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Our Horses
The horse has proven to be invaluable in the development and/or rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. The movement of the horse provides sensory input that requires a physical response from the rider, facilitating strength, balance and coordination, all on an automatic level. Furthermore, it facilitates responses that are needed for walking, talking and coordinated use of the hands. For someone who can’t do this, it is a natural catalyst to learn how. And it’s fun! For others, the horse can teach invaluable life lessons such as non-verbal language skills, problem solving skills, self-discipline, trust, responsibility and acceptance.
The unconditional love of the horse creates a non-judgmental environment that can be a safe haven or a palace of empowerment. Disabilities transform to capabilities, sadness to joy, and dreams take on new dimensions.
Best of all, our programs are integrated. You don’t have to have a disability to participate.
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Dude
Dude - a registered Racking Horse, born in 1999. Dude was donated by Ed Pace in May 2009 and easily passed his entry exam and specialized training. He is very attentive to his rider, gentle and eager to please, making him a great lesson horse. He is a friend to all the other horses and loves the attention of all the visitors.
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Gypsie
Gypsie is a Morgan mare, donated by Caitlin Ballerstein in 2005. She was born in 1989. She is a steady trail horse, does walk, trot, canter lessons, and is also used for therapy lessons.
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Rosie
Rosie is our little mule. She is owned by Claudia Monroe, purchased in 2006 since we needed a good little horse. Smart as a whip, this 23 year old darling decided life is good here!
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Eli
Eli is a Haflinger gelding, purchased in 2003 with a grant from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. Born in 1996, he is calm and strong and gentle enough to work with even our most physically disabled clients.
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Dyeak
Dyeak was purchased with donations from Ralph and Jan Wilson in 2001. He was born in 1997, a Haflinger-Cobb gelding, and is a favorite of so many riders.
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Kasie
Kasie is a Belgian-Quarterhorse owned by Harry Monroe. She was born in 1996 and has been raised at Centaur Stride since she was five months old. She was trained by Pam Curtis, and is one of the favorites for walk-trot-canter.
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Nikki
Nikki is a Belgian-Quarterhorse mare donated in 1996 by Sandi Landrich. She was born in 1990 and continues to be a great therapy horse.
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Whiskey
Whiskey is owned by Harry Monroe and was the first therapy horse at Centaur Stride. He was born in 1985 and is an Appaloosa Quarterhorse. He continues to be one of the best therapy horses at the facility, now in his 16th year of providing therapy.
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Pixie
Pixie is a pony grade mare born in 2000. She has been in training at Centaur Stride since September 2010. She has a very sweet, gentle personality and is the perfect in-between size for riders 'graduating' from Maple, but not ready for the larger ponies.
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Beau
Beau was born in 2006. He is a very solid Haflinger gelding, donated by Melissa Bartok in June of 2011. He has been in training and is progressing very well. He is now ready to be used in the therapy/lesson program. With his playful, easygoing personality, he fits into our lesson herd well.
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Merlin
Merlin is a Shire/Thoroughbred cross who was born ~ 1993. He arrived at Centaur Stride in Dec 2011 and after some TLC and conditioning, he is now being used in our lesson program. He has an exceptionally gentle personality and is definitely the tallest horse in the barn!
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Saigon
Saigon was donated by Emily Overend in July on 2012. Born in 2002, he is a quiet Thoroughbred gelding who came to use with great training. His willing personality makes him the best choice for our more advanced riders, although he is equally capable of giving rides to the less experienced.
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Lacey
Lacey is a beautiful Morgan mare born in 1999. She is in still in training but should graduate soon! She is the perfect size to be used both for therapy and independent lessons once she completes her training. Curious and very friendly, she learns quickly and should soon be a dependable part of our lesson herd. Lacey arrived in March of 2012.
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Sponsor a Horse
The average cost to feed, board, and care for a therapy horse is $3,000 per year. Donations can be used towards horse sponsorship.
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