Meet the Horses
Why Horses? Horses are social animals, very much like humans. Their peer structure is observable and identifiable, with clear leaders and social structures.
Yet horses and humans differ in at least one key aspect: humans are natural predators, while horses are prey animals, hence we must work extra hard to earn their trust and confidence. Prey animals are primarily concerned with safety, constantly scanning their surroundings for potential threats, making them excellent barometers for how human actions speak louder than words.
Unlike humans and other predator animals, like dogs, horses are not motivated by praise and recognition, hence they won't "put up with" manipulation or deception. As horses are quite large and often intimidating to people, accomplishing a task in spite of those fears helps develop confidence and assertiveness. Finally, horses are free of the agendas and biases that all people have, even well-intentioned people!
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Dreamer
Known for being grounded and present in the moment, Dreamer never tires of working with clients. This easygoing Palomino gelding is a natural EAP horse and tells it like it is. He and Shannon are working on achieving their Level 2 Parelli certification and study often at the Parelli center in Florida.
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Scout’s Honor
Scout is a leopard Appaloosa gelding who was donated to Horse Sense in December 2003 and since then has attended Parelli Natural Horsemanship school in both Colorado and Florida with Richard. He is gentle and kind and a fantastic leader of the Horse Sense herd.
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Sergeant Gus
Gus came to Horse Sense from Hope for Horses after being retired from the Asheville City Police Department due to lameness. Although Gus can no longer be ridden, he is proud to be known as one of Horse Sense’s best EAP horses. This chestnut gelding has much to teach his clients about sensitivity and self-care!
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Masada
A 20-something Arabian, Masada proves that age is only a number. His spirited and dependable nature makes him a favorite around the farm. Before making a happy home with Shannon and Richard ten years ago, Masada was used as a lesson horse in Texas. He has participated in many Parelli riding clinics with Kacey and Shannon, and is a wonderful teacher to humans of Parelli Natural Horsemanship.
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Captain
This blond Appaloosa gelding is a former barrel racer and cattle roping horse. Captain won over Kacey in October 2005 with his attentive nature and big heart. When he is not in EAP sessions he is learning the Parelli program with Kacey and the two have studied at the Parelli center in Florida.
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Hook
Handsome Hook was donated to Horse Sense in the summer of 2005 when his thin soles made him unsuitable for jumping due to lameness. He is popular with clients because of his curious nature and nice manners, and is known as the “Johnny Depp” of the Horse Sense farm.
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Change
This brave gelding has experienced a lot in his young life. Horse Sense adopted Change from Hope for Horses back in 2002 and he has made tremendous progress. Once very spooky and fearful, Change is now curious and engages with people through the help of Richard and the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program. Change offers a compassionate presence to those who have experienced any type of trauma.
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Susan Denero
Susan Denero ("Black-eyed Susan") is a registered Paint who met Shannon and Richard back in Texas. Since working the Parelli program with Shannon, this line-back dunn has become less skittish and more confident. Sue is a natural leader and takes great care of her mare pasture mates.
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Summer’s Rest
Retired from the racetrack, Summer is a registered Jockey Club Thoroughbred who came to Horse Sense through Hope for Horses. When Summer arrived at our farm she was very anxious and lacked confidence in herself, her herd and her surroundings. Yet lots of pasture time, proper nutrition, and working the Parelli program proved to be just what Summer needed as she is now relaxed and happy.
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Olympia
This big and beautiful Percheron mare came to Horse Sense in December 2004 with a bad case of chronic foot problems. After a year of proper hoof trimmings, exercise and nutritional supplements, her impressive feet are healthy and abscess-free. Her immense size (17 hands tall) attracts many clients to her, and she is often included in EAP sessions.
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Sugar
Sugar was rescued by Horse Sense in the spring of 2005 after she was found severely neglected and malnourished. After just six months of rehabilitation, this shy young mare reached a healthy weight and grew a beautifully dappled Palomino coat. She is quickly learning the fundamentals of Parelli Natural Horsemanship with Richard, and is now used in sessions at Horse Sense.
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Lucky
Lucky’s name is more than fitting. This older gentleman was given to us in a severely emaciated state in the winter of 2004 and has made a miraculous recovery. Now active and playful with his buddy Masada, Lucky immediately connected with his new owner, Becky, a former Horse Sense intern.
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Cody
Cody is a Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse cross gelding who continually entertains the Horse Sense team with his curiosity and playful antics. Whether blowing bubbles in his water bucket or kicking around an exercise ball, Cody brings smiles to everyone around him.
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Cisco
Cisco is a young quarter horse gelding who was donated to Horse Sense from the Biltmore Estate Equestrian Center. His playful and inquisitive nature keeps his pasture mates on their toes. In his spare time Cisco enjoys learning the Parelli games.
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