he horses in our program are very special. They are chosen for their character, disposition and the benefits they can offer our riders. Horses must be calm and patient, well trained and easy to ride. Size is also an important consideration when trying to select horses for RTES. The ideal therapy horse is between 14 and 15.2 hh. Of utmost importance is soundness and good health. The riders in our program look forward to their rides each week and our horses must be ready to work both physically and mentally. They must be able to be happy in their work if they are to be successful “therapists” to our riders.
If you are looking to place a horse you feel would be suitable for our program, please contact us. There are times that we may be looking for an addition to our herd or we may need to replace one of our invaluable partners who may be ready to begin a new life of retirement.
The current team of Equine Therapists
Victor
Victor joined the team in 2008. He is a 16 year old quarter horse gelding with a wonderful personality. Victor was purchased with funds that were generously donated by Ronald McDonald House Charities. Victor has a higher level of training and is suitable for many of our riders who are developing their riding skills.
"IR"
"IR" is a 16 year old throughbred gelding purchased by RTES with the generous assistance of BMO. He is our newest equine therapist and we welcome him to the team.
Copper
Copper is a 10 year old Haflinger gelding. He is incredibly cute, very sweet and no doubt will become a favorite in no time.
Shay
Shay is a 21 year old arabian gelding. He is quiet gentle and a wonderful new addition to our herd.
With our special thanks for their years of service - The RTES Retirees
Dandy - Retired April 4, 2010
Dandy is a 26 year old Appaloosa gelding who worked in our program as an equine therapist for 9 years. He has recently retired to a new home with a well known dressage coach where he will be helping to raise a 6 year old girl and and an 8 year old boy. It's a beautiful farm with lots of equine companions and pasture. Although we will miss him, it is great to see him so happy and we are thrilled that he has a new family who will be able to care for him so well through his senior years.
Ginny Weasley - Retired July 9, 2010
Ginny has moved on to a new home this summer. She will be loved and spoiled by the young girl and her family who have given her a great new home. We will miss you Ginny!
Benjamin or "Ben" - Retired August 2, 2010
Benjamin has retired this summer. In 9 years, he touched many lives and entertained us all with his huge personality, Ben has moved to green pastures in the Fraser Valley where he will enjoy his retirement and the company of his owner who leased him t us for many years.
Harley - Retired October 3, 2010
Harley was with us several years. Donated by Scott Vanjoff, he stole many hearts while he was with us. He has retired back home to the town of Creston where he came from. He has a home as a companion horse and is happy to be back home. We miss him!
Miss Kitty (Missy) - Retired March 29, 2011
Missy retired back to her home in south Surrey. We thank the Stevenson family very much for generously sharing such a wonderful mare with us. We will miss her.
