The Childhelp Adopt-a-Therapy-Horse program

Breed: American Bashkir Curly gelding
Color: Deep Chestnut
DOB: 2014
Height: 57 inches

Curly came to Childhelp in the spring of 2022 and has quickly become a beloved part of the family. As a member of the American Bashkir Curly breed, Curly has a unique coat that grows long and curly in the winter and sheds his mane and tail in the summer. His distinctive appearance is just one of the many things that make him special! Though still relatively young for this kind of work, Curly is eager to learn and showing progress. Playful, curious, and expressive, Curly loves attention and interacting with children. He is currently used for grooming sessions with the older and more regulated children, where his patient and kind nature shines. His willingness to please and strong desire to be a good boy make him a promising therapy partner. If Curly were an animated character, he’d be either “Scooby Doo” or “Pumba” from The Lion King — playful, full of heart, and always ready for adventure.

Ready to adopt? Speak to a Childhelp Representative: Click Here

Breed: Pinto Pony
Color: Black and White
DOB: Estimated 1999
Height: 53 inches

Tucker is a wise and patient pony who has found a second life at Childhelp after being rescued at an auction. Once a children’s hunter pony, Tucker is well-trained and an excellent therapy partner for children. Though arthritis prevents him from being ridden, Tucker enjoys liberty work, skillfully jumping fences with staff, and offering invaluable lessons in showmanship to children. Tucker is a true favorite among the children — his kind, tolerant nature makes him the perfect companion for grooming sessions, in which he adores being bathed and having his mane braided. If he were an animated character, Tucker would undoubtedly be “Sebastian” from The Little Mermaid — fun-loving, a bit cheeky, and always willing to lend a helping hoof.

Ready to adopt? Speak to a Childhelp Representative: Click Here

Breed: grade American Quarter Horse mare
Color: Dun Palomino
DOB: Estimated 2020
Height:

60 inches

Harley came to Childhelp in 2022, and although we don’t know much about her history, she has quickly made a lasting impression. With her beautiful blonde coat and attractive stock horse build, Harley looks like a supermodel, but it’s her sweet, kind heart and expressive face that truly shine. She is a sensitive soul with a unique gift of helping children self-regulate. Harley doesn’t appreciate chaos, whether internal or external, and is graceful in removing herself from any stressful situation. Her ability to sense when a child needs space and to offer calm in those moments makes her an invaluable companion in therapy. Harley excels in one-on-one interactions and seeks meaningful bonds with people. Though she cannot be ridden due to an old injury, Harley has excellent ground manners and will happily visit over the fence, even when there’s plenty of grass to munch on, showing just how much she craves connection. If Harley were an animated character, she would be “Sally Carrera” from Cars — elegant, kind, and always seeking meaningful relationships.

Ready to adopt? Speak to a Childhelp Representative: Click Here

Meet Mikey!

Breed: Miniature Donkey gelding
Color: Red Roan
DOB: 6/24/2001
Height: 34 inches

Mikey is a calm and gentle 23-year-old miniature donkey with a heart as big as his ears. He spent his early years at a petting zoo and now brings comfort and joy to the children at Childhelp. Mikey is especially beloved by our younger or more timid children, thanks to his small size and soothing presence. Grooming sessions are his favorite pastime, and he has a knack for bringing a smile to every face — even if he does remind us of a certain beloved, soft-spoken animated donkey (yes, we’re referring to “Eyeore” from Winnie the Pooh!).

Ready to adopt? Speak to a Childhelp Representative: Click Here

Meet Mackey!

Breed: Miniature Jack
Color: Sorrel
DOB: Estimated 2004
Height: 34 inches

Mackey is a spirited and playful miniature donkey who brings a touch of mischief and a lot of love to the children at Childhelp. As Mikey’s son, Mackey shares his father’s gentle size, making him approachable and less intimidating for our smaller or more nervous children. True to his playful nature, Mackey adores attention and thrives on interacting with the children. His energy is balanced by his ability to teach calm perseverance, helping children find patience and focus in their moments with him. With his curious personality and love for fun, it’s no surprise that Mackey is often compared to “Donkey” from the movie Shrek.

