Your Horses
Get to know the stars: Your talented, beautiful, and extraordinary herd of horses. We are so lucky these very special horses call LifeStriders their home.
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Almar
Almar was born in 1992. He is an Icelandic Gelding. Almar came to LifeStriders in June of 2013 and warmed everyone’s hearts very quickly. He is smart, kind, and very patient. Prior to Almar’s career as a therapy horse, he lived as the companion of a teenage girl and braved the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where he encountered bears and all kinds of other challenges. Almar likes being scratched on his neck and shoulders and will use his nose to point to his itchy spots, gently reminding you to continue scratching him. Almar's mane and forelock is a constant subject around the barn. What (or who) does it remind you of today? LifeStriders also appreciates Daniela Gronna for the special care that she provides Almar throughout the year. Thank you Daniela! |
SPONSOR ALMAR
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Alterra Alterra was born in 2000. She is a Paint Mare. Alterra came to LifeStriders in July of 2013. Before Alterra came to LifeStriders, she was trained for English riding, and had done some showing with her owner and her owner’s son when he was young as well. Alterra had even done some cart work for the Amish before that at, a very young age. Alterra is a very gentle and sweet mare with wonderful ground manners and is wooing many people with her big soft brown eyes. Alterra has a great size and is very responsive to the rider’s cues, building confidence for her riders in their abilities, and making her very versatile for many different riders. Alterra tries very hard to please her handlers and is very patient. Alterra is best friends with Jazzy, makes expert begging faces for her treats, and you might find her resting her chin on the arena fence when waiting for her rider. |
SPONSOR ALTERRA
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Jazzy
Jazzy was born in 1998. He is a Pinto Pony Gelding. Jazzy came to LifeStriders in July of 2013. Before Jazzy came to LifeStriders, he was a family's pony, providing therapy for their two boys, and had done Hippotherapy before that. His size is perfect for riders that need a lot of assistance, as well as for riders that do position changes. Jazzy is very sweet, tolerant, has goals, and a mission in life that he takes seriously. Jazzy loves grass and his lady friend Alterra. Thank you to the Grob Family for your sponsorship of Jazzy! |
SPONSOR JAZZY
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Stormy Stormy is a chestnut Quarter/Arab. He was born in 1999 on a stormy night in, and that is how he got his name. Prior to Stormy coming to LifeStriders, he was used for speed events. Stormy is a very inquisitive and friendly boy and loves his treats. With his diamond shaped eyes he looks like he is always surprised. He is very responsive to his riders needs and does very well with experienced riders offering them a challenge, yet can be low key and patient with the newer riders as well. He loves all of the attention everyone gives him and is always looking to make new friends. |
SPONSOR STORMY
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Julep
Julep was born in 1997. She is a Bay Friesian Sport horse mare. Julep came to LifeStriders in February of 2014. Contrary to popular belief, no, Julep is NOT pregnant, she just likes her food very much. Prior to her career as a therapy horse, Julep did a little bit of everything. She jumped, did dressage, trail riding, pleasure driving, and even marched in a few parades. Julep’s owner bought her from a breeder when she was only 18 months old, so LifeStriders is only Julep’s third home, which is quite uncommon for a horse of her age. Julep’s slow and steady gait, even temperament, and gentle spirit have been a great addition to the program. Julep likes to go trail riding, take things at a leisurely pace, and loves to be scratched under her mane. |
SPONSOR JULEP
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Macinac
aka Mac was born in 1994, he is a chestnut Thoroughbred Hanoverian gelding. Mac came to the farm in November of 2013. Mac has been a delight to have in the program, he has as much personality as the arena can hold, and never fails to bring smiles and laughter to the whole class with his boyish games, and inquisitive mind. Mac used to do show jumping and Eventing, and even showed here at the LifeStriders facility back when it was Harmony farms. Mac’s gait provides a higher level of input for his riders, and his forward stride fosters increased range of motion throughout his rider’s hips, a valuable asset for some of the riders who need it. Mac likes to keep busy, so whether it’s going for a ride in the field, hamming it up in the classes, or doing the “flamingo” holding his front leg up waiting for his treats, Mac’s mind is always at work. Thank you to Samia El-Meanawy for bringing Mac to the LifeStriders program. Her generous love and support made sure that Mac could stay at LifeStriders to continue making a difference in our riders’ lives. Thank you Cheri Shipman Wood your monthly support of Mac! |
