Our Horses

cookie

Classical "Cookie" is a 15 year old Welsh pony cross who came to JoyRide in August 2018 and belongs to Elle. She quickly became the cornerstone of the lesson program. Cookie is a typical "stinky pony" with plenty of tricks up her sleeve, most of which involve eating or knocking over things for fun. Cookie is exceptionally talented at standing still, which makes her perfect for beginner lessons and for riders who are fearful or have some unexpected behaviors. Believe it or not, Cookie can really move (though she keeps it a secret), and is also quite talented at jumping and loves a good adventure.

She is pictured here with her ribbons and rider Alex, showing at Double Take Stables.

gabriel

Gabriel joined the JoyRide team of lesson horses December 2018, and so Elle often calls him her Christmas horse. Gabriel, who is 16 years old, was born and raised in the Triangle region and is an expert in Parelli style natural horsemanship, especially join-up groundwork. He is 3/4 quarter horse and 1/4 draft horse. A training project to begin with, over time Gabriel blossomed into the most steady and wonderfully happy lesson horse we have ever met. He is an expert teacher of all levels, and of straightness and how it relates to forward motion. While Gabe is not a fan of "hard" work, he loves hanging out with people and particularly loves children and beginner riders.

He is pictured here showing at Sport of Horses with Elle 5 months pregnant - 100% as trustworthy as they come.

rosalita "rosie"

Rosie is a wonderful 27 year old American paint horse with a ton of training and expert knowledge to teach our riders. She is owned by Patti Reitinger, who lets us borrow her for the lesson program. Rosie is very sensitive, sweet, and tries very hard to be a good girl. She has a LOT to teach about the more subtle cues of riding. Her strawberry roan paint color is very striking and she has one blue eye and one eye that is both blue and brown.

She is pictured here enjoying a hug in our large arena.

tadpole

Tadpole is a 22 year old Quarter Horse owned by Elle who has a LOT of training in dressage, eventing, trail riding, and even western riding. She is an expert at shows and helped Elle achieve her scores at Second Level. She is confident in her abilities and spends a lot of her riding time trying to convince her riders to go fast! Tadpole is a favorite because of her size and sweet yet silly temperament.

She is pictured here enjoying a cuddle at a show at Sport of Horses Park.

roxie

Roxie is an 11 year old Welsh pony Thoroughbred cross (Farnley pony) owned by Elle. She used to show hunters, but decided jumping was not her favorite thing. She is great in advanced lessons and can teach all kinds of fun things like legyield, shoulder in, haunches in, and half pass. She is spunky and likes to work!

This year (2025), Liza showed Roxie all the way to USDF Region 1 Regionals in Lexington, Virginia, where they scored a 65% at First Level. Roxie has learned to be brave and show off her talents even at big scary shows! She is pictured here with her blue ribbon at a dressage show at Carolina Horse Park.

jetta

Jetta came to us March 2024 and fit in as if she had been here forever. She is a 21 year old Morgan / Quarter Horse cross owned by Rachel Wadleigh. She has a lot of cool training and experience, and has earned several "gold stars" by being cool-as-a-cucumber in a variety of potentially exciting scenarios. She takes excellent care of her riders and has both a good gas pedal and super brakes.

She is pictured here enjoying a snack on one of our trails with rider Sara.

kidd

Kidd is an 18 year old Quarter horse we have on lease from owner Kristi Wright. Kidd is big, solid, goofy, and very well trained. He has a lot to teach riders, including lateral movements and pole work. His trot and canter are the most comfy in the barn! He is shown here cuddling with Elle's and her little girl, Holly.

secret

Secret is a 17 year old off-track Thoroughbred mare owned by JoyRide instructor Emma Mounsey. She had a career as a broodmare before coming to Emma to learn dressage and eventing. Secret is super sweet, very sensitive, and game for anything. She has a wise spirit and a lot to teach riders about sensitive, quiet riding.