Our Horses
We have many marvelous horses at Horses of Hope. Please enjoy some of our pictures and some of our horses' stories.
Chip Chocoholic
Bay, American Quarter Horse Donated by Betty Murfin & Nancy Murfin-Moxley of Wichita, KS Before joining HOH in 2006, "Chip" was a show horse and has many AQHA points in performance events. Chip was the 13 and under winner in Western Riding in the All American Quarter Horse Congress and has qualified and shown at the American Quarter Horse Youth World Championship show with top five placings in numerous events. Chip is now one of the cornerstones of our Show Team Hope, and has taken our riders to the winners circle many times. Away from the show ring, "Chip" has shown his true winning form as a therapeutic riding and Hippotherapy mount for many riders at Horses of Hope. We are truly thankful to the Murfin Family for sharing this great horse with us!
Chases NO NO (Better known as "Sawyer")
A sorrel, American Quarter Horse gelding, Sawyer is big for a therapy horse, standing 16.2 hands high, but he is a gentle giant. Sawyer had an impressive show record before he came to HOH in 2004. In his time here he has accrued an even more impressive record. He has carried many of our riders to National Championships at the Pinto and Buckskin World Shows and was the End of Year High Point Horse in the AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities division winning horsemanship in 2006. Sawyer is best known around the barn as the horse with the tongue fetish! He has the odd desire for someone to play with his tongue. If you ever come to visit you will be able to pick out Sawyer...he will be the tall one sticking his tongue out for you to shake!
Shiners Romeo (Better known as Romeo)
This palomino, American Quarter Horse gelding was donated by Marcia Gillespie of Oklahoma. Romeo is a retired reining horse, hence the long beautiful mane. Romeo came to Horses of Hope in 2008 and very quickly took to life as a therapy horse. He immediately became a member of the Show Team HOPE. This year Romeo not only took his riders to World Championships at the Pinto and Buckskin World Championship Shows, he was the 2008 AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities Year End High Point horse in trail. To see Romeo at a show with his mane combed out and shining, you might think he is a prima dona, but he is really a rough and ready boy who loves to play with his buddies in the pasture.
Get A Grip (Better known as Grip) is a gruella, American Quarter Horse gelding donated by Margaret and Alan VanSkike of Diamond, MO. Grip is one of the cornerstones of our program and Vallerie says he is her “go to man” when she has someone new or challenging to begin the program. Grip is a retired show horse who cross trained in both western and dressage. Grip’s unique color and delightful personality make him a favorite of many of our riders. Grip has taught many of our riders that they can ride independently, giving them the confidence they need to advance their skills.
Frosted Tear Drop (Better known as TD) is a Paint mare donated by Caroline Frogge of Joplin, MO. TD has a long history with Horses of Hope. When we began in 1997, TD was not a therapy horse, but a show horse for a very young Mycah McColm, who was then riding in walk trot classes. TD was sold to Caroline Frogge in 2001 as a beginner horse for her. When Caroline grew up and moved on to other horses, she graciously donated TD to Horses of Hope. TD is a solid and reliable horse. Although she is small, only 14.1 hands high, she has a walk of a much bigger horse which is a wonderful combination in a Hippotherapy horse. TD often has the reputation of the grumpy mare of the herd, but her heart is as big as they come, and she always puts her best hoof forward when she’s working.
Wendy an American Quarter Horse mare, is solid, and strong with a beautiful walk for Hippotherapy. Wendy is the passive leader of the herd, never causing trouble with anyone and always ready and willing to come to work when asked. Wendy is often the designated baby sitter when we get a new horse that isn’t blending into the herd very easily.
Carvers Blue Guella (Better known as Buckley)
This American Quarter Horse gelding was donated by Phyllis and Greg Steffen can take a bow when the need arises. Buckley’s career at Horse of Hope is a family tradition. Buckley is the son of one of our original therapy horses Grue. Grue was a gelding when he came to live at Horses of Hope, prior to that he had been a show horse and stallion for a short time. Grue was also donated by Phyllis and Greg Steffen of Iowa. Buckley has been a show team horse and his unique color always grabs people’s attention. Buckley is a favorite with many because of his unique color and happy personality.