Our Horses

cookie

Classical "Cookie" is a 13 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 Shelby, 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 15 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 25 year old American paint horse with a ton of training and expert knowledge to teach our riders. She is owned by Patti Reitinger, who is letting 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 20 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 10 year old Welsh pony Thoroughbred cross 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 (2024), Liza has been showing Roxie First Level. Roxie is learning 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 20 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.

vigo

Vigo is a 15 year old Oldenburg owned by Launi Masterson. He has competed through the I1, and recently helped Elle achieve her Bronze Medal by getting a 67% twice at Third Level.

Despite having only one eye, Vigo is very easy-going. He is definitely the Handsomest Pirate. He enjoys doing some lessons and showing riders what a "big fancy dressage horse" can do!

He is pictured here showing with Elle at Carolina Horse Park.

goose

Goose is an 8 year old Percheron cross owned by Missy Purcell and leased by Rachel. He also does some lessons. Before he came to NC, he was a carriage horse!

Goose is known around the barn for his goofy personality and calm demeanor. He's a steady guy in the arena and on the trails.

He is pictured here with rider Rachel in our arena.

millie "milkshake"

Millie is a 12 year old Haflinger mare owned by Elle. She has decided she'd like a career jumping and trail riding and is too much horse for our program, so she is for sale.

Millie has a lot of enthusiasm and intelligence, and is well known for her vocal abilities and sings us all lots of songs.

She is pictured here getting a hug from Cara!

princess paisley

Princess Paisley is a draft appaloosa cross owned by Rebecca Todd. She helps out with camps and occasional lessons. Paisley used to be a vaulting horse, but found that going in circles wasn't as fun as going on trail rides and learning lateral movements. Paisley is currently at Intro-Training level Dressage and learning all the time! As the biggest horse in the barn, she is an excellent mount for adults all the way down to the tiniest kid.

She is pictured here enjoying a ride in the field with owner Rebecca.

poppy

Poppy is a 6 year old Oldenburg with the most fabulous markings. She is owned by Mary Rosenstein. Poppy is super talented, confident, big, and sensitive - perfect for advanced riders.

She is pictured here working on her trot with owner Mary.

stormy

Stormy is a 10 year old Thoroughbred belonging to Kevin Huckshorn. Stormy has learned a lot of dressage and correct basics since coming here about two years ago. He is a total goofball on the ground but a gentleman under saddle.

He is pictured here in our small arena after a good ride.