Joining the Giant Steps herd in January 2020, Beautiful Soul, aka “Souly” came to us from the US Park Police where he patrolled the Presidio, Marin Headlands and Golden Gate Recreation Area. Souly is a Thoroughbred who started life as a racehorse. After he was retired from racing he jumped for a few years before joining the US Park Police. Souly’s diverse history has prepared him for his new career as a therapy horse. He acclimated to life at Giant Steps quickly and is trusting and sweet with everyone he works with. Souly teaches diversity.
Pierre came to Giant Steps from a family with a long history of supporting Giant Steps. His human “grandpa” volunteered with our program when Giant Steps was just turning 10 years old. His owner started volunteering at Giant Steps as soon as she was old enough, and her parents are loyal supporters. When Pierre’s jumping career was coming to an end it was the natural choice for him to become a therapy horse. Luckily, he is perfectly suited for the job. This Selle Francais is an unassuming Frenchman. He loves people and aims to please. Pierre is a true professional. Beautifully trained, he willingly complies with his rider’s instructions, even when they are not quite clear. Just like his human family, Pierre teaches generosity.
Liam is a regal thoroughbred with fine lineage. The distant offspring of Secretariat, Liam began his life as a racehorse. He moved on to become a Three-Day Eventer and was donated to us by Phoebe Campbell who competed with him in that discipline. Like many sport horses, Liam is finding the slower pace of work at Giant Steps to be much to his liking. He takes everything in (long and slow) stride and is honest, dependable, and unflappable. Liam teaches responsibility.
Martin is a Canadian Blue, the type of horse used by the Mounties in Canada. Martin was a bit shy when he got here, but he quickly befriended his neighbor, Scarlet, and has been happily learning the ropes ever since. Martin was a trail horse with Horse N Around in Bodega Bay. As he got older the steep terrain and rocky footing became challenging, so he is enjoying flat work in our fluffy arena. Martin has consistently accepted all the new training that has been introduced to him. He knows to take care of the rider on his back and diligently does his job. Martin teaches a strong work ethic.
Ellie, a Connemara pony, was born in 2005, and joined Giant Steps in 2018. Ellie may be the smallest horse in the barn, but she is strong and very eager to please. She has a background in dressage but she willingly does whatever is asked of her. Ellie loves being groomed, and it can take a while with the thick mane and tail that she has. Her favorite treat is peppermint Tums. Ellie teaches loyalty.
When Buster arrived at Giant Steps, he immediately wanted to make friends with all the humans and horses he encountered. He is a palomino quarter horse who worked as a trail horse in Mendocino for Turbo Property LLC until the steep and rocky terrain became difficult. Buster lived in a herd in his previous life, and he was often the buddy for other horses who were laid up and needed a friend. His calm nature and friendly spirit make him a best friend to both horses and humans. Buster teaches community.
Annabelle is a beautiful gentle giant. A Percheron/thoroughbred cross, Annabelle captures the attention of everyone who sees her. Annabelle was a jumper in her previous life and comes to us as a donation from Debbie and Michael Skinner. Annabelle walked off the trailer upon arrival at Giant Steps and was instantly ready for any kind of class or rider that came her way. She learned to accept a rider from the lift in record time and we have yet to see something she refuses to do. Annabelle teaches acceptance.