A horse that works in hippotherapy must be a sound, hard working, and a tolerant horse. Because they carry unbalance and physically challenged riders, they have to be able to use their backs well, bend and come into the bit. They have to have a consistent rhythm to their stride and they cannot be "off" or unsound because it will impact the quality of the movement provided to the rider during therapy. We have three horse professionals who ride, train and care for our horses all year round. All of the horses have training goals. They are also constantly being professionally desensitized to toys, funny sounds, and new objects.

We work hard to make sure the horses also have play time. We keep track of how many times each horse is used in a week, and each horse has a limit on number of sessions they can be available for therapy. Additionally, each horse has a weight limit for riders. The horses also get regular massages and chiropractic care as needed.

The horses used in Friendship or Teen Connection groups or individual and family sessions are sensitive and highly "reflective" horses, and they love to get lots of attention during the games and activities they participate in while working. These horses tend to think that open and honest interaction coupled with play is the best way to learn everything.

Our horses are excellent communicators and we have become better listeners and horse leaders through using the techniques of natural horsemanship as defined by the renowned trainer Pat Parelli. Pat has identified 7 games that horses use to work out their herd dynamics and build relationships within their herds. Using these horse training and communication techniques builds positive relationships with the horse and provides a wealth of material for metaphors in human living too.

See more horse photos in the gallery...

Forrest - I am a Thoroughbred and one of the tallest horses at BPS. Before I came here I was a show jumper and competed in dressage. I still do both in my spare time but therapy is my new career. I am a bay (dark brown with a black mane and tail).	[Top of Page]
Diamond - I am an Appaloosa. I'm a reddish chestnut color with white spots all over! I love to play with my pasture mates and I love kids! When I'm not in sessions, I do dressage, a little jumping and I love being ridden outside.	[Top of Page]
Midnight - I am a Morgan. I am all black with a little star on my forehead and a white sock on my hind right leg. I have a playful attitude towards life. When I'm not doing therapy I love to go fast! Poles and Barrels are my favorite.	[Top of Page]
Mike - I am a Haflinger. I am doing great in therapy sessions and long lining. I look just like my brother Ike, but I have a little white spot on my hip. My brother Ike and I used to drive as a team.	[Top of Page]
Ike - I am a Haflinger, I came here from the Amish with my brother Mike. I am doing great in therapy, I can be lead or long lined. I'm known for being a tough worker, I can pull my own weight! When I'm not in sessions, I do dressage and just started jumping.	[Top of Page]
Chaves - I am the smallest of all the Haflingers but I've got the biggest heart. I love being ridden, especially going fast! I'm also one of the best driving horses on the farm.	[Top of Page]
Marcus - I am a Haflinger. My mom is Lili, I was born here at BPS. I've just started in therapy session, and am doing awesome! I was born to do therapy! I love attention and am always looking for more friends.	[Top of Page]
Lili - I am the only girl Haflinger. I love to do therapy sessions and driving. I am chestnut colored with a flaxen mane. I am so cool I wear shades!( Lili has an eye condition called head shakers which makes her sensitive to light so sometimes she wears a a fly mask to protect her eyes.)	[Top of Page]
Nikki - I am a Rocky Mountain horse. In addition to being a therapy horse I'm also a Mom. My daughters are Hannah and Zella Ray. I am a gaited horse, that means I don't trot. I am a very smooth ride!	[Top of Page]
Hannah - I am a Rocky Mountain Horse. I've just started working in therapy and am doing great!!! My mom is Nikki and my sister is Zella Ray. I love playing with everyone and admit it I am irresistibly cute.	[Top of Page]
Zella Ray - I am a Rocky Mountain Horse and I've just started school!! I am learning how to wear a saddle and carry a rider. My mom is Nikki and my sister is Hannah. My best friend is Savannah.	[Top of Page]
Sabrena - I am the matriarch of the barn. I am a Morgan horse. I'm a tough chick, but also sweet and caring. I love kids, especially ones with apples.	[Top of Page]
Grayce - I am an appendix horse that means half Quarter Horse, half Thoroughbred. My daughter is Savannah. Before becoming a therapy horse I competed in Western Pleasure and won several ribbons in conformation classes.	[Top of Page]
Savannah - I am the "baby" of the barn. My mom is Grayce and my Dad is a big Trakehner. My best friends are Hannah and Zella Ray! I just started school and am learning how to wear a saddle and bridle!	[Top of Page]
Royal and Blackfoot - We are the Donkies and we love food!!! (the dark one is royal and the light one is Blackfoot) We love to do grooming sessions with the kids!	[Top of Page]
Zeus - I am an old Paso Fino. My owner Rebecca is really cool. I am not used in sessions, I am retired. My owner said you can give me treats!	[Top of Page]
Kit Kat - Hi my name is Kit Kat. I am a boarder and my Mommy's name is Molly. I am not in sessions, but I love to put my head out of the stall and watch what is going on. I look a lot like my new friend Grayce so remember I have a wider blaze.	[Top of Page]

Come and meet our herd!