Ready to adopt? Speak to a Childhelp Representative: Click Here

Breed: grade Quarter Horse-type gelding
Color: Black
DOB: Estimated 1996
Height: 62 inches

Zuko joined Childhelp in 2018, after his owner passed away. He arrived with his companions Kenickie and Rizzo, and has since become Kenickie’s BFF. We believe Zuko had experience with hill topping during local fox hunts in his past, showing his athleticism and versatility. Known for his kind, patient, and unflappable disposition, Zuko has been a trusted therapy partner, both mounted and unmounted, for many years. However, due to arthritis, Zuko has retired to unmounted work only in the past year, and now enjoys his days helping children in a more relaxed role. Bath day with the kids has become one of his favorite activities. If Zuko were an animated character, he would be “Doc Hudson” from Cars — wise, reliable, and calm under pressure. His favorite treat? Stud Muffins — a perfect snack for this gentle, loving horse.

Ready to adopt? Speak to a Childhelp Representative: Click Here

Breed: Welsh Pony Cross gelding
Color: Gray
DOB: Estimated 1998
Height: 48 inches

Rebel has been a cherished member of Childhelp since 2014. Known as the unicorn everyone dreams of having, Rebel has a heart of gold and a temperament that makes him an ideal companion for children of all ages. In his younger days, Rebel was a reliable mount, but due to age-related health challenges, Rebel has retired to unmounted work, where he continues to shine. Affectionately known as Prince Rebel, he is a bit of a character — like most ponies, he has opinions and expects to be treated with the utmost respect by ranch staff. Despite his playful nature, Rebel is also wise, calm, and forgiving, and has a special bond with his miniature donkey companions, especially his best friend Harry. Though little is known about his past, it’s clear he was well-trained and has extensive experience working with children. Rebel’s favorite treat is alfalfa hay, which he enjoys whenever he can get it. If he were an animated character, Rebel would be “Jerry” from Tom and Jerry — smart, mischievous, and always one step ahead.

Ready to adopt? Speak to a Childhelp Representative: Click Here

Breed: Registered Appendix Quarter Horse (half AQHA/ half Thoroughbred) gelding
Color: Gray
DOB: 3/4/1999
Height: 64 inches

Harry has been a cornerstone of our program for 17 years, joining Childhelp in 2007. With a background as a 1st Flight Fox Hunter and Eventer, he earned numerous championships and excelled in Dressage and cross-country jumping. Though opinionated and playful, Harry has always shone in the arena with children, helping them learn about body language and boundaries. After an injury at age seven, Harry retired from competition and was generously donated to Childhelp. He now teaches kids patience, focus, and overcoming fear. Despite his size, Harry is a gentle giant, often helping children on the spectrum through his patience and kindness. His big heart and playful spirit make him a favorite among children. If Harry were an animated character, he’d be “Pascal” from Tangled — lovable and full of character.

Ready to adopt? Speak to a Childhelp Representative: Click Here

Breed: Unregistered Thoroughbred mare
Color: Dapple Gray
DOB: 2004
Height: 65 inches

Rizzo joined Childhelp in 2018 after her owner passed away. She’s our boss mare and the most challenging horse for advanced children. Rizzo excels in teaching boundaries, trust, and patience. While she may not be your typical therapy horse, Rizzo offers a unique and profound value to the program. She’s a feisty thoroughbred who mirrors many of our children’s struggles and triumphs, and many of the children relate strongly to her. The children understand her initial lack of trust and her tendency to be dominant when she feels scared or threatened. They witness how she may posture aggressively, only to soften and show kindness once she trusts someone. Her favorite treat is alfalfa hay. If Rizzo were an animated character, she’d be “Te Fiti” from Moana — strong, fierce, and full of heart.

Ready to adopt? Speak to a Childhelp Representative: Click Here

Breed: grade Quarter Horse-type gelding
Color: Bay
DOB: Estimated 1997
Height: 61 inches

Kenickie is a wise and playful horse who came to Childhelp in 2018, after his owner passed away. A fellow grade Quarter-type gelding, Kenickie shares a special bond with Zuko, and the two are inseparable. In his younger days, Kenickie was known for his work with local fox hunts, where he participated in hill topping, and was trained to drive and pull a cart. Though arthritis has slowed him down, Kenickie still has a spark of playfulness, showing that age is just a number! He loves to be groomed and enjoys the companionship of children, though he is an opinionated “old man” who teaches valuable lessons about respecting boundaries and paying attention to body language. Due to some well-managed tooth challenges, Kenickie gets soaked feed instead of treats, but does enjoy a snack of Alfalfa hay. If Kenickie were an animated character, he would be “Sven” from Frozen — a bit mischievous, loving, and always up for a good time.

Ready to adopt? Speak to a Childhelp Representative: Click Here