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 Bay mare, donated by Caitlin Ballerstein in 2005. She was born in 1989.
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Merri Sue
Merri Sue was donated by Helen Lynn in 2000.
She is a Morgan mare bay born in 1989. |
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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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Maple
Maple, a Shetland Miniature Pony, 10 hands was donated by Bonnie Lancaster in 2003. Maple was born in 1983 and he is so happy to be the first pony many of our riders have ever ridden. |
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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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Janasula
Janasula is an Arabian Mare owned by Simon Monroe. She was born in 1981 and has been at the facility since it opened in 1993. |
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Dusty
Dusty is a Quarterhorse donated by Kathy Jones in 2007. He was born in 1984 and has spent many years in the 4-H circuit. He is a favorite of many of our riders. |
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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 for the last year, is progressing very well and nearly ready to “graduate” into the therapy program.
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Merlin
Merlin is a Shire/Thoroughbred cross born around 1993. In training at Centaur Stride since Dec 2011, he can now walk, trot, and canter and has passed all the “ therapy requirement tests”. He has an exceptionally gentle personality, and he is definitely the tallest horse in the barn! After some needed TLC and conditioning, he is now ready to be a lesson horse.
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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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