SPONSOR MAC
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Gunner
Gunner was born in 2004. He is a Norwegian Fjord Gelding. Gunner came to LifeStriders in March of 2019. Prior to his career as a therapy horse, he lived on a small family farm with his best friend Marcus. Gunner’s curious nature and gentle demeanor make him a very dependable therapy horse and the perfect partner for riders looking to grow their confidence. Gunner is extremely affectionate and is always adored by everyone he meets, especially by all of the young girls who fawn over his handsome hairdo. Gunner enjoys spending time with his buddies, going for leisurely rides around the farm, and loves any and every form of attention. Thank you Linda and Sue for your sponsorship of Gunner! |
SPONSOR GUNNER
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Marcus
Marcus was born in 1988. He is a Haflinger Gelding. Marcus came to LifeStriders in July of 2019. Prior to his career as a therapy horse, he lived on a small family farm with his best friend Gunner. Marcus is very confident and brave. He loves to embark on long trail ride adventures and has exceptional energy, stamina, and strength that allow him to keep pace with larger and younger horses while carrying an adult rider. Marcus also enjoys pulling carts and has done so down roads, across fields, through trails, and even at Old World Wisconsin. Marcus’s slow walk and steady gait have helped countless new riders achieve independence. Marcus loves attention, enjoys being groomed, and will always relish food of every kind. |
SPONSOR MARCUS
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Emma
Emma is a Black Percheron mare. Veterinarians estimate Emma to have been born between 1996 and 2001, but we can't say for certain exactly how old she is. Emma came to LifeStriders in 2021, and her gentle demeanor and sweet personality charmed everyone. Emma was a cart horse from Chicago until 2020 when she retired and came home to Wisconsin. Emma's owner reached out to LifeStriders thinking she would be a good match for the program and what a gift she has been. From the busy streets of Chicago to the fulfilling job as a therapy horse, Emma touches the lives of every person she encounters. Emma is really quiet and gentle, and her slower movements make her a dependable partner for clients that require more stability in their session. Emma loves her friend Koda along with the rest of her friends in the paddock. Emma is incredibly sweet and loves to take things at her own pace. |
SPONSOR EMMA
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Slick
Slick is a paint gelding who was born in 2003. Slick joined the LifeStriders team in 2021 and immediately charmed his way into his herd and the program. Slick is incredibly gentle, eager to please, and as patient as they come. Prior to Slicks career at LifeStriders, he did ranch sorting, trails, and kid’s camps, giving him the perfect background and broad experiences to prepare him for his life as a therapy horse. His gentle and quiet nature makes him a first pick for ground work activities and Slick adores any time spent with his people. Slick’s calm demeanor easily influences those around him and all you need is a moment to find peace and connection near him. Slick loves every member of his herd and his inviting personality makes him everyone’s best friend. Although Slick has never had a treat he didn’t love, he truly lives for connecting with the two and four legged companions around him. |
SPONSOR SLICK
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Piper
Piper was born in 1999 and is a pinto Shetland Pony. Don’t be fooled by his size, Pipers personality is larger than life and any new horse he meets will quickly be informed that size does not dictate hierarchy in the pasture. Piper loves attention and nickers to people passing by his paddock hoping they are there just for him. His strong marching movement provides loads of input, helping to build a strong core in his riders, and his small stature makes him the perfect fit for many situations at LifeStriders. Piper is always seeing if he can sneak under the radar of his herd mates to share their food, and his persistence often leads to success. Piper loves to stretch his legs and romp when he can, and may be LifeStriders’ most skilled herd member when it comes to keeping track of the clock, according to his tummy. |
SPONSOR PIPER
LIFESTRIDERS LEGENDS
Gone but not forgotten, and in our hearts forever.
