Horse Descriptions
-
SANTIAGO
This dreamy boy is a 15-year-old Arabian. His nickname is “Santi.” We think of him as the distinguished grandfather or elderly professor of the herd. Who knows? He may recite the works of Shakespeare or Bronte to his herd mates on quiet summer evenings. Santi is certainly a dashing horse who possesses a very gentle soul. He has an easy-going personality with “more whoa than go”!
-
LUKE
This gorgeous six-year-old Halflinger is the strong-and-sensitive type. He was used as a draft horse during his first few years on a midwestern Amish farm. Luke is beginning cart training and he just got outfitted with new tack—so keep your eye out for him to give rides to staff and volunteers in preparation for clients. To understand Luke a little better, simply think back to the sports superstar at your high school…and that pretty much sums up Luke! He’s cool and tough, and we think he’d probably be dating the cheer captain.
-
IVAN
Ivan is a new member of the herd as of Spring 2025.
-
JOJO
Officially named Josephina Patricia, this young lady is a bit ornery but she makes up for it (?) by being a cute-as-a-button filly. JoJo was born March 17, 2022 right here at the Horses Help SWI ranch. She’s learning the ropes, and is regularly handled and groomed in hopes that she’ll be a future therapy horse. In the meantime, she can help clients as part of certain groundwork programs—and by offering regular comic relief.
-
ADRIANA
This lovely lady is 17 years old and an excellent cart driver. She was a show horse, so you’ll find her prancing when she’s led around! We say that Adriana is full of spunk…but maybe she prefers to say that she’s full of “pomp and circumstance!” Her guilty pleasure is scratching her head on people—rather forcefully! We often call our unicorn due to her fluffy white coat, mane, and tail.
-
CANDY
Our only pony, Candy is 17 years old and has been freshening up her cart driving skills. She lives in the pasture with the other American Miniatures and is slightly larger in size. She’s happy to have a job to do, and can be ridden by children—or she can easily haul two adults around the property. Candy is diabetic, so she’s fed a specialized diet with medicine and supplements.
-
PARIS (AKA “PEANUT”)
This little lady rounds out the girls in the “mini herd” and is our tiniest American Mini. This two—and-a-half-year-old is lovey-dovey and gladly accepts people giving her attention. We hope she can join in the ranks of our other cart pullers as soon as gets a little bit older.
-
COCOA
Cocoa came to us through the generosity of a local family who felt that serving the needs of others would be a great fit for this 10-year-old quarter horse mare.
-
ROMEO
Also known as our lover boy, he’s poised to saddle up next to you and give kisses! Romeo is very young at just three-and-a-half years old. He’s working on his handling and cart-driving skills. Romeo usually is the first mini to seek out attention—and he has the best “rockstar” hair of the entire group!
-
WYATT
Wyatt is a recent addition to the Horses Help SWI herd. He is a leased horse from a local family who wanted to share his amazing personality with others for traditional horse lessons and, hopefully soon, a therapy horse.
-
WILL
This striking gelding is a 15-year-old Trakehner who was a jumper in his younger days. We think of Will as our “Hollywood Hunk,” as he certainly is tall, dark, and handsome! Will tends to be the head of the herd (some might say the boss), and he keeps everyone in line. His funny trick is that he will often nod his head as if to say “yes, please” when getting ready to eat first thing in the morning.