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.
gabriel
Gabriel joined the JoyRide team of lesson horses December 2018, and so Elle often calls him her Christmas horse. Gabriel, who is 14 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 24 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.
tadpole
Tadpole is a 19 year old Quarter Horse who has a LOT of training in dressage, eventing, trail riding, and even western riding. 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.
millie "milkshake"
Millie is a 12 year old Haflinger mare. She has decided she'd like a career jumping and trail riding and is too much horse for our program. Millie has a lot of enthusiasm and intelligence, and is well known for her vocal abilities and sings us all lots of songs.
roxie
Roxie is an 9 year old Welsh pony Thoroughbred cross. 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!
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. 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.
poppy
Poppy is a 6 year old Oldenburg with the most fabulous markings. She is owned by Mary. Poppy is super talented, confident, big, and sensitive - perfect for advanced riders.
stormy
Stormy is an 9 year old Thoroughbred belonging to Kevin. 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.
jetta
Jetta is brand new to us (March 2024) - she is a 19 year old Morgan / Quarter Horse cross who has a lot of cool training and experience. We are excited to get to know her!
more horses
These horses are exclusively in lessons with their owners. They are all wonderful in their own ways!