Our Horses

At Riverwood, we treasure our horses; they give us their friendship, love and dedication every day, and for that we are always thankful. Due to the costs associated with equine care, we hope to have a minimum of two or three sponsors per horse. If you, your family, business, or any group or organization would like to sponsor one of our amazing therapy horses, please contact us for details.

Truffles is a 7-year-old, dark bay warmblood/Welsh cross. She is 14.3 hh. She has just started participating in classes and while she is still learning the ropes of therapy work, she is settling in well and seems to enjoy her work! Truffles was previously a lesson/personal horse but has shown many kiddos the rope of learning the first steps of riding and showing. We are very excited for Truffles’ future with Riverwood!

Mistletoe is a striking Quarter Horse pony mare who found her way to Riverwood after being ridden on trail rides, in schooling shows, for birthday parties, and in summer camps. Her sensitive and gentle spirit makes her a beloved part of the Riverwood herd! She is fully honest and requires trust and safety to be at the forefront of any relationship.

Jake is a 20-year-old black and white mixed breed paint gelding standing 15.1 hands. He came to Riverwood in November, 2022 and is fitting in to his new lifestyle very well! Jake is quiet and loves attention and trail rides the best! Jake happily began working with students in January, 2023.

Ben is a 17-year-old Appendix Paint Cross. Ben came to Riverwood in November of 2025 to join our herd of equine partners. In his previous career, Ben was a hunter jumper show horse. His sweet disposition and steady step won the team over at Riverwood and we are very excited to have him in our program!

Abbott is a 7-year-old APHA registered paint horse owned by Bridget Sumeracki, who is a veterinary technician for Sullivan Equine Veterinary Hospital. Riverwood has been fortunate enough to be able to lease him from Bridgett for our program. Abbott was trained for reining and western pleasure and spent several years in the western collegiate programs at both Midway College and NC State. We welcomed Abbott to the herd in Dec of 2025. His curious and sweet nature has made him a fast favorite!

Chance is a 17-year-old, dark bay, 16.2 hand Holsteiner gelding. Chance was previously a star in the hunter jumper world with his owner, Maddie Long. He is a talented horse with a huge heart and has become an asset to the Riverwood Program. He enjoys his work of teaching riders the ins and outs of horseback riding but really seems to enjoy groundwork and connection with people the most. He loves snuggles and will often come and put his head into someone's lap for a horse hug. We are very grateful for Chance and all the effort and love he and all of the Riverwood equines put into our program.

Dante is a beautiful Quarter Horse with the kindest of souls. He was kindly donated by his previous owner who taught him to be a hunter/jumper and a gentleman for all types of riders. He has three lovely gaits, very gentle eyes and a personalityX that makes him friends with everyone. He has been ridden by some of our most beginner riders and has proven himself to be a great therapeutic riding partner.

Spots, whose registered name is Shadowfax, is a beautiful 13 year-old, 15.2hh Knabstrupper, who loves to work. Originally an Eventing horse, he later taught lessons in Alabama. Spots was trained by US Olympic Equestrian team trainers Debi and Kevin Crowley!

Hazel is a 25-year-old red dun QH mare that is on lease to us for the 2024/2025 school year from Camp Green Cove located in Zirconia, NC. She has a previous career as an award-winning IEA and IHSA hunter horse! Hazel is very sweet and has settled into her new surroundings easily! She loves attention, cookies and peppermints and has taken all the new things in stride. We are excited to have Hazel in our program and can't wait for everyone to meet her!

Blu is an 11-year-old gray registered Gypsy Vanner gelding. He is owned by Sandra Adams of Parker Place Farm Gypsy Horses. Blu came to Riverwood in March and has been in training to get ready for summer classes. He has spent the last several years babysitting young Gypsy Vanner colts and teaching them how to be upstanding horse citizens at Sandra’s farm. Blu has taken to Riverwood very well and has a high curiosity level and is very playful.

Midnight is a black appaloosa miniature horse and special Riverwood ambassador! He and his partner, Candy Man, travel with our Mobile Education Outreach trailer (MEO). His small size and gentle personality make him a perfect fit for this job! His big personality makes him a great teaching partner for our community based learning students and he loves to teach the values of communication and team work.

Candy Man is a miniature horse and special Riverwood ambassador! He and his partner, Midnight, travel with our Mobile Education Outreach trailer (MEO), which allows us to serve those who cannot come to the farm. His small size and gentle personality make him a perfect fit for this job! His opinion of humans is always good and he fully realizes his potential to teach others about forming a strong bond.

RETIRED - Pet is an Amish bred pony with a big personality in a small body. She came to Riverwood as a 3 year old and has known nothing but therapeutic work. She was an exceptional teacher for leadership and when you synced with her, she would do just about anything you ask! Her heart is as big as her personality and she quickly won you over with her sweet brown eyes and steady gait. Pet is now enjoying her retirement back on the Hubbard farm, but we visit her weekly.

RETIRED - Sir is a quarter horse measuring in at 16 hands and was donated to Riverwood in 2014. Sir captures the hearts of everyone he meets with his gentle eyes and curious personality. He serves as a therapy horse to our timid beginners as well as our intermediate and independent students-he carries all with incredible care. He allows students to fully understand how horses can be fully accepting as he is friends with everyone he meets.

RETIRED - Gator is a paint gelding with a sweet personality and big, lovable brown eyes. Before coming to Riverwood, he had an extensive show career as a western pleasure horse. He now teaches our riders to be balanced, correct and patient in their hosemanship. He is a great size for children and adults. His versatility and friendly attitude make him a perfect match for many different students. He even has his own bug armor outfit that he gets to wear because he has made it clear that he REALLY despises those flies!

“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”

- Rainbow Bridge Poem