MEET OUR HORSES
Biscuit
Biscuit is an 12 year old quarter horse who loves attention and his work as a therapy horse. His easy going yet social personality, medium size and quality movement make him an ideal horse for hippotherapy treatments. He was the first therapy horse at Surf and Turf Therapy, and our community helped fund the purchase of him from Cindy Forrest Performance horses in 2021, after she generously loaned him to our program for the initial years.
May
May is a 15 year old quarter horse who happens to big Biscuit's big sister! She has a smooth, rhythmic gait, which is great for relaxing tight muscles and providing low impact strengthening opportunities for our riders. She absolutely LOVES snacks and entertaining her riders doing tricks for a treat. Cindy Forrest Performance Horses generously donated May to work in the program.
Emma
Emma is a 24 year old sweet, red dun mare with bright blue eyes. She is an even tempered horse who always seems to be in the mood to work, making her the perfect match for riders of all abilities. Her easy going attitude makes her a natural teacher for volunteers who are newer to leading horses. When patients or family members arrive at the barn she is one of the first to greet them and helps those who may be a little fearful with her smile. Next time you are at the barn, just scratch her shoulder and you will see! Emma is generously on loan from and sponsored by owner Dave Myrick.
Tomahawk
Tomahawk is an 12 year old spotted saddle horse. Her unique markings and sparkling personality makes her a head turner everywhere she goes. She formerly played arena polo at OC Polo Club and quickly settled in to her new job as a therapy horse. She has a forward movement which our sensory seekers love, is completely fearless and is an excellent horse for people of all abilities from beginners to those looking to work on more advanced skills, like polo and cantering. Owner Dave Myrick generously allows her to work in our program.
Bella
Bella is a 22 year old pony of America and a seasoned lesson pony in the jumping community. She has consistent movement at the walk and a wonderful fluid trot. Her gentle disposition makes her a natural therapy pony who can easily connect with her riders. Jennie Bershon of Wilmont Farms are generously allowing Bella to work in the program.
Paddington
Paddington is an 21 year old new forest pony. He is originally from the Netherlands and even has a passport! He is a super level headed little guy with the perfect amount of pep in his step to give our clients a great, high repetition core and balance workout. Jennie Bershon is generously allowing Paddy to work in the program.
Dave
Dave is a 17 year old Buckskin American Quarter Horse who previously worked as a ranch horse and a pony horse at the racetrack. He has a sweet, calm personality and forward movement, making him a perfect fit for our sensory seekers. He is learning how to play polo and quickly become an important part of the S&T herd. He is generously on loan by Desiree & Chris Mills.
Banjo
Banjo is a 30 year old , Bay appendix. He has been there, done that - as an accomplished barrel racer and a jumper, a lesson horse and a retired trick horse. His favorite activity was trail riding - but now he LOVES taking care of his Surf & Turf riders. His gentle disposition and happy ears make him a stand out around the barn. He is loved and generously allowed to work in the program by Ashleigh Magnus, local equine photographer.
Cosmo & Trooper
Cosmo, 4 year old Appaloosa (right) and Trooper, 11 year old (left), are miniature horses. They are the best of friends and are incredibly sweet additions to the team. Their snuggles are highly motivating for patients working on standing, gait and more. They also allow our participants to gain experience and confidence with horsemanship skills, like grooming and ground work. Trooper has even been trained to pull a cart, as well as work with little riders under saddle! Both Cosmo and Trooper were generously donated by The Franklin Family to work in our program.
Gigi
Gigi is a steady star. She has been there and done that with absolutely everything - from sorting cows to carrying the flag in the Swallow's Day parade, nothing phases her. Her confidence and reliability make her an excellent therapy horse. Cindy Forrest Performance Horses is generously allowing her to work in the program.
Pallaton
Pallaton is a 5-year-old Pintaloosa from Twilight Farms in Ohio. As a draft cross, he boasts strength and stability, making him an ideal fit for our hippotherapy and therapeutic riding programs. His calm demeanor and desensitization training allow him to support riders of all abilities, and he even knows a few tricks! Beyond his skills, Pallaton is sweet, quirky, and always eager to be part of the action. He loves attention and is quickly forming connections with participants, becoming a beloved member of our team.