Through the powerful partnership between a horse and a person; improving their skills and attaining their therapeutic goals, moves them closer to their maximum potential of capability and self-sufficiency.
The largest misconception about program horses is that they’re old, retired horses. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Our horses work hard, working multiple hours a day, sometimes six days a week. They must tolerate distraction, and unpredictable behavior, as well as needing to be 100% sound and healthy.
The horses at SMILES come from a variety of backgrounds and previous careers, representing all breeds, sizes, and disciplines. The diversity in the herd from movements, heights, and level of riders, allows us to serve our diverse clientele. Despite their differences, they all share a patient and calm nature, perfect for our programs.
