cookie

Classical "Cookie" is a 11 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.
gabriel

Gabriel joined the JoyRide team of lesson horses December 2018, and so Elle often calls him her Christmas horse. Gabriel, who is 11 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.
rosalita "rosie"
Rosie is a wonderful 21 year old American paint horse with a ton of training and expert knowledge to teach our riders. She is owned by Ms. Patti, 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.
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millie "milkshake"
Millie is a 10 year old Haflinger mare. She is still learning the job and has a lot of enthusiasm and intelligence, so she has been teaching our riders about horse training and how to adapt their riding to a different stage of training. Millie is well known for her vocal abilities and sings us all lots of songs.
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roxie
rio

Rio is a 25 year old paint horse owned by instructor Chrissie. Rio is for advanced riders only because she tries her best to always do what is being asked, even if the rider did not mean to ask it! Rio loves to canter and jump and has no idea that she is 25. She also shows off a couple times a year with Chrissie walk trot and canter with no tack.
princess paisley
Princess Paisley is a draft appaloosa cross owned by Rebecca Todd Bell. 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.
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poppy
daphne

Daphne is our newest arrival - she belongs to our wonderful instructor Tess! Daphne is an expert in all levels of lessons from lead line to jumping -- we are so fortunate to have her here!
stormy
more horses
These horses are exclusively in lessons with their owners. They are all wonderful in their own ways!