Hello from the barn aisle, it’s LC here (with VERA conducting what she calls a “personality assessment” on every horse that walks by.)
We’ve been hearing a lot of humans say, “Oh, that horse would be perfect for this job!” And while we admire the enthusiasm…it’s not that simple.
You see, not every horse is meant to be a therapeutic horse, and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, recognizing that, is one of the most important ways we care for our herd. Just because you can do a job doesn’t mean you should. We feel the same way about mouse-catching. (VERA insists on quality over quantity.) At High Hopes, every horse is thoughtfully considered before joining the program. There are some qualities that all great therapeutic partners share: they genuinely enjoy being around people, they have a calm and sensible nature, and they don’t mind a little unpredictability. And trust us, this work can be wonderfully unpredictable. Hula hoops, singing, shifting balance, new volunteers…it’s a lot!
A good therapeutic horse also has a sense of humor. Yes, really. They need to take things in stride, even when a lesson gets a little silly or a participant tries something new. And, of course, they must be physically sound. This is not an “easy” job, despite what some may think. Therapeutic horses need to be strong and fit. They walk, trot, and sometimes canter, all while supporting riders who may move differently than a typical rider. In unmounted programs, they may stand quietly while participants lean, reach, or need extra physical support. It takes patience, strength, and a whole lot of heart. And then… there’s what makes each horse unique. No two horses are the same. Each brings their own personality, energy, and—very importantly—their gait. (We’ve heard the instructors talk about this quite a bit, so naturally, we’re experts now.)
A horse’s gait can make a big difference in how a participant feels while riding. Some riders benefit from a wider horse, others from a narrower one. Some need a bigger, more expressive movement, while others do best with something smoother and more subtle. It all depends on the individual, and that’s where the magic happens. Matching the right horse with the right person is like pairing the perfect sunbeam with the perfect nap spot. And here at High Hopes, we’re lucky to have a beautifully diverse herd. From our gentle giants like Arthur and Lucky, to our smaller but equally mighty partners like Tulip and Poppy, each horse brings something special. (Size, we’ve learned, has absolutely nothing to do with personality.)
Sometimes, a horse comes through our doors and simply isn’t the right fit for this particular work. And that’s okay. It doesn’t mean they aren’t wonderful—it just means their talents shine somewhere else. Saying “this isn’t the right job for you” is not a failure. It’s an act of respect. Because at High Hopes, caring for our horses means listening to them, just as much as we ask them to listen to us. And if you ask us, that’s what makes them such extraordinary partners.
With thoughtful observation, LC (and VERA, Head of Horse Evaluations) 