Stretch is a 25+ year old chestnut gelding. He most likely began his life as a racing quarter horse as evidenced by his now faded telltale tattoo. He suffered a permanent knee injury probably as a result of a racing accident. (Young horses whose bones have not fully developed are forced to run at high speeds on hard tracks. Many suffer debilitating injuries.) He spent most of his life as a school horse giving lessons to children and adults. He took good care of his riders, trotting when the instructor asked, halting on command and always patient even if his novice riders failed to give the correct signals. We remember him being part of Sue Mercil’s Drill Team. Kaeli and many of her friends rode him when they were young. He was always a gracious and enthusiastic teacher. Although he briefly participated in our therapeutic riding program, age and arthritis have taken their toll on gentle Stretch. He is now ready to enjoy a well- earned retirement .
Stretch is "eating like a horse", and happily enjoying a new lease on life.
Stretch with his loving friend Chloe
A kiss
Stretch
Stretch has been retired at Rita Callahan’s Dream Hollow Farm in Campell Hall , upstate NY. He is adored and pampered by Rita and her two children. He lives in the company of several other horse buddies.
Sunny
Sunny is another old timer, who also began his career as a racehorse. When he didn’t win he was bought by a woman who jumped and showed him. When she lost interest in riding he began his lengthly career as a lesson horse. He too, taught many people how to ride. Sunny will join our Therapeutic horse care program.
We wish to thank Michelle of Parkview Stables for generously donating Stretch and Sunny to our programs.