About
Banjo was my first therapy horse, in fact the first horse that I have ever owned despite pestering my parents constantly for a pony when I was a young girl. About one year later I was offered Zen, how could I resist this majestic Appaloosa with the eyes of an old soul? They became my team, each having very different personalities and each relating to clients in different ways.
Now I have a herd of four, with the addition of Jack in 2022, a dark Appaloosa, a little smaller than the other two, and in January 2024 Zeke the pony completed the herd. All four are well suited to this work, love interactions with humans and are very gentle with children.
Meet the herd
Banjo
Banjo is a 13 year old 15hand Standardbred horse, so he was bred for harness racing, but according to his freeze brand has never raced. He was probably a little slow, as he likes move in his own time :)
He has big boundaries, but doesn't always respect others, he is playful and cheeky, whenever anything is pushed over in the paddock I know that he's been up to his tricks. I have found Banjo to be particularly responsive to males, he is the Yang energy of the herd.
He is happy to take second or third place in the herd order, accepting that Zen is his boss, happy to be a follower and not wanting to be a leader.
Zen
Zen is a 22 year old 15 hand Appaloosa
(he hides his spots in winter but they stand out in summer!). He is a born leader, he is strong and assertive, but also sensitive, gentle and loving. He has the Yin energy of the herd. I couldn't resist taking in this boy who wasn't suited to his previous owners' needs, and had already been through many owners and deemed unsuitable as he wasn't able to be ridden. He even ended up in the doggers yard at one stage! He has a huge heart and huge personality, is an excellent therapy partner being very patient and sensitive to the needs of clients.
Jack
Jack is an 18 year old 14 hand black Appaloosa.
He is respectful of others, but quietly assertive to get his needs met, he has strong boundaries, but is also respectful of those of others. He takes time to gauge a situation before he comes in to meet people, and is very gentle in his approach. He has become best buddies with Banjo and they can usually be found grazing together or standing in the dam cooling off on a hot day.
​
ZEKE
Zeke is the latest and final addition to the team. I have been looking for a pony for quite a while and when I saw him needing for a new home I knew he was the one!
He's a 17 year old Welsh/Shetland cross with a beautiful friendly nature, loves cuddles and pampering, but can hold his own with the big boys because he doesn't see himself as a small pony!
Indie
Indie is a recent addition to the team. She is a Labrador/Kelpie cross who has a beautiful friendly and playful nature. She is in training to be part of the therapy team and loves to be around people and horses. She loves to swim in the dam, tries to herd the horses and will chase balls tirelessly.
