Dolly
Dolly is my name and I may be small in stature, but I am big in attitude – a true Diva! I am only 38″ tall, cute and I know it.
I have big plans for my life here at Dream Riders. My tiny legs will be taking me to exciting places! My friend, Pixie, and I love going out to visit schools, nursing homes, and other places in our community!
You may think that I am all white, but look closely – I am a lemon and white pinto. My favorite pastime is eating, and if my lunch is even a few minutes late, I squeal to remind everyone to check their watches! However, like a lot of us little ones, my keepers have to take special care that I do not become too chubby and unhealthy. I love it when I get to go play in the riding arena – there’s nothing like a good roll to scratch an itchy back.
Hugo
I’m Hugo, a striking black Missouri Fox Trotter–Friesian cross with the personality of a big, friendly puppy — just with better hair and a slightly larger feed bill!
I’ve quickly become a favorite among our adult riders thanks to my calm nature, steady movement, and genuine love for people. I enjoy every moment of attention, whether I’m working in class, greeting visitors with a friendly toss of my beautiful head, or casually sneaking into wedding photos as the resident “wedding crasher.” Just kidding, I’m always on the guest list because you can hire me to be in your wedding photos!
My gentle spirit, willingness to please, and professional-level ability to look adorable make me a perfect partner for riders building confidence, balance, and connection. See you at the barn! Mwah!
Indie
I’m Indie, the newest addition to the Dream Riders family, and I’m already stealing hearts wherever I go!
I’m a beautiful Morgan mare currently in training, which means I’m still learning the ropes, building my confidence, and discovering all the wonderful ways I can be part of this program. Every day, my friendly personality and eagerness to learn shine through a little more.
I love being groomed, spending time with our amazing volunteers, and soaking up all the kindness and encouragement that comes my way. As I continue to grow and settle into my role, I’m excited to become a gentle, naturally curious, and dependable partner for riders who benefit from calm energy, connection, and a sweet horse who truly enjoys being part of the team.
June Bug
Hi there! I’m June Bug—a Haflinger and Quarter Horse cross with a big heart. If you walk by my stall, you’ll probably hear me give a soft, almost silent nicker. That’s just my way of saying, “Hey friend, I see you!” I love attention, and I’m not shy about asking for it.
I’ll admit, I can be a bit stubborn sometimes (it’s part of my charm!). But that’s because I know my job: I help riders who need a steady, reliable partner—but I also make sure they work for it! If you want me to do something, you’ll need to be assertive, but always kind. I respect riders who ask nicely and mean what they say.
I’m here to help you grow into a better, more confident rider. Together, we’ll learn, laugh, and maybe sneak a belly scratch or two. See you in the arena!
Katie
Hello – my name is Katie. I am the boss mare in my pasture, which I share with Stella.
I am an Arab-Morgan cross, and my coloring is dark chocolatey brown. My role in the herd is very important, I let the other girls know when it is time to eat, and even when to drink.
I really do love my job here at Dream Riders, and I am good at it. I may be the boss mare of the herd, but I know when it is time to work, and when I come into the arena, I am all business.
I am very calm and loving to all the participants out here. I love a good ear scratch and am great at using my ears to listen to anything you want to share with me.
Magic
Remember the 1975 song that starts out “Oh oh oh, it’s Magic”? Well, that’s me – Magic!
I am half Standardbred, half Fresian, and 100% magnificent! Everyone at Dream Riders refers to me as their “gentle giant.” Well, I am kind of large – more than 5′ tall at the shoulder. And I am gentle with the people who need me and the people who take care of me (although I would caution you to keep your toes out of the way of my big feet).
I was born in 2004 and have done a lot in my life, but my favorite and most fulfilling work has been in my time here at Dream Riders. I just love giving someone a snuggle and making their day happier.
I am an expert at opening doors and latches, which has earned me another nickname –
“escape artist”. And forgive me for bragging, but I seem to be a favorite for photo ops.
Peanut
My name is Peanut. I guess I got my name because someone thought I was the color of a peanut. My friends at Dream Riders call me their golden boy, and I must say that my coat glows like a gold coin. No peanut could say that!
