Our Herd

Our equine partners are the foundation of our services. At CTRC, children and adults continually reach beyond the constraints of their special needs because of the intervention of our remarkable horses. Not only do they provide the therapeutic movement that is critical to our riders’ clinical progress, they provide the unconditional acceptance and bond with our riders that often becomes the motivating catalyst for every area of our riders’ lives.

Prior to joining CTRC’s team our horses have often had careers in all types of disciplines including jumping, showing, dressage, ranch work, reining, and even police work to name a few! Only the most levelheaded horses are suitable for the special demands of working at a therapeutic riding center and CTRC’s equines are carefully selected, evaluated, and trained to become members of a therapeutic team. We have horses of varying sizes, gaits, and temperaments in order to accommodate a wide spectrum of needs.

CTRC maintains a herd of 25+ magnificent therapeutic riding horses. Each member of our herd is a treasure in a way that is unique to them, each with their own tale to tell. Because of our strong commitment to the welfare of our equine partners, CTRC operates a retired horse sanctuary on our property where all of the horses who come through our doors have a safe and loving retirement until their end of days. This sanctuary is accredited through the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, who have recognized our exemplary facility and care for the animals.

Undeniably, our horses take very good care of our riders. We in turn, take very good care of our horses. Each horse is treated like family because they are part of the CTRC family.

Our horse management program emphasizes optimal nutrition, exercise, preventative care, and natural handling methods to maximize their health and well-being. Horses are kept on a regular vaccination, de-worming and farrier schedule and we individually evaluate and address nutritional needs. Year-round our horses get six to seven days a week of turnout on 30 irrigated acres of pasture, and each also has their own individual sheltered run with an automatic waterer. Weekly a “Barn Buddy” volunteer gives their assigned horse special care and extra TLC, which we affectionately call their “spa-day”. Additionally our horses receive weekly equine massage, chiropractic, acupuncture and laser therapy.

MEET THE EXCEPTIONAL HORSES PROVIDING PREMIER EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES AND THERAPIES AT CTRC

Beasty

BEASTY

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Dun
DOB: 3/1/98
Sex: Gelding
Size: 15.2 hands
b

Beasty, aka “Imanimpressive Beast”, is a calm sweet boy who came to CTRC from Tennessee. He has worked with 4-H’ers, on a ranch, and as a reining horse. We can’t wait to see all he can teach us at CTRC.

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BO

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Buckskin
DOB: 5/13/2007
Sex: Gelding
Size: 16 hands
b

Bo (Jos Lucky Bonanza) has demonstrated great eagerness to please while learning his new job and adapting to new equipment and tack . In his early years, he was a working ranch horse. His former owner, who donated him to us, was an avid high altitude trail rider. Bo was his steady mount. He regularly whinnies to anyone passing by in an attempt to get your attention.

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BUBBA

Breed: Paint
Color Tobiano
DOB: 1/1/1995
Sex: Gelding
Size: 16.1 hands
b

Bubba is a super friendly and loving horse.  He was previously a 3rd level dressage horse with a younger rider.  Because of his age and his riders advancing riding skills, his owner decided a job change would be just what he needed!  He is very responsive and loves to show off what he can do if you let him!  Welcome Bubba!

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CREAM

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Palamino Paint
DOB: 1/1/2001
Sex: Gelding
Size: 15.2 hands
b

Cream comes to us from Sombrero Ranches in Estes Park! He worked as a trail and pack horse for all of his life up in the mountains, spending most of his time in Glacier National Park. Because of his background as a trail horse, Cream is calm and steady, and used to teaching beginner riders!  Cream loves attention and being talked to.

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DOC

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Dark Brown/Black
DOB: 6/6/96
Sex: Gelding
Size: 15.1 hands
b

Doc, aka “Doc’s Diamond Legend” is a patient, level headed guy who loves kids! With training in dressage, western, and Parelli Natural Horsemanship & Doc’s calm stature make him a perfect fit for CTRC.

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Duke

DUKE

Breed: Tennessee Walker/Spotted Saddlebred
Color: Paint
DOB: 5/29/01
Sex: Gelding
Size: 16 hands
b

Duke is a super friendly and loving horse. He is a gaited horse that has been trained in western and loves riding on trails! He has an extremely smooth gait and loves people, especially kids.

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FIRECRACKER

Breed: Appendix
Color: Paint
DOB: 7/7/1995
Sex: Gelding
Size: 15.2
b

Firecracker, or “Fire”, has come to CTRC after a long and happy career as a horse of many talents. His previous owner had him for nearly his whole life, and he was her show pony and best friend. Fire is liberty trained, has been a jumper, and even competed in the Special Olympics! We are smitten with him, as are many of our riders and volunteers. 

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HANDSOME

Breed: Hanoverian
Color: Chestnut
DOB: 1/1/2007
Sex: Gelding
Size: 17h
b

Handsome, “Handsome Treasures,” is a sturdy Hanoverian gelding who came to us after a lifetime as an eventing and hunter/jumper horse. Despite his size, Handsome is a gentle giant and still loves being ridden and groomed. He does particularly well with our beginner riders to help them build confidence.

