beau, our charming chestnut gelding, has been a wonderful part of our program and a true treasure in our barn family going on 3 years. At almost 23 years old, Beau brings a grandpa-like personality that is both endearing and wise.
Before joining High Hurdles, Beau lived an adventurous life. He spent years as a trusted trail and hunting companion, sharing countless rides with his owner who had him his entire life. Beau even had a stint in the mounted sheriff’s unit at the Erie County Fair, a true hero! 🚔
Beau is quite the character! He’s a talker who loves to whinny to the other horses, always making his presence known. He is easy to work with for volunteers that are just starting out, and even lets the littlest of our riders lead him without a fuss. Beau’s photo was chosen to be on the cover of WNY Equifest’s event program this year—proof that he is also a looker!
When Beau’s owner began struggling to keep up with his care in his older age, he made the difficult decision to donate him to our program, knowing he would thrive here. We are so grateful to have Beau in our barn and for the joy he shares with everyone around him.
Share your favorite memories or stories about this wonderful “grandpa” of the barn in the comments below. 💕🐴
#therapeuticriding #highhurdlestherapeuticridingcenter #horses #horsebackriding
🐴 Volunteer Appreciation 🐴
ALL CURRENT VOLUNTEERS! We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shoutout to you, the incredible volunteers who make lessons at High Hurdles possible! 🙌 Your passion, dedication, and support has an incredible impact on our riders, and we couldn't do it without you. ❤️
Whether you’re helping in the arena, assisting with horse care, or providing support behind the scenes, your hard work has truly made a lasting impact on so many lives. 🌟
Details:
📅 Date: 2/13/25
⏰ Time: 4-6pm
📍 Location: sasi Sardinia Dayhab (next to the barn)
13339 Rt 39 Sardinia, NY 14134
To RSVP, please email [email protected]
Thank you for being part of our High Hurdles family and for making a world of difference! 🌈
#TherapeuticRiding #VolunteerAppreciation #MakingADifference #HorsebackHealing #GratefulForVolunteers #ThankYou
Bella Rae (Bella for short) has been a part of our program for six wonderful years, just behind Beatrix in seniority. Before joining High Hurdles, Bella was a training project for a student at Houghton University, then transitioned into their college riding program. There she gained experience teaching beginner/intermediate-level riders. The folks at Houghton thought she might enjoy therapeutic work and thus decided to gift her to us. While Bella sometimes lets us know she has opinions, she has proven herself to be a reliable and steady partner for riders of all levels.
Bella has her own unique personality, and we love her for it. Whether it’s helping a new rider build confidence or supporting a more experienced participant, Bella has a knack for stepping up and doing her job well (with her approval, of course).
And let’s not forget—she’s absolutely stunning! Bella’s golden palomino coat and the beautiful dapples that appear in the summer make her a favorite to admire. She knows she’s a beauty too 😉
We’re so grateful for the six years Bella Rae has spent helping our riders grow and learn. Please join us in celebrating her contributions and charm by sharing your favorite memories of her in the comments below! 💛🐴
We seek to provide a unique opportunity for people with special needs through the horse-human bond.
