Duke is a Missouri Fox Trotter known to have a different way of walking and trotting than most breeds. His special gait means he boosts the confidence of beginner riders or those working on learning to trot. He eagerly follows every command of his rider and has lots of love to give everyone. He has traded in a comfortable life at home with the Clafins to help others reach their goals. We thank Mr. and Mrs. Clafin for allowing Duke to serve those with special needs!

Do you have a horse that you think will work well in an adaptive riding setting? Check out our Therapy Horse Packet to apply.

Girl, a Leopard Appaloosa, is one of our newer horses. When she first arrived, she was a little rusty under saddle. Our staff has worked on getting her comfortable in every scenario. Today, she is a perfect lesson horse for our riders who need to focus on relaxing their bodies. When her rider is relaxed, Girl lets them know. We appreciate her ability to communicate with her riders. 

Grace is a small Quarter Horse/Arabian mare being leased to GaitWay by the Guidry Family. She is the youngest in our program at approximately 6 years old. Although she is technically a pony, don't let her small size fool you! She has a big heart and personality, making all her riders believe they can do anything!

Gretta is a Quarter Horse mare with loads of personality. She loves to get all the attention she can! Since becoming a GaitWay horse, she has enjoyed all of her riders. She especially loves greeting her riders, being groomed, and eating meals and treats! Gretta will never let her riders forget her after-lesson treat. Before Gretta came to GaitWay, she was a hunter-jumper with her owner, Brianna. 

Hammer is a retired Quarter horse gelding. Before he retired from therapy riding, he was a working horse focusing on roping and heeling. He enjoys his quiet, steady life assisting beginner horsemanship lessons at GaitWay. His sweet disposition and gentle nature help with non-verbal communication and building trust with our guests. 

This tall, dark, handsome gentleman is a Cheval Canadian Warmblood owned by our Lesson Program Coordinator, Brianna. Heilo (pronounced Hee-Low) is our largest horse in the herd and used to pull carriages before coming to GaitWay. He is stoic and affectionate when you pass him in his stall. His strength challenges his riders to be confident and build their skills. Outside of GaitWay, Heilo and Brianna love to go to dressage schooling shows.

Kajun is a Gypsy Vanner, a short but stout draft breed from the British Isles. His black-and-white coloring, dramatic mane, and significant feathering on his legs make him an eye-catcher at the barn. Before his life at GaitWay, he was quite the traveler; he has been through McDonald's drive-thrus and, in true Louisiana fashion, on a Zydeco dance floor. Kajun always anticipates his after-lesson treat; if he had it his way, he would get attention from humans 24/7.

Sponsored by Eve Gonzalez

Kira is a Lippizan with experience in the dressage and hunter jumper show rings. Although she is now retired from competition, she has found a “second job” with us at GaitWay as a new addition to our herd. Kira’s quiet confidence makes the riders feel at home in the saddle.

Max, a stunning Appaloosa, is one of our younger geldings. His breed is known for its unique spotted coats. He comes from a working Western background and has quickly adapted to English and Western riding, making him a versatile horse for our riders. He is known to be so in tune with his riders’ needs that he can communicate effectively with subtle movements. 

Raude (pronounced row-da) is a 26-year-old Red Dun Norwegian Fjord mare. She came to GaitWay from Minnesota, where she was used as a broodmare, producing eight foals. Raude was ridden for pleasure and pulled sleighs and carts over the hills and through the snow. Her sweet nature and ever-steady rhythm are a perfect combination to teach our younger riders balance and confidence.

Sponsored by John Paul Lorio

Rocky is a chestnut Quarter Horse, which got the breed name because of its ability to quickly cover a quarter-mile distance. Despite his potential for speed, Rocky likes to take his time and enjoy life. During grooming, he is known to show a special wiggle from enjoyment. During lessons, he pays close attention to his rider and is willing to do whatever his rider asks.

Sponsored by Paige Whitfield 

Slim Shady, aka Slimothy, is an AQHA registered cutting bred horse. His registered name is Sweet Lil Merada, and he was purchased by our instructor Alisa when he was 17 years old. He is a red roan and can be ridden in both English and Western disciplines which makes him adaptable for GaitWay’s riding program. Slimothy is a very willing gelding who teaches beginning and intermediate riders to engage their entire body and mind while riding. He enjoys carrots and treats after his lessons.

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Each day, these horses provide laughter, love, and support to each of our riders and all of our volunteers. GaitWay keeps all of its horses in prime condition and provides them with the best and most advanced care available. Each horse requires approximately $5,000 per year in order to maintain this level of care.

To contribute to GaitWay and its mission, you can sponsor one of our incredible therapy horses and contribute to their special care.