What Makes A Good Therapy Horse

Twelve years ago, on a beautiful May morning, a star was born at Halleck Creek. This star had wonderfully soft brown and white fur, and the knobby, wobbly legs of a newborn foal. Bred by our founder, Duane Irving, out of a paint stallion and a draft mare, Kaliki got the best of both of her parents: a strong, stocky body from her mother and striking paint markings from her father. She began winning our hearts from her first step.

As Kaliki grew, so did her star power. Every week someone would ask, "Who is that beautiful horse?" Her introduction to the therapy program began with easy handling by staff and volunteers. When she was old enough, she was brought into the therapy program in stages by Victor Miranda, her trainer: first she was introduced to the ramps and trail by Victor, then lead on the trail ride by volunteers, then ridden on the trail by volunteers, and finally allowed to take program riders once she had passed all of her "tests".

As her experience in the program grew, so did our willingness to put even the most fragile rider aboard her broad back. Her strength made her an ideal mount for larger riders or for riders who need a support rider. (A support rider is a volunteer who sits behind the saddle to assist riders who cannot support themselves.)

About a year ago, Kaliki came up lame. Tests were run and X-rays taken. When the diagnosis of ringbone, a potentially crippling form of arthritis, was made the news was crushing. We decided to treat her with supplements and to give her some time off. We waited with lumps in our throats over the next few weeks, watching each day for any sign of improvement.

Kaliki did improve, and with rest and treatment, recovered enough to return to working in the program. The light and easy work of the therapy program keeps her moving, but does not overstress her compromised joints. With care and ongoing treatment, she should continue to be a perfect therapy horse for years to come.