Our Horses
Maggie
DOB: 1996
Sex: Mare
Breed: Norwegian Fjord
Color: Brown Dun
Height: 14.2 hands
Sponsored by:
The Wilson W. Phelps Foundation
Fun Facts: The Fjord horse is one of the world’s oldest breeds, first having been domesticated by the Vikings over 4000 years ago. Fjords unique coloring make them easy to spot. Most Fjord horses are brown dun in color and have beautifully unique zebra stripes. These stripes appear on their legs and a dorsal stripe runs from the forelock, down the neck and back into the tail. Fjords a small, athletic breed and have an outstanding temperament making our Maggie a rock star at Tara's Chance!
Ryan
DOB: 2008
Sex: Male
Breed: Hafflinger Pony
Color: Palomino
Height: 12.1 hands
Sponsored by:
Tim and Laryn Nolan
Fun Facts: Though tiny this pony is loaded with personality. A real snuggler but can be a “rascal” just like his namesake. In memoriam of Ryan Nolan.
Oliver
DOB: 2010
Sex: Jack
Breed: Miniature Donkey
Color: Dun-Grey
Height: 9.5 hands
Sponsored by:
A miniature donkey is affectionate, playful and kind of comical to be around. They are by nature people loving and known to develop lasting bonds with humans. Our Oliver is no exception. The intelligence of the miniature donkey is well documented. They are thinking, reasoning and easily trained creatures. At a mature height of 36” and under their small size makes them easy to handle for both adults and children. Be sure to say hello to Oliver when you visit, he’ll appreciate it!
Willow
DOB: 1996
Sex: Mare
Breed: Arabian
Color: Dark Bay
Height: 14 hands
Sponsored by:
Miracle Foundation Fund
As one of the most popular breed of horses in the world, many people ride Arabians for show, pleasure and competition. Characterized by a small dish faced head, large, wide-set eyes and a thin muzzle the Arabian is a most beautiful and elegant creature. Did you know the horse in the movie “The Black Stallion” was an Arabian stallion named Cass Ole. Considered to be the foundation of all modern horse breeds, Arabians are intelligent, sensitive and courageous. We are so fortunate to have Willow in the barn at Tara’s Chance!
Bailey
DOB: 1995
Sex: Mare
Breed: Haflinger
Color: Palomino
Height: 14.3 hands
Sponsored by:
The Haflinger is a hardy and friendly breed of horse that can be traced in origin back to Austria and Italy. First brought to the US in 1958 by Tempel Farms in Illinois the Haflinger has become a favorite breed for therapeutic horseback riding programs. Haflingers are well known for being people-lovers. This can be traced back to their farm work living with families in the mountainsides of Europe. A Haflinger would typically spend time pulling plows, as well as being playmates for the farmer’s children. This close relationship with the whole family over many decades has helped the breed become a very social creature with a wonderful temperament. It is no surprise that the world of therapeutic horseback riding has chosen the Hafflinger as one of our favorite breeds. Tara’s Chance is proud to have Bailey in our barn!
Riley
DOB: 1997
Sex: Mare
Breed: 1/2 Hafflinger 1/2 Percheron Pony
Color: Dark Bay
Height: 12.2 hands
Sponsored by:
A horse under 12.2 hands in height is considered a pony. Ponies are just small horses with thicker manes, proportionally shorter legs, bigger necks and shorter heads. However smaller, pound for pound ponies are stronger than the taller horse. Riley, while not the tallest horse in the barn she' s arguably the cutest.
Murphy
DOB: 2011
Sex: Mare
Breed: Hafflinger
Color: Palomino
Height: 14.1 hands
Sponsored by:
Fun Facts: Haflingers are known for their distinctive coloring – white, untrimmed manes and tails accent their golden chestnut-colored bodies but it is their attitude that makes them stand out. They are people-friendly, curious and easy to care for. Above all, versatility dominates Haflinger style. They can pack up to 300 pounds or be used for western and trail riding, endurance riding, dressage and jumping. They also make the perfect “therapist” for special needs therapeutic riding.