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Champion
Champion was a Red Roan Missouri Fox Trotter gelding who was born in 1996. Champion came to LifeStriders in May of 2014 along with Buck. Champion was used primarily for trail riding before he came to LifeStriders. Champion was never in a hurry, and liked to stay involved with his riders and sidewalkers, turning around frequently to say hi and see if, just maybe, something had changed in the treat status from the last time he checked in. This handsome fellow’s puppy dog expressions and big pink lips had us wrapped around his hoof since day one. Champion’s best friends were Buck and Scout, and they were frequently found grooming each other in the pasture. Champion was at first a little finicky regarding his treats, but his horizons were always expanding and he enjoyed almost all the treats that his riders brought him. However, classic carrots and apple nuggets always remained his favorite. Champion was laid to rest on June 8, 2024, at 28 years of age. Over the 10 years that we were blessed to know him, Champion was the most dependable, steady, giving, and trustworthy friend to all at LifeStriders. His faithfulness has changed the lives of many, and we are forever grateful for the opportunity to have known this incredible horse. Champion's steady gait has helped to build confidence in those he worked with, and helped to stabilize participants as they gained the strength to sit on top of a horse. He blessed us all with his abundant personality and gentle soul. Champions expectant nicker, love for the trails, and love for his herd are going to be missed more than words can express. We have been honored to trust in such a being, and he truly was the truest of champions to us all. Thank you Katie and the entire Lemmenes family for sharing this once in a lifetime horse with LifeStriders. What an honor and a gift he has been to love! Champion will be greatly missed and will be treasured by the hearts and minds of those that he helped at LifeStriders forever. Let those hooves fly over all the trails you want, soak up the sun on the softest of pastures, and love your grooming sessions with Buck and Scout now dearest boy. We will miss you so Champion, until we all meet again... |
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JJ
JJ was born in 1993 and is a Tennessee Walker gelding. He came to LifeStriders in February of 2016. Prior to his career as a therapy horse, JJ lived adjacent to LifeStriders at the farm next door. Throughout his life, JJ traveled to neighboring states, planting birds for hunting dog field trials with his owner. He loved to be out in the field for both a pleasure ride and a reposeful daytime snack. JJ was an extremely sweet and calm horse. He was also a gaited horse, meaning that he provided his riders with a very smooth ride. JJ was 30 years old when he passed and has charmed the hearts and changed the lives of many in the 7 years that we were blessed to work alongside of him. JJ was a sweet and quiet soul, and while he tended to be a loner in the pasture, he enjoyed his time with his humans and soaked up the love from countless volunteers and from his owners Emma and Anna. We were honored to watch JJ gain confidence so late in life, and treasured every minute with his very special and kind heart. Special thank you to Jeff and Kari for sharing such a dear horse with LifeStriders so long ago. JJ will be greatly missed and will be in the hearts and minds of those that he helped at LifeStriders forever. Enjoy your own private stall grooming time, extra large dinners, friends that you love, and endless green pastures JJ. We will miss you dearly until we all meet again... |
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Xena Xena was born in 1995. She was a Dutch Warmblood/Appendix Quarter horse Mare. Xena came to LifeStriders in September of 2011. Xena was born in Florida, and was shown as a hunter jumper. She came to Wisconsin in 2001, and was trained in Dressage up to 2nd level. Her owner purchased Xena at 8 years old, and did both show and pleasure riding with her. Xena was by far the self-proclaimed “Duchess of LifeStriders.” Xena was sensitive and responsive to cues, yet patient and solid when you needed her to be. Xena’s size, gait, and capabilities made her a great horse for riders who wanted to progress their skills. Xena bonded with her riders and helped them to accomplish great things while she carried them toward their goals. Xena loved being the center of attention and being reminded frequently of how special she was. Xena had an incredible way of making her people know how special they were to her. Her riders were the light of her world, and her patience and love were endless for them. Xena's skills taught countless people how to become aware of themselves, of others emotions and needs, and to become truly gentle! Xena's wisdom and heart were a sight to behold and we have been honored to work alongside of her. Xena loved her peppermints and kisses, she loved tailing her buddies and ripping around the pastures, and she loved her people! Xena was laid to rest on November 11, 2022, at 28 years of age. Xena will be greatly missed and will be in the hearts and minds of those that she helped at LifeStriders forever. Enjoy ruling your endless pastures and running with your buddies again Xena. We will miss you dearly - until we all meet again... |
