Horses have a unique way of sensing that these children are special so they tailor their behaviors accordingly. In all my years of observing horses I have never seen such amazing changes in their attitudes when working with special needs children. They all just seem to settle and go with the flow when we are in session.

Rasha: A beautiful stone white, 24 year old Arabian mare that was donated to our program by Laura Wernimont. Although Laura owned her for several years, she was no longer able to take care of her. Rasha is very elegant and proud as she carries her riders through their lessons. She is extremely willing and gentle in spirit and very loved by all who meet her. What a blessing to have her on board!

BO: A handsome 23 year old, chestnut gelding. Have you ever heard that if you love something ,you let it go? Bo was my ex-show horse that I sold to wonderful lady by the name of Donna Perry. She took wonderful care of him for many years and did a lot of trail riding with him. Bo helped her gain her confidence and was the horse of her dreams. Since he was getting up in age (don’t tell him that), Donna donated him to Victory Reins. He now enjoys the easier life of working with the students which he so enjoys☺ He is truly a gentleman and has the privilege to carry many of our students to ribbons at the shows.

Duke: He is a 8 yr old, tall elegant bay Arabian gelding. What can I say? Duke is Duke and that is, the way it is ,according to Duke! He is the laziest thing on 4 legs in our barn. Whoa is his favorite word! He is laid back enough to carry the most fragile of riders with the utmost grace and elegance yet spunky enough to carry the more accomplished students into the blue ribbons at the horse shows. Just say ‘‘show’‘ and he turns on the charm! Duke was donated by the Mitchell family of Park Forest. IL.

Ollie: Ollie is a 20 year old Shetland pony that is the ambassador for the barn. He is so cute and little that he is just the right size for our pint sized little friends. Not only does he work under saddle but he also pulls the “Ollie wagon”. He has won the hearts of everyone who visits Victory Reins! Everyone warms up to Ollie and gets comfortable before moving on to the bigger horses. He brings pure enjoyment to everyone he meets. Ollie, his cart and tack was donated by the Cheney Family of Park Forest, IL.

Tank: Tank is a beautiful large bodied gray Arabian that is 21 yrs old. He was basically dumped on our door for a trial period. He had foundered so severely in all 4 hooves and showed all the signs of pre-cushings disease. He would need expensive vet and farrier work and still not be sure of the outcome. After contacting the owner and explaining the cost for rehabilitation we tried to get her to take him home but she said that she would just come and pick him up and have him put down. We just could not let that happen so thank God we never heard from her again! We are proud to announce that Tank has recovered 100% and is a wonderful asset to our program.

Chance: Chance is definitely our diamond in the rough and what a gentle sweet soul he is! He loves to take care of his precious cargo when he is in lessons. As far as the vet can tell, Chance is definitely our senior citizen at 26 yr. old. He is the most honest horse in the barn and the best when it comes to taking a student on their first independent ride. We aren’t sure how long he will be with us ( He is totally blind in one eye and going blind in the other) but he has found his forever home here at Victory Reins!

Misty: Misty is a 5 yr old POA that we bought this summer from Sophie Ruffino. She is a young lady who raised and trained her. Misty is so calm and lazy that we think she is sleepwalking in the lessons! Being quite large for a POA she can be ridden by children and adults as well. She is definitely an answer to prayer since some of our children were outgrowing Ollie and she is a bombproof mare.

Lexus: LEXUS is a beautiful black 15-16 yr old Morgan horse that was donated to us from Heather Bernichio from Frankfort, IL. She was abandoned by her previous owner at Heathers place. She needed someone to love her and give her a job. Lexus received her new name here with us because she is such a pleasure to ride. She definitely has a gas pedal and power steering for our independent riders but will stand quietly while she works with our more dependent students. What a blessing she is!