Blaze

Blaze has been a valued member of our team since 2022, known for his calm demeanor and versatility in therapeutic settings. His small stature makes him ideal for children to lead and groom, and he excels in unmounted lessons, especially on days when other horses may be too nervous indoors.

Throughout the summer, Blaze has supported activities such as foot care, baths, and walks, helping children overcome initial fears of larger horses. His experience driving in a cart also makes him a reliable companion for wheelchair-bound participants, walking confidently alongside them to ensure safety and support.

Chester

Chester has been an integral member of the Rising Stars team since 2013, earning the affectionate title of "grandpa" of the herd. As the oldest horse, Chester holds a commanding presence in the pasture and is well-respected by all. His calm, easy-going nature has made him a favorite among therapists, instructors, participants, and volunteers alike.

Over the years, Chester has demonstrated remarkable resilience, remaining unphased by a variety of situations, making him an exceptionally reliable partner in our program. His steady temperament and adaptability have made him a go-to horse for many years. As he ages, we continue to prioritize his well-being, which has only deepened our appreciation for the invaluable contributions he has made to our work. We are truly grateful to have Chester as part of our team.

Ethel Marie

Ethel joined our herd in 2017 as a donation and has since become an invaluable member of our team. Her compact size makes her an ideal partner for volunteers, particularly for sidewalking, and provides a stable, safe option for riders who require additional support. Her gentle demeanor and steady nature have made her a favorite among participants, especially those who enjoy petting her mane, with its unique, poky texture that also serves as a helpful sensory tool.

Ethel is more sensitive to the indoor arena environment and its various sounds, which is why she is often seen wearing “bat ears”—noise-canceling ear muffs that help her focus on her work by minimizing distractions. Many participants find this adjustment relatable and engaging. We are incredibly grateful for Ethel’s presence in our program and the positive impact she has on both riders and volunteers.

Floyd

Floyd comes to us with an impressive background as a former show horse, bringing with him a wealth of experience and training that make him an exceptional fit for our program. He joins us several times a week under the guidance of our instructor and his owner, Ciera, and has quickly settled into his new role at Rising Stars.

With his strong foundation and skills, Floyd provides our riders with valuable opportunities to grow and advance in their horsemanship. His calm presence and willingness to work have made him a quick favorite among both participants and volunteers. He clearly enjoys his time at the ranch. His contributions not only enhance our program but also enrich the experiences of the riders he serves.

Frisco

Frisco is the newest member of the Rising Stars herd, joining us in January 2025 as part of our effort to expand with younger horses. He brings extensive training and a wealth of past experiences, making him a valuable addition to our program.

This past summer, Frisco was put to the test with our hippotherapy riders and even worked successfully with a lift rider, demonstrating his remarkable steadiness and calm demeanor. His striking color and presence make him a standout in the arena.

Frisco has a spirited personality and occasionally tests new handlers, which provides excellent opportunities for learning and growth. We are continuing to work with him, with the goal of preparing him to become a reliable mount for independent, more advanced riders in the future. His future at Rising Stars is very bright, and we are excited to see all that he will accomplish with our program.

Kayla

Kayla joined the program in 2017 and has been an indispensable part of our herd ever since. With her sturdy build and shorter stature, she is the perfect match for larger riders who need extra support and stability in the saddle.

Known for her spirited, sassy personality, Kayla brings both reliability and a touch of fun to every session. Her soft expression and gentle demeanor often make her the star of some of our most memorable photos, and many participants are captivated by her striking eyes and long eyelashes.

Quirky, strong-willed, and full of heart, Kayla has a unique way of connecting with riders. She is a true favorite at the ranch, and we are grateful for the confidence and joy she inspires in those who ride her.

Lucky

Lucky became part of our program in 2017 and has truly proven to be a dream horse. She has a kind, loving personality and quickly became a favorite among participants and volunteers alike. For those who enjoy grooming, Lucky is the perfect partner—her beautiful, full mane and coat require plenty of care, and she gladly soaks up the extra attention.

She is also a tremendous asset to our hippotherapy program. With her broad back, Lucky provides riders with a strong, stable foundation that supports balance and confidence in the saddle. Her steady movement offers valuable physical and cognitive stimulation, making her an ideal partner for therapeutic work.  Of course, Lucky has her quirks—most notably her love for naps! She faithfully fits in four to five rest breaks each day, a reminder of her sweet and easygoing nature. We are truly grateful for all that Lucky contributes to our program and the joy she brings to everyone at the ranch.

Magnum

Magnum was generously donated to Rising Stars in 2022 after his career as a ranch horse was cut short by an injury. While he is no longer able to perform the demanding work of ranch life, he remains perfectly suited for carrying riders and providing moderate exercise—making him an excellent fit for our program.

