"Jasper"

This is Jasper, an 18 year-old American Paint Horse. We met 11 years ago and it was love at first sight. Since then, we have lived in 5 different states. We've vacationed together in the mountains of Colorado, meandered through miles of beautiful forests, and splashed in the Pacific Ocean. We've spent countless hours together, and he joyfully greets me each morning and evening. Though Jasper wasn't present at my wedding, he did help make my day special because a photo of him, me, and my husband-to-be was on the front of our wedding invitation. When I was recovering from foot surgery, he carried me places I could never go on my own. He continues to be a blessing in my life as he is teaching my son the joys of riding a horse. His patience is amazing as he helps me pony my son's colt, while teaching him the way to be a steady and trusted riding horse. Every day I'm thankful for Jasper, my horse, my best friend.

"Frankie"

Meet Frankie. He was named after Frank Sinatra since he has 1 blue eye. He is my 9 yr-old Mustang from Nevada. I adopted him as a 3 yr-old while I was going to college in Eugene, OR. At that point in time he had only been off the range for 4-months and had only had a halter put on him with no other gentling done. The first time I saw him, he let me walk right up to him in the round pen. Since then, we have been to gaming events, trail rides, worked cattle, roped, and done many parades. We are also proud members of the Wasco County Mounted Sheriff's Posse. We do search and rescue as well as crowd control at local events. Frankie is trustworthy with children of all sizes as well. I have given lessons to an autistic child on him. He is so smart and tries so hard, I couldn't ask for a better horse and friend. He truly is a spokesman for the Mustang breed with his exemplary hardiness, intelligence, and personality.

"Rio"

This is Rio, my 15 year-old Buckskin Quarter Horse gelding. I was blessed to get him the day after my 13th birthday, which was about 8 years ago. He is such a goofy guy and never fails to brighten my day. He is my best friend, my confidant, and my crying shoulder. He has helped me through so much, the middle school crushes, the cliches of high school, and the head aches of college. He was only used for trail riding when I bought him, so I had to teach him the ins and outs of the hunter discipline. At our first show a few years ago, we were named the champions of our division. He taught me so much more than I ever taught him. Each new day together is a learning opportunity but above all he has taught me patience, responsibility, and patience. He makes my farm the home that it is and I know I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for my amazing teacher.

"Jay"

This is Jay, my 15 year-old Appendix QH gelding. He's a retired dressage horse; I bought him when his show career ended. He's my best guy-we follow cows together and just hang out in the pastures for hours on end. I bought him as a birthday gift to myself when I turned 30. We're both starting new chapters in our lives; I needed a big strong guy and Jay is that steady and true presence in my life. He needed a laid-back home with someone who would just enjoy his horsiness and feed him lots of carrots. The only time he's ever spooked was when we were trotting down the road and-I'm not kidding-he saw a camel. We live in Colorado but one of the boarders here has an honest-to-gosh camel, and neither one of us was prepared. I handwalk him down that road now. :) Camels aside, Jay's a rock-solid guy. I trust him completely and I look forward to spending years exploring our new home on the Front Range of Colorado with him.

"Cash"

This is Cash, a 5 year-old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding. He is VERY sweet and loves everybody!

"Shiloh"

Shadows At Dusk, aka "Shiloh," is a 2003 dun Quarter Pony gelding. Shiloh is a demo horse for Showmanship, Halter, horse safety, and general horse care with 4-H members. He has started training as a trick horse, and as the photo shows, after just a couple lessons he put himself up on his pedestal with no one asking him to! Since then, every once in a while, Shiloh wanders over to his pedestal and climbs up on it!

"Dude"

This is Dude, a 15 year-old Quarter Horse cross gelding. He rides Western, mostly on the trails. Dude is smart, independent, challenging, and yet a gentle soul. You can put a five year old on his back and he'll take care of them. He'll be opinionated and stubborn when he knows his rider can handle it. He bonds with the animals around him, from fostering a mother duck and her ducklings in his stall, to scratching the back of the barn cat with his lips, careful to never use his teeth. Dude taught me to love horses and, no matter how unwilling he may be to pratice our sidepassing or lead changes, he'll be protecting his rider.

"Cheyenne"

Meet Cheyenne, a 12 year-old Paint, who rides Western. I found her when she was 6, her owners told me they were going to sell her at auction. I didn't realize why they were so desperate to get rid of her until I got her home and realized she had been abused. She wouldn't let anyone on her back or come near her with a crop or whip. With a massive amount of love and patience she has become an incredibly sweet, well-trained horse and has learned to trust and love me as much as I love her. She took on a coyote to protect me when we went on a midnight trail ride. Last year was monumental because she allowed my father to ride her, up to that point she had only trusted me. She's been the most incredible best friend I could ever ask for!

"Cajun"

Meet my Tennessee Walking Horse, Cajun. He was rescued from a Walking Horse show barn in Tennessee 12 years ago. He was brought home with two speeds, fast and faster. He would bolt and crow-hop if he couldn't go fast out of fear that he would be whipped. I fell in love with him and bought him, soon realizing that he was a little much for me. A trainer who practices natural horsemanship moved into the neighborhood and we were one of his first clients. He had to learn to trust again and know that being a "lady's horse" was a good thing. Fast forward 11 years and now Cajun is helping children learn to love and trust again at a ranch for at risk children. Cajun is still my best buddy on the trail and camping in the Hoosier National Forrest, but on "ranch days" he loves helping the kids gain confidence and learn about trust and love.

"Annie"

Annie is our 16 year-old Appaloosa. She is gentle, loving, and perfect for us guys pushing 60! Obedient and always wanting to please us, she is our therapy. Not to mention a wonderful trail horse.