Our Horses
Meet the Herd
Get to know all of our talented and special horses!
Our herd members come from all over the United States, have worked in a variety of industries, and all have different personalities. Each herd member has a unique story – read more below for information on the High Hopes Herd!
Your support of a High Hopes horse helps us keep a special member of our herd, happy, healthy, and with everything they need to excel in our therapeutic program.
Become a friend of the herd today!
Learn about volunteering with our High Hopes herdWhat it takes to feed our herd
4500
bales of hay
91259
gallons of water
375
bags of grain
18750
lbs of grain
Arthur
Arthur is a 2009 flaxen chestnut Belgian/Quarter Horse cross gelding. Known for his unique “paint splatter” marking on his belly and stunning dapples in the summer, Arthur is a gentle giant weighing over 1700 pounds. After years of trail riding, he joined High Hopes in 2016 and has been a favorite ever since. Arthur loves neck scratches under his mane and will show his appreciation with a funny face when you find the perfect spot!
Support Arthur
Chip
Chip is a 14.2 hand Appaloosa gelding who was born in 1993. Chip came to High Hopes in the spring of 2011 from a barn in CT where he worked teaching students to jump. Chip is very social, he loves to nicker at passers-by and always keeps a watchful eye on what is going on in his “neighborhood”. He is devoted to his friend Nifty, helping guide his nearsighted companion around the paddock. Chip has to wear sunscreen on his nose in the summer – otherwise he gets a sunburn!
Support Chip
Centos
Centos is a 2006 Warmblood gelding, standing at 16.1 hands with a stunning bay coat. Friendly and curious, Centos has the personality of a golden retriever—always seeking affection and friendship from both horses and humans. He joined High Hopes in 2023 and has quickly become a beloved part of the team. His floaty gaits and eager nature make him a joy to work with!
Support CentosYour support helps cover the costs of hay, grain, and veterinary care for the High Hopes Herd.
Friends of the Herd Program
Churro
Churro is a 2003 Appaloosa gelding with a cinnamon-sugar-dusted coat of dark brown and white spots, just like his namesake! Hailing from Tennessee, Churro is laid-back and easygoing, making him the perfect therapeutic horse. Professional and sweet, Churro enjoys attention and always takes everything in stride, making him a calm and reliable companion.
Support Churro
Lucky
Lucky, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood/Thoroughbred cross gelding, stands out with both his size and unique personality. With a background in show jumping, he’s competed up and down the East Coast before arriving at High Hopes. Lucky enjoys the spotlight, often basking in compliments from his riders, and walks with a saunter that matches his confident attitude!
Support Lucky
Lulu
Lulu, a 2003 Miniature Horse mare, may be small in stature but she’s big on charm! Trained to work as a therapy horse, Lulu has been trained to go into buildings and even owns a wardrobe full of fun costumes! She loves her horsemanship classes and her time spent in the paddock, especially when she gets to flaunt her luxurious winter coat. Lulu’s personality shines as brightly as her adorable size!
Support Lulu
Nifty
Nifty is a 1988 registered Quarter Horse who joined High Hopes in 2002 at the age of 14. With a coat color called “dun,” Nifty has always stood out in a crowd. His long career as a therapy horse earned him the 2010 Horse of the Year title at High Hopes. Though retired, Nifty spends his golden years happily with his best friend, Chip, enjoying the quiet life on campus.
Support NiftyHorse Donations
Interested in High Hopes as a home for your horse?
Petra
Petra is a 1995 Norwegian Fjord mare, with a striking brown dun coat, dorsal stripe, and a signature roached mane. Petra has a heart of gold and loves to take long naps in her stall. She began her therapeutic work at the age of four and has been a pillar of our community ever since. Petra was recently honored with a ‘Social Service Recognition Award’—an honor usually given to humans!
Support Petra
Warrior
Warrior, a 2000 New Zealand Warmblood, was imported to the U.S. to compete in the prestigious World Equestrian Games in show jumping. Now retired from his jumping career, Warrior has found his true calling at High Hopes, where he teaches riders of all levels the basics of walking, trotting, and cantering. Standing at 16 hands, Warrior’s tall stature is matched by his calm and easygoing demeanor, making him a favorite among riders. Elegant, dignified, and a true gentleman, Warrior continues to shine in his role as a therapeutic horse.
Support WarriorYou May Also Like...
Friends of the Herd
The High Hopes' Friends of the Herd program is a way to express your appreciation for one or more special members of our herd.
Donate to the HerdReady to Join the High Hopes Family?
Volunteer RegistrationSupporting High Hopes
Your contribution will support our riding program and ensure the ongoing sustainability of our operations, including care of our horses and scholarship support to financially disadvantaged participants.
GiveSharing the Power of Equine Assisted Services
High Hopes offers lectures and workshops on topics related to equine assisted services including disabilities, equine care, effective instruction and non-profit administration. Learn more.
Training & Education