With his size and calm, steady demeanor, Magnum has become a natural partner in our hippotherapy sessions. He offers riders both confidence and security, and it didn’t take long for him to become a favorite among participants, volunteers, and staff alike. When Magnum first arrived, he wasn’t particularly interested in affection. Over time, however, he discovered just how special a good scratch or pat can be—and now he happily asks for them. His gentle transformation has made him not only a valuable therapy horse but also a beloved member of our herd.

Mr. T

“T” has been a valued part of our program for many years and continues to be a dependable partner for our independent riders. With his extensive background and steady temperament, he offers both confidence and safety to those who ride him.

One of T’s greatest strengths is his attentiveness—if a rider becomes unbalanced or slips, he immediately stops and patiently waits while instructors and handlers provide assistance. This reliability makes him a trusted mount for riders working to advance their skills. T also brings a bit of playful personality to the arena, keeping handlers on their toes with his mischievous streak. Over the years, he has built strong bonds with many participants and remains a favorite for those who appreciate both his reliability and his charm.

Paisley

Paisley joined our program in 2014 and has been a cherished member of our herd ever since. Known for her gentle nature and smooth, steady movement, she quickly earned the nickname “the Cadillac” for the comfortable ride she provides.

 Paisley loves attention and often greets anyone passing by with a welcoming nicker, hoping for a scratch or pat. She also has a healthy appetite and is never shy about asking for more! As the boss mare of the ranch, Paisley keeps everyone on their toes with her strong presence and leadership in the herd. Her blend of personality, reliability, and affection makes her a treasured part of Rising Stars, and we are grateful for the joy she brings to our program.

Ranchero

Ranchero joined our program in 2021, bringing with him the experience and steadiness of his background as a pack and trail horse. His stout build, calm demeanor, and dependable mind were exactly what we needed, and he has quickly proven himself to be an invaluable member of our herd.

With his size and strength, Ranchero is especially well-suited for larger riders, providing them with the support and stability they need. Time and again, he has shown his ability to stay composed, making him a trusted partner for new and experienced riders alike. When Ranchero first arrived, he wasn’t entirely sure what to make of affection—he viewed his role simply as work. Over time, he discovered the joy of connection, and now he is often the first to greet visitors in the pasture, eagerly seeking out attention and affection. His transformation has made him not only a solid therapy horse but also a beloved companion to all who know him.

Senator

Senator has been a part of our program since the very beginning in 2009, making him one of our most seasoned and dependable therapy horses. Known for his big personality and constant search for snacks, Senator is quick to investigate any crinkle of a wrapper or chance at a bite—even dried grass doesn’t escape his attention. His playful nature brings plenty of smiles to the barn.  Beyond his love of food, Senator is a truly exceptional therapy horse. His calm and steady demeanor makes him unshakable, even with our wiggly or high-energy riders. Combined with his smooth, consistent walk, he provides the perfect foundation for participants working to build balance and strength.

With his reliability, charm, and sense of humor, Senator has earned his place as a favorite among riders, volunteers, and staff. He continues to be a treasured part of Rising Stars, embodying both the heart and the history of our program.

Solfin

Solfin joined our program in 2023. Purchased with only minimal training, he has been steadily learning and growing under saddle. This summer, Solfin was introduced to our hippotherapy sessions and some independent riders. As a young horse still learning, he occasionally tests his handlers, so his work is carefully monitored and limited and sometimes muzzled. Even so, he has been excelling wonderfully in our programs, demonstrating the patience, calm nature, and willingness that make him such a promising addition to our herd.

Solfin is part of our plan to ensure the long-term strength of our herd and advancement of our participants. Adding to his uniqueness, Solfin is a rare red dun Fjord with a yellow dilute gene, giving him a striking appearance with a lighter mane and distinctive red stripes. With his continued growth and dedication, his future at Rising Stars is very bright. We are excited to see all the ways he will support and inspire our riders in the years to come.

Tink

Tink has been a valued member of Rising Stars since 2013, generously donated by a kind supporter. Her riders quickly learn that her former career in endurance riding wasn’t exactly her calling—lacking the speed required, she found her true home with us. Tink is an ideal partner for beginners, providing a calm and steady ride, while also offering opportunities to challenge more advanced riders.

She is consistently willing and eager to work, enjoying every session at a pace that suits her style. With her playful personality, she keeps her handlers attentive, reminding them often to stay on task. Her reliability, gentle nature, and engaging character make Tink a beloved member of our herd, and we are grateful for all the ways she contributes to the success and enjoyment of our program.

Valentine

Valentine is a cherished addition to our program, belonging to our Ranch Manager. She previously belonged to Danika, Travis’ daughter, who sadly passed away in 2022. After her passing, we began the process of integrating Valentine into our program, and she has made wonderful progress.

Valentine began working with riders in the summer of 2023. She is highly responsive and takes a soft hand, making her an excellent partner for helping advanced riders refine and improve their skills. Her ideal size and gentle demeanor make her a versatile horse, and we look forward to continuing her training with the goal of incorporating her into our hippotherapy program in the future.

Valentine’s calm nature, responsiveness, and dedication make her a valuable and promising member of the Rising Stars herd.