SPONSORED BY DENVER NUGGETS FANS IN HONOR OF NIKOLA JOKIĆ

HONKY TONK

Breed: Missouri Foxtrotter
Color:  Liver Chestnut
DOB: 1/1/99
Sex: Mare
Size: 15.1h
b

Tonks, “Honky Tonks,” came to us with her best friend, Beauty, after competing in the gaited horse show circuit and then moving on to mountain trail riding. Tonks is a gaited horse with a gait referred to as an “amble.” Because of this, she covers a lot of ground with her naturally brisk pace. Along with her spectacular training, Tonks loves attention and pampering.

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JOURNEY

Breed: Mustang
Color:  Black
DOB:
Sex: Gelding
Size:
b

 Journey is a 14-year-old Mustang who was rounded up at 7 months old and had the same owner from the time he was a baby. He has packed around mountains and done a tremendous amount of natural horsemanship. Journey is personable, friendly, and loves attention.

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Magic

MAGIC

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Red Dun
DOB: 5/12/96
Sex: Gelding
Size: 14.3 hands
b

Magic is a very sweet and patient boy. He takes everything in stride and absolutely loves people! Magic competed as a reiner for 15 years!  He has taught many kids how to ride both western and English. Before Magic arrived at CTRC he completed a 100-mile trail ride, just for fun. We are very excited to have him!!!

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OTAYAH

Breed: Paint Horse
Color: Black & White
DOB:
Sex: Gelding
Size:
b

 Otayah (pronounced O-TAAY-yuh) is an 18-year-old Paint Horse who comes from therapeutic riding from before his arrival here, much like Trigger. His previous home of 16 years had him working in a therapeutic setting, as well as rehabilitating his previous owner from a heart attack. He was steadfast and took care of her throughout her recovery, whether it was keeping her from falling or giving emotional support. He is a very loved member of the CTRC herd.

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PATRON

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: White
DOB:
Sex: Gelding
Size:
b

Patron is a 18-year-old Quarter Horse who belonged to our now departed volunteer Betsy Byrne. He has participated in both Western and English, doing things ranging from show jumping to packing out on the trails. We are overjoyed to have him with us.

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ROARKE

Breed: Norwegian Fjord
Color: Brown Dun
DOB: 8/15/08
Sex: Gelding
Size: 13.2 hands
b

Roarke, aka “Pony-Up Roarke”, was born in Berthoud, Colorado. He is very brave and takes on challenges head on. His love of people makes him a great therapy horse. Roarke is always game for playing with the other horses.

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SAUNDER

Breed:  Norweigan Fjord
Color: Buckskin Dun
DOB: 5/3/1999
Sex: Gelding
Size:  14.2 hands
b

“River Oak Sander,” aka Saunder, came to CTRC from Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship in Texas, after being imported from Canada.  Saunder is an in-your-pocket type guy, who loves his meals, and hanging out in the pasture with his friends.

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SINK

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Black
DOB:
Sex: Gelding
Size:
b

Sink is a 16 year old is Quarter Horse. He has worked roping on cattle ranches and carrying longtime volunteer Betsy Byrne and her husband Michael on trails. Michael still comes to visit Patron and Sink to give them carrots.

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SOC

Breed:  American Paint
Color: Bay
DOB:  3/3/06
Sex: Gelding
Size:  15 hands
b

Soc comes to CTRC from Ft. Collins.  He has a primary background in ranch work and roping.  However, he’s also been used for pleasure and trail riding.  He is so friendly, we like to think of him as having the personality of a lap dog.  He just wants to be everywhere you are.  Soc is one of our youngest horses on the property and we are excited to watch him learn and grow as a therapy horse!

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TRIGGER

Breed: Pony of America
Color: Leopard Spotted
DOB: 1/1/2004
Sex: Gelding
Size: 13 hands
b
Trigger is a curious and adorable pony who spent much of his life in a therapeutic riding program at a boarding school in Utah. He came to us from his previous owner who rode him all through his school years and bought Trigger after he graduated. Trigger has a lot of knowledge and can teach his riders advanced skills, but he also has the temperament and patience for all skill levels.
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WEEZER

Breed: Pony of America
Color:
DOB:
Sex: Gelding
Size:
b
 Weezer is a 14-year-old Pony of the Americas who came from Northern Wyoming. Weezer has done natural horsemanship, Pirelli Horsemanship, and Gymkhana with his young rider. His rider’s grandmother was a friend of the late Dr. Mark Fitch. It is in his memory Weezer was donated to CTRC.
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Bodhi

Breed: Thoroughbred Cross
Color: Chestnut
DOB: 1/1/2007
Sex: Gelding
Size: 15.1 hands
b
Bodhi was originally from Mexico, and from there he became a polo horse and had a very successful career. During his polo career, he moved to California and then to the east coast. After Bodhi retired from polo, he became a horse for beginners and helped them gain confidence in the saddle. Bodhi made his venture to Colorado to join us at CTRC in December of 2023, where he will continue to help participants grow and flourish on the ground and in the saddle.
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