Our horses give temporary legs to children with mobility challenges. They help strengthen muscles weakened by cerebral palsy. They teach children how to control their behaviors. They help children learn how to trust. And our horses create laughter and joy!
Being a therapy horse is an incredibly special job, requiring patience, tolerance, good health, and wonderful manners. This is not a job for just any horse. Our horses (and ponies) are all geldings (neutered males) and most have had careers prior to joining our herd. Some have carried their riders along the trails, others have won blue ribbons in the show ring. Our horses go through a rigorous evaluation period prior to being accepted. Many of our horses are on long-term free leases to HALTER but will retire back with their owners, and HALTER owns a few horses.
Our horses require daily feeding, care of their feet every six weeks, and routine health care, including shots, twice each year. Routine expenses for the herd are usually about $25,000 per year. Contact Nancy Paschall if you are interested in sponsoring a therapy horse!
OUR HORSES
Our Miracle Workers
Meet Our Horses
I am a 19 year old Pony who loves eating and sneaking out of any open gate, so watch out! I lived at Stono Ferry Farm on John's Island where I was a lesson pony. As you can see, I was born to teach! Best thing about HALTER is not only the riders, but also my good friend Bobby!
I am 20 years old and excel at standing very still so our most challenged riders can take their time getting mounted.I am a Halflinger, bred to work in the mines but also great at carrying riders who need support from their sidewalkers.
I am a Kentucky Mountain horse (gaited). I'm 11 years old. My owner lives in Virginia and bought me specifically to be a therapy horse. I worked in another program since I was five, and I'm really glad to be back working with kids and making them smile!
I am 21 years old and may only be 13 hands tall, but I run this herd and make sure everyone is in their place. I’m everyone’s favorite “skunky pony” and I have a talent for doing tricks! Many smaller riders learn to trot thanks to my help, including those working towards independent riding. When I need to be, I am just the right challenge!
I am a 11 year old Appaloosa gelding. I came to HALTER in November 2020. I have a little trouble seeing out of one eye, but that does not keep me from learning my new job and carrying my riders safely.
My size might intimidate some, but I am a teddy bear wearing horse clothes. At 16 hands, I am one of the tallest HALTER horses. I am a 19 year old Quarter horse and am a lifelong Spartanburg resident.
I am an 11 year old Paint Tennessee Walking Horse and am the newest arrival to HALTER. I have a smooth gait and am enjoying my new job after a career as a show horse. I am from Virginia and from the same farm as Mick.
My name is Blaze. I am about the same size as Buck and Tucker and I was named for my white blaze that runs down the middle of my face. I love meeting new people.
