Our horses and ponies are the reason for our existence. Taking the energy, power and spirit of the horse and letting it flow through to a client can be a life-changing experience. Horses can elicit honest responses from their riders which can enable a person to push through self-doubt or fears and achieve their dreams.
PiperOur Painted Pony, Piper, is a 20 year old mare. She was a former Hunter Pony, who loved to jump and who won many ribbons throughout the state! Her strong work ethic makes her one of the most dependable and hard-working ponies at our farm. Although you do need to be mindful of her flanks, she will go for hours on end in order for the children to ride. Piper also loves to travel and jumps on the trailer at every opportunity! Piper LOVES food and is often convinced to perform above and beyond for the promise of a big apple or cookie! |
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Butter RumButter Rum is a 29 year old Dun Pony mare. In her previous jobs, she was a lesson pony and has taught many young children to ride and jump. Although a little cranky at times, petite Butter Rum is an excellent pony for those children who are nervous around larges animals or those who are learning to ride independently. Her honest way of moving and ability to “work on her own” is what makes her very valuable to the Untamed Spirit lesson and camp programs. |
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 | MacadooMacadoo “Mac” is a 32 year old, Welsh-cross Pony gelding. Macadoo lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains before making his home in Virginia Beach. In his previous jobs, he was a lesson pony and Pony Club mount. With his long black mane flying in the wind, Mac has given many children exciting and fun rides over his lifetime! Mac is a very talented pony who used to jump the moon. Although cataracts have diminished his sight a bit, his personality is still strong and he is always seeking a loving hand to pet his nose and loves carrots and apples! |
Harlwood Image of Star KeeperOur smallest member of the Untamed Spirit herd is, Harlwood Image of Star Keeper (aka: Image). Standing at only 32” inches tall, Image is an 11 year old gray Miniature Horse gelding who is mighty in spirit! With his polka dotted nose and silly antics he keeps everyone on the farm laughing! Image lost his best friend, Blue Boy, in 2014 and has decided that in order to honor his friend; he wants to learn how to pull a cart so that he can make a positive impact on small children who come to the farm to visit. |
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 | Every Penny Counts (Penny)Every Penny Counts (aka: Penny) is a 23 year old Chestnut Quarter Horse mare. As a youngster on the West Coast, Penny earned the Region of Merit (ROM) Award. Although she has some arthritis in her back legs, Penny still works hard during the summer camps and lessons. She loves having her picture taken and given treats, just for being pretty! |
Singing in the Rain (Rainy)Singing in the Rain (Aka: Rainy) is a 9 year old gray Hanoverian/Arabian mare who had an extensive show career before joining our herd. Rainy is a beautiful horse who runs like the wind and is never bored. Full of energy and life, Rainy is a very loving and inquisitive horse who has a long career at our farm ahead of her. |
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TravellerTraveller is a 13 year old gray Percheron/Quarter Horse-cross who is on loan to the program from Tracy Adams. His is originally from Georgia and made his way to Virginia in 2009. His large presence make him an ideal mount for taller riders and for a draft horse, he is amazingly agile and springy. Traveller LOVES to eat hay and is always telling the barn staff he is “starving” by pawing at his door or flapping his BIG lips! Although not a big fan of soapy baths and being clean, he is fun-loving and always happy to join his herd in the fields to play and get as dirty as he can. |
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NightwatchGroomed to Di For (aka: Nightwatch) was foaled in New York City on May 6, 1996. He is a magnificent black Thoroughbred gelding who as a foal, was moved to Stanton, Virginia in 1997. As an adult, Nightwatch had a successful run on the Hunter/Jumper circuit until an injury suspended that career. Nightwatch then changed careers and joined the Virginia Beach Police Mounted Patrol unit in July 2005. In the spring of 2007, Nightwatch was among the select officers assigned to protect the Queen of England during her visit to Williamsburg, Virginia to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. Twice in past years, Nightwatch was called upon to provide security to both the Republican and Democratic Presidential nominees during numerous rallies held in Virginia Beach. Nightwatch and his police partner remained together until Nightwatch retired from the police service on November 18, 2011. After he was honorably retired, Nightwatch began life as a therapeutic riding horse at Untamed Spirit. In addition to his faithful service in many different venues, Nightwatch has also been portrayed in Bridal Magazines when he posed with Ashley Ford-Gayhart for her bridal shots in 2013. In 2014, Nightwatch was nominated and won The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred of the Year Award for his exemplary service during his lifetime. He was awarded $5,000 (and offered to use a little to purchase hay for all of his horse friends!), a beautiful leather halter and a blue ribbon for his efforts! |
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BenOur most loving BIG guy is Ben. Ben is a 31 year old Chestnut Suffolk Punch Draft Horse gelding who winning personality has endeared him to children and adults of all ages! Ben relocated to Virginia Beach from another therapeutic riding program in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has been in high demand ever since! He is a giant of a work horse who is always kind and loves attention. Recent changes in his health and eyesight have decreased his workload, but not his enthusiasm. Running in the fields each day alongside his best buddy, Duke, Ben is a wonder to behold! |
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Doc Glo Cherokee (Duke)Doc Glo Cherokee (aka: Duke) is a handsome Paint gelding who is 21 years old. Previously living in the Blue Ridge Mountains like his buddy, Ben, Duke transitioned to Virginia Beach many years ago. He is a very dynamic part of our summer camps and the children love to paint on his red and white coat! Although an injury many years ago to his back leg has prevented him from daily hard work, Duke is often asked for by our smaller riders and jumps right into the lesson program every chance he gets! |