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Maggie
Maggie was born in 1994 and was shown in western pleasure. Maggie was owned by just one owner for her entire life up until she came to LifeStriders in September of 2014, and the love that she had in her life was apparent. Maggie was extremely gentle and sweet, especially with little children. Maggie's forward gaits and tolerant demeanor made her a versatile horse for many riders. Her exceptionally smooth canter allowed our new riders the ability to experience a gait that is not always so easily accessible. Maggie liked trail riding, splashing in puddles, and being scratched under her mane. She also loved interacting with people so much that she would follow her persons around, turn, stop, and walk wherever they went. Maggie was laid to rest on September 16, 2022, at 28 years of age. Maggie has touched the hearts of many in the 8 years that she shared with us. Maggie adored children, bringing her head down to the height of the littlest, carefully following them wherever they wanted to take her on lead. Her heart was one in a million, sweet and gentle, faithfully and carefully taking care of her riders. Maggie loved to be groomed, enjoyed laying in the sun, and really really loved Buck! Maggie will be greatly missed and will be in the hearts and minds of those that she helped at LifeStriders forever. Enjoy your sun bathing sessions and endless pastures as you roam with your buddies now. We will miss you Maggie. Until we all meet again... |
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Scout Scout was born in 1986. He is a Shetland Pony Gelding. Scout came to LifeStriders with Jazzy in July of 2013. Before Scout came to LifeStriders he was a family's pony, providing therapy to their two boys, he did Hippotherapy before that, AND then, before THAT, Scout even did Pony rides at the Wisconsin State Fair. Scout has touched many children’s lives beyond what we can imagine. Scout was small in stature, but big in personality and heart! His size, other than making him one of the CUTEST horses at LifeStriders, made him unique and perfect for riders that need extra help, and our tiny tot riders that might be scared to get up so high on a horse. He was gentle and tolerant, curious, and loved attention, his friend Jazzy, and food. Scout was laid to rest on November 22, 2021, at 35 years of age. In the 8 years Scout shared with us, his small size and gigantic heart have changed countless lives. Scout's size and gentle demeanor helped children and adults who were intimidated by the larger ponies and horses, to become acquainted and comfortable with horses. He helped people to build confidence in those that stood next to him, and strength to those upon his back. Scout was always eager to greet a new face and just as hopeful that they came bearing treats, whether he was greeting people at the fence line, or nickering to those that passed in front of his stall. He loved kicking up his heels in the pasture and loved his herd mates. He also loved his dinnertime, enough to see if he could walk out the gate under your radar with every herd mate that left his pasture, hoping each time his gate opened it meant time to come in for a meal. Run and romp in your green pastures now Scout, and know that you will always hold a special place in our hearts. We will miss you dearly until we all meet again. |
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Buck
Buck was born in 1990. He was a Buckskin gelding who came to LifeStriders along with Champion. Buck used to do 4-H with his owner Katie, and although he primarily did speed classes. His laid back attitude was prominent then as all the other 4-H kids would holler at Katie it was time to wake Buck up because it was his turn to go again. Buck must have had a history of working cattle because his owner said that when he saw a cow he reverted to his old herding ways. Buck had a brand on his right hip, which made his markings a little more unique and a little more rugged cowboy too. Buck’s short stature made him easily accessible for side walkers while his solid frame provided a stable base for riders who may have decreased balance. Buck was a contender for main mares man of the pasture. Buck loved going on quiet trail rides, but still enjoyed letting loose for a good speed run too. Buck was laid to rest on December 20th, 2020 at the age of 30. Buck will be greatly missed and will be in the hearts and minds of those that he helped at LifeStriders forever. Enjoy your naps and endless apples bud as you soak up the sun in your new lush green pastures. We will miss you dearly Buck. Until we all meet again... |
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Elliot