I personally think I am the most talented horse at Dream Riders. I can pull a cart, carry a beginner rider, or safely carry a rider with strength and stability issues. I don’t mind having side walkers who bump my sides, because we are doing important work.
My breed is Haflinger. We are sturdy little animals who are built for work. Technically, I am a pony, although I would challenge just about any horse to a pulling contest. Sometimes, I can be a little pushy, especially if I think it is time to eat (which is my favorite thing to do).
But, hey, I am so gorgeous that all is quickly forgiven!
Dream Riders has been my home for many years and I plan to keep on helping others for many more. Thank you for joining us in our mission to serve those in this community with social, behavioral, and physical challenges.
Pixie
Hi – My name is Pixie. I am a Welsh pony who lives at Dream Riders of Kentucky in Philpot where I help people who struggle with learning, confidence, behaviors, physical strength, and coordination. Who would ever have thought that a little horse like me could make such a difference in people’s lives?
I came to Dream Riders in 2020 with my friend Tom and we have made a lot of new friends here in Kentucky. I love when the volunteers here at Dream Riders groom me and scratch all of my itchies. And I REALLY love baths – ahhhh!
I was born in 2013, that means that I am in the prime of my life. I enjoy my work, so I plan on staying at Dream Riders for a very long time. Dolly and I love going out to the community to meet the fine people in and around Daviess County and to teach them all about us!
Star
I’m Star, a Belgian gelding and the biggest boy in the herd — but don’t let all this size fool you! Underneath my giant frame is a soft-hearted goofball with a curious mind, a friendly face, and just enough mischief to keep everyone on their toes!
I like to think of myself as the official barn inspector, which means fences, troughs, feeders, hay bales, my toys, and basically anything within reach of my hooves or lips may need a little “quality control.” My humans say they have to keep a close eye on me, but honestly, I’m just very committed to my work.
When it’s time for class, though, I know how to get serious. I love meeting new people, building relationships with my riders, and showing everyone that big horses can have even bigger hearts. I work especially well with our adult participants and serve as a trusted partner for clients in our Behavioral Health program.
With my steady presence, patient nature, and kind eyes, I do my best to help riders feel comforted, confident, and connected — even if I might “adjust” a fence rail on my break.
Oh, one more fun fact… I was in a Super Bowl commercial!
Stella
No – it is not your imagination – my eyes don’t match! My name is Stella, and having differently colored eyes is not all that uncommon amongst pinto-colored horses. And if you look really closely, my skin is different colors, too. Pink under the white hair and black under the brown hair. Because of my unique coloring, the horse care team at Dream Riders must take extra special care of me. I wear a special kind of fly mask that prevents UV rays from damaging my beautiful blue eye. And I frequently must wear sunscreen on my pink nose because I sunburn. Oh well, I am worth the extra trouble!
I am part of Katie’s herd, and my role in the herd is to be a sort of sentry. I alert the others to possible danger, and my lead mare, Katie, decides whether or not to take action. After all, the dog trotting up the road just might be a wolf! My herd mates are great, but my best friends are my human buddies (they give such good hugs and scratches). I like to make goofy faces when I get tummy scratches and that makes everyone laugh. And I love, love, love children!
Some days, when the weather is beautiful, I run like the wind out in my pasture. It just feels GOOD to run even if my herd-mates don’t feel like playing.
Human society is a lot like horse herd behavior. We all have our unique role to play, and we support each other for the good of the whole herd. Our participants can learn a lot by watching us interact with each other.
Tom
Life can certainly change for the better sometimes. After being abandoned several years ago, some kind people took me in and brought me back to health. Later, my friend Pixie and I found ourselves in a new home at Dream Riders of Kentucky, where we had a new purpose in life – helping others.
My name is Tom, and I am a twenty-something-year-old Thoroughbred. I have had the privilege of helping my human friends to gain confidence and physical strength. I get to help children learn self-regulation and even learn how to follow directions step by step. I can tell when you are having a sad day, and I can give you a snuggle and make it better!
Because I am older, I do require a little extra care, but my caregivers at Dream Riders think I am worth it. Yes, I have known some hard times – as evidenced by the scars on my withers from an ill-fitting saddle. And now I get love letters taped to my stall door!
Ahh – life has certainly turned out for the better!