Our Horses
Where do the horses come from?
Usually the horses in our program are donated by an individual who is no longer able to keep or care for their horse. You can meet them all below! If you’re interested in sponsoring a horse, please contact us at HeartlandHorsesFlorida@gmail.com. Horse sponsorship is $100 per month, per horse.
View Our Current Horse
Sponsorship Availability HERE
My name is:
Buster
My name is Buster Brown. My former occupation was working cattle, but I think I’m much more suited to taking good care of therapeutic riders. Of course, I’m very well trained so I’m responsive to more advanced riders. Because of this, I’m used in all kinds of lessons. Actually, what I really enjoy is trail rides! I love the open range and just relaxing on the trail!
I’m a good example of a true working Quarter Horse. My reflexes are quick, but I’m very sensible and don’t fly off the handle at any little thing. I am very dependable and I can carry adults all day. Man, this is a piece of cake compared with my old job at the ranch!
MY CURRENT SPONSOR:
AVAILABLE
My name is:
Kipling
I’m Kipling, but they call me Kip for short. I am a Shire/Thoroughbred Cross and used to do lots of fox hunting. Foxhunting is very physically challenging and although I enjoyed it, I started to get some injuries, due to all the jumping (and carrying big riders). Because of this, my owners decided to find me a job that was a little more chill. I’m enjoying HHEAL and the slower pace very much!
My birthday is January 1, 2006. I’m a very large horse for the purposes of HHEAL, but they say that is a good thing, as my height will help people push their limits!
MY CURRENT SPONSOR:
Scott and Allyson Lewis
My name is:
Latte
Hi! My name is Latte and I’m an expert at training beginners so that’s why I’m a perfect fit for HHEAL. I’ve done it all; walk/trot & cross rail divisions at hunter-jumper shows, trail riding, and classical as well as western dressage. I even had a short, but not very successful stint as a barrel racer, but that just proves how low-key I am; after all, who wants to get all excited and race around at full speed in small circles??
My last owner loved me so much but was ready to move up in her classical dressage work and I just wasn’t that interested. However, she wanted to make sure I could keep on doing what I do best; giving riders who are just starting out a great experience. I’m a registered American Quarter Horse and my birthday is October 2006 so I am only in mid-career and I’m really looking forward to making lots of great new riders!
MY CURRENT SPONSOR:
AVAILABLE
My name is:
Lucky
My name is Lucky and I’m a quarter horse. I was only five years old when I came here. It is very unusual to start out as a therapy horse so young, but I’m such a happy, easy-going fellow that they realized I had found my perfect spot. Since I am one of the “young bucks” here in the barn, my responsibilities include carrying some of the heavier riders.
I have a great disposition and am very sensitive. I’m also a favorite of the independent riders because of my responsiveness.
MY CURRENT SPONSOR:
Sherry Palaskas
My name is:
Missy
My name is Missy. I am 17 years old and my heritage is Missouri Fox Trotter. A Missouri Fox Trotter is especially good at walking and trotting very fast without breaking stride, which allows me to cover a lot of distance in a short time! When I go out with my stablemates and my rider on the trail, I am always out in front, leading the herd since I can really set a fast pace. I am very well trained and can carry my riders in either an English saddle or a Western one, and I can neck rein or straight rein, too. I am very reliable, and so I am used with many different riders, but when I am being led with a rider on me, I walk more slowly to accommodate my rider and leader. They tell me I am very sweet, and spoiled, too, and I think it’s true because everyone loves me. I still have some good years left in me to take care of the children and adults who ride me: as long as they are up for adventure—so am I!
MY CURRENT SPONSOR:
AVAILABLE
My name is:
Snowflake
I am a true Florida Cracker horse; you may notice that I’m petite (14’ 0”) but don’t let that fool you. I’m a tough cookie, and if you do a little research you’ll find that Florida cowmen were nicknamed “Crackers” because of the sound made by their cow whip cracking the air. This name was also given to the small agile Spanish Horse (my ancestors) essential for working Spanish cattle. Over the years, Cracker Horses have been known by a variety of names: Chicksaw Pony, Seminole Pony, Marsh Tackie, Prairie Pony, Florida Horse, Florida Cow Pony, Grass Gut and others. Florida Cracker Horses are small saddle horses, standing from 13.2 hands to 15.2 at the withers and weighing 700 – 1000 pounds. The head is refined and intelligent in appearance; now don’t you think that description fits me perfectly? Since I have a short, narrow back I also have a special saddle that was made especially for me. Actually, that’s a part of Florida history as well. You might just say that I’ve brought a little bit of the true “Old Florida” to HHEAL, and I’m very happy to be part of this herd.
MY CURRENT SPONSOR:
Michael Sharkey
My name is:
Tilly
Tilly is a 16 year old haflinger that came from Alabama, where she was used on trail rides for 14 years. She relocated to Sneads, FL then came to Heartland Horses in October 2021. Haflinger horses are relatively small and chestnut colored. They are known for their strength and build which offers versatility for accommodating different riders. Tilly has proven to be an outstanding addition to our barn and many fall in love with her immediately because she is friendly with a laid back temperament. Tilly’s laid back style sometimes requires riders to be a little more assertive when getting her to trot, but she loves being used in our therapy sessions and gets along with both beginners and advanced riders in our program.
MY CURRENT SPONSOR:
Michael Jaskinski
My name is:
Waylon
I’m Waylon! I was born in 2005, so that makes me 12 years old! I’m a Shetland Pony, they are known for being very stocky so I can carry up to 100 lbs. Lots of people come here and are not too sure about whether they want to get up on a tall horse, so that’s where I come in; a good way to start out! I also have a very peppy walk and trot, so riders with mobility issues can really get a good workout on me!
I’m also very popular at birthday parties. And, if you’ve seen our brochures, very photogenic and popular with the picture takers. I also think most kids like to rub my crewcut – you don’t see too many of those these days.