Resident Horses

The Browns

Leo (Quarter Horse)

It was a beautiful warm day in Alabama when I was born on February 8, 2000. My mother, Ricks Starfire, was a former sprinter and would encouraged me to run as fast as I could. My father, Ikes King Leo, loved to pick on a single cow and keep it from its herd. He tried to teach me that game but I grew too big for those little cows. It was then that I was introduced to barrel racing. I loved running and soon excelled at this type of racing. Humans would take me all around to compete in different arenas. As I grew older, I was eventually retired from racing and introduced to the exciting life on the trails. From my corner pasture, I get to see people stroll by from time to time and I really enjoy it when they stop by to visit. But remember, don’t forget the carrots.

Murphy (Quarter Horse)

It was a cold and windy day March 10, 2000 in Illinois when my mother, Miss Cutter Tigre, gave birth to me. As a youngster, I had big expectations since my father, Zippos Mr. Good Bar, was a famous show horse, even belonging to the Hall of Fame. I was taught to move slowly and deliberately and to always keep my head down. I traveled from show to show competing against other slow moving horses. After my showing days, they let me go faster and jump over small fences. I couldn’t believe they let me run into the middle of the arena but it so much fun. I learned to enjoy the jumping but still enjoy slow jogging for my cardio. I have two “brothers” living with me. One is very old but I love playing with him and my other brother he bosses me around but I know it’s for my own good.

Jacque (Thoroughbred)

It was a warm spring day in Illinois when my mother, Regal Destiny, and father, Law Me, brought me into this world on May 14, 1989. Both excelled at track and expected I would do the same. After only 8 races it was evident that I wouldn’t be a track star and they sent me off to learn how to jump and dance. People would set up these odd little fences in the arena and then I would run around and jump over them. It didn’t matter how fast I was only that I didn’t knock the fence down. I was also introduced to a thing called dressage, I just think they should call it dancing. I loved both activities for many years. Eventually age has caught up to me and my jumping and dancing days are over. I enjoy laying in the soft sand of my pasture and sunning in the warm Carolina rays.

The Chandlers

Yarik (Friesian)

Yarik is a seven year old Friesian, recently imported from Holland. He is a very friendly and human loving giant, at 16.3 hands. Yarik is trained in Dressage and driving, but trail rides perfectly in Western gear.

The Denardos

Ric (Bay Leopard Appaloosa) and Socks (Quarter Horse)

My name is Rock Stars Richochet (left) but everyone calls me Ric. I was born in Denton, North Carolina on May 2, 1999. I'm a bay leopard Appaloosa with a very gentle and kind soul. I am willing and sensible...like any good cow-pony should be. One of my favorite things to do is nap and have my neck scratched, just watch out I love to and give kisses. As the herd leader I take my job very seriously. I can be ridden both western and English.

My name is Two Socks Rebel (right) but everybody calls me Socks. I was born in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina on March 24, 2000. I am a bay American Quarter Horse. I am very curious and love to go first . You can get me to do almost anything as long as a treat is involved. One of my favorite things to do is bounce the tractor seat. I like to be ridden Western and I'm fast, strong, and intelligent.

The Houcks

Carley (Belgian)

In December 2007, I responded to a local newspaper article about the need for volunteers at a local rescue. It was for Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue and at that time, they were a small rescue on 13 acres with about 20 draft horses. Carley was bought at the New Holland, PA auction when the rescue bought her over bids from people from slaughter houses. Little did she know she would be adopted by me in April 2008 and live the life of luxury (at least based on what her life was before she came to us). She has been a wonderful trail horse, a great “petting zoo” attraction to many visitors, and constant companion. She will be 21 in 2017 and hasn’t slowed down yet (granted she wasn’t very fast to begin with)! Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue has since moved to a new location with over 120 acres and more than 100 rescue horses. They do such good work. http://www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.com/.

Diesel (Quarter Horse)

Diesel is the newest addition to our family. He came from a local family and was used by the daughter for polo cross and other various competitive events. He is a 15-year-old beautiful Dunn registered Quarter Horse and was named Four Thirteen at birth. He has the tattoos of both on his flank and shoulder. He started life on a ranch in Nebraska as a ranch horse to a competitive horse to now one living a life of luxury! He is such a change from a big draft horse and a pleasure to ride.

Gus and Ollie (Sardinian Donkeys)

Gus and Ollie were adopted from another Maryland rescue – Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue. Both were neglected and needed some good nutrition and TLC. Gus is 11 years old and Ollie is 4 and both just love attention. They are called Sardinian Donkeys and carry the cross on their back. If we are late bringing their breakfast or dinner they have a loud bray to let us know. http://www.littlelongears.org/.

The Protzes

The Simmons

Russ and Martha Simmons enjoy riding their Tennessee Walking Horses, Deacon (15 years old) and Cody (17 years old), on the trails of McLendon Hills as well as in the Walthour Moss Foundation in Vass and Leatherwood Mountains. They also have 2 retired Tennessee Walking Horses, Major (27 years old) and Willie (32 years old), who have carried them many miles on trails in NC, SC, TN, and VA. They all reside on a mini farm on Cristy's Circle.