Ayla
Alya is a beautiful Haflinger Pony cross, with all the intelligence that breed characterizes. She adores children, and can often be found with young rider on her back or schooling our volunteers.
DtsaraDtsara is an Arabian, who arrived here with her half-sister, Pliska, and her son, Zeus, when their pasture was threatened from the Black Forest Fire, in 2013. She and her sister are inseparable and you can always look for them side-by-side eating hay or out in pasture. She adapts well to new situations, and is always ready to learn.
LolaLola has been with us after her barn burned down. She’s a sensitive Appaloosa lady, and likes to be asked gently to be groomed and have her feet cleaned. She is the defender of both Ayla and Stormy, and will not put up with any bullying on either.
StormyStormy was a therapeutic donkey before retiring to HDR. She is a gentle lady and will quietly walk beside you wherever you want to go, without a halter and lead.
HollywoodHollywood is a favorite among HDR staff and volunteers. This Solid Paint-Bred beauty has a beautiful heart too, and is our go-to horse for riders of all ages. Always up for a nuzzle, Hollywood loves to be loved on, and will cross the pen if you call her.
Dutch
Luna
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GryphonGryphon came to HDR for a short visit, but ended up staying after his owner decided that we were the best place for him. OTTB, he is the lead gelding of his herd, and a consummate gentleman about all of his duties. Gryphon has a lot to give to anybody who listens.
Gracie
Gracie is one of HDR’s four Morgans and Roxie’s second in command. Lovingly referred to by staff, as the “Big Orange Pumpkin,” because of her solid chestnut color, she’s our number one teacher of boundaries for new volunteers. She's also quite musical and likes to hum during walks and rides.
JewelJewel came to HDR with a troubling past, but brought with her a healing nature and a need for human touch. A 16 yr. old Thoroughbred, she reminds us all what Happy Dog Ranch is all about, and why we’re here.
KiwiKiwi is another member of the HDR Morgan society. This suave gelding can always be found by the side of one of our lovely ladies, especially Sheba or Sandi, making them feel extra special. Kiwi is John's horse of choice, and they travel all over the state to attend trail rides and other events.
Sedona
Sedona is our big red love bug. A Thoroughbred/Lusitano mix and just recently decided that she was tired of living the single's life, unhooked her run's gate, and joined Comet's herd. With training by Gray, she is becoming a confident and graceful pleasure horse.
Champ
Red
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CometComet, a "young" retiree from a local dude ranch, made his way to HDR, where he not only leads our largest herd, but also is considered the top gelding when all three herds are in pasture together. Comet is always craving a good bottom scratch, and staff and volunteers are always willing to accomodate.
IndyIndy is an Arabian mare, who is HDR's cover horse. If there’s a picture, Indy is in it – looking perfect every time. Her sweet nature makes her best horse to introduce eager, but green volunteers the basics of grooming. She enjoys a game of hide-and-seek during the summer months, and can usually be found behind the barn, cooling off.
Jackson
Jackson is an inquisitive Morgan gelding, who always wants to lend a hoof when there’s mucking to be done. A true helper-horse, “Jack” is always giving encouragement, and expecting a little love in return. He’s also a favorite of our visiting clinic students, and has a fan club overseas.
Jasmine
Jasmine is a petite Quarter Horse and former cutting horse, who has become a surrogate mom to a much larger young boarder, Arwen ( a Draft-Appaloosa mix) here at HDR. Her strong mothering skills keep the youngster in line, as well as the rest of the herd. "Though she be but little, she is fierce" is a quote that comes to mind, but don't let that fool you - she's a sweetheart to groom and a peaceful companion to share a quiet moment with.
KibweziKibwezi might be our most playful “youngster.” An Arabian gelding, he is always looking for someone to race with, and can usually be found harassing one of the older geldings into a game of chase.
WindtalkerWindtalker came to us tired of the show ring, and ready for the Happy Dog way of life. A TB/Warmblood mix, he told us early on that he would welcome a mare in Mick’s all gelding herd, and finally found love when Rain chose to be a part of it.
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LilLil, a Mangalarga, arrived here with Gray. Though she likes to hang out with Hollywood, Roxie, and Gracie, she also likes some quiet time and is often located sunning herself in one of the sheds.
Summer
Summer is a flaxen-haired beauty who has quickly become one of the most requested horses on our volunteer horse assignment roster. And though this feisty, independent lady has a whole chapter about her (as Lily) in Mark Rashid's newest offering Finding the Missing Path: The Art of Restarting Horses, fame hasn't affected her in the least. She's down-to-earth, and is always willing to make time for her fans.
Roxie
Roxie is Comet’s lead mare, and he is never far from her side. A flashy liver chestnut Morgan, Roxie is a favorite of our riders, who all note her smooth trot, which is especially nice to middle-aged backsides.
FriscoFrisco came to us as a yearling, and can always be found in the middle of herd happenings, whether it’s playing chase or bitey games, with our older horses. He is also quite “neigh-borly,” and likes to hang out with his buddies in Gryphon’s herd.
MickMick was a clinic training horse who was retired early because of an injury. A buckskin QH, we often find Mick and other lead gelding, Comet, with their heads together comparing notes on herd management.
Amigo
Quincy
R J
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IrisIris was bred and born here at the ranch, and is spoiled rotten by the HDR staff and herd. A 6 yr. old Axteca, out of our American Paint, Rain, Iris can be a handful like most horses her age, but she is an eager learner, and spends most days working with Gray under-saddle. We are all looking forward to watching her grow-up the Happy Dog way.
QamarQamar is a handsome Arabian gelding and is really just one of the guys, and when he’s not being trained by Gray, he’s playing the practical jokester on his herd-mates.
FionnFionn was six months old when he arrived here with dam Dinah, with little brother Embarr, soon to be born. Fionn is HDR’s perpetual Gypsy bad boy, who can melt any heart with his beautiful blue eyes, and hipster mustache.
EmbarrEmbarr is one of HDR’s Gypsies and was born here at the ranch in 2010. He and his big brother, Fionn, are inseparable, and keep us hopping with their antics. Can’t find Fionn’s feed bag? Embarr is standing on top of it -- every morning.
Victor
Misty
Rhapsody
2016 yr old Thoroughbred Mare Mac
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ZeusZeus is an Arabian gelding, whose dam, Dtsara is also part of the HD herd. He came to us when his pasture was threatened by the Black Forest Fire. He’s now the perfect pleasure horse, compliments of Gray, and is a favorite of Mark Rashid's clinic attendees.
Quincy
Astrid
Bree
Chiron
Rosa
2003 yr old Quarter Horse Mare came to us along with her pasture pal Misty. Bree and Ayla became fast new herd pals showing her around HDR. Arwen
Draft-Appaloosa mix Mare Lonestar
Pete
Peantu
Townes
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