Elliot was born in 1993. He was a Thoroughbred Gelding. Elliot came to LifeStriders in May of 2012. He was one of the tallest horses here at LifeStriders. Elliot was absolutely a gentle giant. He was very kind, very patient, and very mild mannered. Elliot had smooth gaits that made it easier for new riders to learn to sit and post the trot, as well as develop confidence in their seats. Elliot's size and sweet temperament made him one of the most in-demand horses here at LifeStriders. Elliot loved human affection, and would always remind you to pay attention to him with a gentle, playful nudge. Elliot liked to be brushed, hand grazed, and always enjoys being the center of attention. Elliot was laid to rest on March 20, 2019 at the age of 26. He will be sorely missed and will be in the hearts and minds of those that he helped at LifeStriders forever. Soak up the sun in your never ending lush green pastures Elliot. We will miss you dearly until we all meet again! |
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Red
Red was born in 1991. He was an Appendix Quarter Horse gelding. Red came to LifeStriders in December of 2011. Red used to be a Polo pony and still loved to keep moving. Red had a very special movement that helped many of our riders with special needs. In the summer time Red's coat glistened and gleamed in the most beautiful colors. Red liked his forehead rubbed and was a ladies’ man in the pastures. Red, at the age of 26 passed on, but still lives in the memory of many here at LifeStriders. Enjoy dancing in your green pastures Red, and know you are loved and missed at LifeStriders. Your hoofprint made an impact on many hearts. |
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Cody
Cody was born between the years of 1982-1984. He was a Pony of America Appaloosa Gelding. Cody came to LifeStriders in 2007 and had been an amazing therapy riding horse for countless people. Cody was retired at LifeStriders, but the lives that Cody touched and continued to touch even in retirement, left us speechless with gratitude towards him. Cody had an amazing career and life here at LifeStriders. "Cody" had even been the very first words out of children's lips. His great height, width, and temperament allowed him to be very versatile for many different riders, from tiny tots and position changes to riders working on their riding skills. Cody was always very keen on what his riders needs were and was quick to adapt himself to their learning style. He was patient when needed, but was ready to go when asked. Cody liked walking himself to his own stall and getting greeted and groomed by his faithful loving fans. He was not fond of certain treats, but definitely loved his carrots. Cody also enjoyed taking frequent naps with his buddies in the pasture soaking up the warm rays of sun. Cody at age 32 was laid to rest on December 10th, 2015 with the morning sun shining on him in the grass pasture that he loved, and surrounded by people that loved him. Cody will be sadly missed, and will be in the hearts and minds of those that he helped at LifeStriders forever. Run, romp and squeal through your green pastures now Cody, and say hello to some others we miss up there. Know that we love you so much, and we will miss you until we meet again. |
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Jesse
Jesse was born in 1993. He was an Appaloosa Gelding. Jesse came to LifeStriders in September of 2006. He was the fourth horse ever to join LifeStriders. Jesse was donated to LifeStriders by Eric Henning. Before Jesse came to LifeStriders he was trained in both Western and Dressage, but didn't really like the competitive thing. Jesse was very sweet and so dependable, earning him the nick name of “St. Jesse.” Jesse loved to be the center of human attention and would position himself between two people conversing just to make sure, one, if not both, were petting him. Jesse was the gentlest of souls. With his kind and patient ways he instilled trust and confidence in the meek, and taught more people than we could ever count how to interact with horses not just under saddle but on the ground also. Jesse loved his job and gave his whole heart to LifeStriders. For that we are eternally grateful! Jesse passed away on March 30, 2014 and he will always be sorely missed. Run and romp through your green pastures now Jesse, but know that we love you so much, and we will miss you until we meet again. |
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Vinur
Vinur was born in 1989. He was an Icelandic Gelding. Vinur came to LifeStriders in March of 2012. Vinur's name meant "Friend" in Icelandic, and a friend to many he was. He was small but sturdy in build, his height was perfect for riders that needed a lot of assistance, and wonderful for riders who needed to do a lot of position changes. Vinur had an impeccable work ethic and was trustworthy and dependable. Vinur was quiet and patient, but still loved to let loose and really go. He LOVED his grass, giving his leaders a good arm work out in the fields when grass was abundant. He was often seen with an artsy updo in his mane and forelock. Vinur was 24 years old when he passed on October 19, 2013, and he managed to touch more lives in those 24 years than we could ever imagine. Vinur loved his job, and gave his whole heart to LifeStriders, and we will always be so thankful for that! We would like to thank Barb Riva for letting Vinur share his talents and charms with LifeStriders, and want her to know how blessed and lucky we feel to have had Vinur in the program. Vinur will be forever missed. Enjoy your never ending lush green pastures now Vinur. We will always love and miss you, until we all meet again. |
