Ridin’ High activities and therapies are centered around interaction with our therapy horses. Therapy horses have to be sound, tolerant, people-oriented, healthy, and quiet. They also have to be able to carry ‘unbalanced’ riders and tolerate having sidewalkers and leaders in addition to the rider. The requirements are stringent and only about 1 in 20 horses qualifies for this important job!
All of the horses at Ridin’ High have been through extensive testing and training to ensure that they will be a great fit for our riders. Upon retirement, they are either returned to their owners or placed in carefully selected and screened lifetime homes.
In return for their contribution to the lives of our riders, our horses are extremely well-loved and taken care of at a high level. They receive individualized nutrition plans, healthcare/dental, regular vet/farrier work, MagnaWave Therapy and even massage therapy! When not in use, they spend their days in pastures with their horse friends. As a PATH-recommended ‘best practice,’ we bring variety and interest in the horses’ lives by occasionally taking them on low-key outings, such as trail rides, walking cattle sorting, obstacle courses, or other activities that will provide a mental break for them. Best of all, they are loved and appreciated by the riders, staff, and volunteers. To sponsor or donate a horse, please contact us.
Meet the Herd
Barney
I’m a Percheron draft horse, but please don’t be intimidated by my size. I’m known as the ‘gentle giant’ around here and try hard to live up to that name. I also have a well-earned reputation of being ‘one of the kindest horses ever.’ Truth be told, I’m a tad bit lazy and actually prefer to use as little energy as possible in lessons. However, the Ridin’ High instructors have recently discovered that I’m pretty good at trotting outside on trails…so I think my secret’s out!
Owner: Ridin’ High, Inc.
For 2026 I’ve been sponsored by Karen White and Lisa Rigg –THANKS!
Jackson
I’m a well-loved therapy horse (and pretty much an icon) at Ridin’ High and am happy to help more independent riders gain riding and life skills. I’m also the ‘centerpiece’ for the First Responders and Veterans’ Program. I’ve got a great life here! My owner, Pat, pays for many ‘extras’ for me, including acupuncture, chiropractic work, customized shoeing, all of which keep me happy and comfortable. Thanks to Pat, my sponsor (Stan Coffelt), and the Ridin’ High staff, I’m ‘living the dream.’
Owner: Pat Dooley
For 2026 I’ve been sponsored by Stan Coffelt–THANKS!
Fancy
Believe it or not, I’m a Tennessee Walking Horse who doesn’t gait–I trot. Before coming here, I was used for lessons for children, trail riding, and have even been in a parade or two. I’m on ‘free lease’ from a very generous family, who felt that my skill set and temperament would be great for Ridin’ High riders…and they were right! I’ve been at Ridin’ High for several years now and am a reliable lesson horse.
Owner: Kassandra Sellers
For 2026, I’ve been sponsored by Cindy D. – THANKS!
Star
I’m the perfect size (14:3 hh), breed (Morgan) and build (stocky) to be a therapy horse. I also have quite a bit of advanced training, so am a great fit for more independent riders. I have a forward walk, steady trot, and can also canter and do a little lateral work. My skills give riders a fun riding experience and a chance to advance their skills–which leads to confidence. Of course, I’m a pretty attractive mare, too, if I do say so myself!
Owner: Sarah Brynjulson
For 2025 I’ve been sponsored by Linda Bird – THANKS!
Nellie
Like Star, I’m the perfect size (14:3 hh) and build (stocky) to be a therapy horse. I also have quite a bit of advanced training: I have a forward walk, steady trot, and can also canter and do a little lateral work. I’ve had a lot of natural horsemanship training, so am great for any groundwork activities as well. I’m used for riders who need a leader as well as independent riders who can advance their riding skills.
Owner: Denise Nedelco Galligar
For 2025 I’ve been sponsored by Cindy Brombach – THANKS!
Charm
I’m a Haflinger and the perfect size and build for a therapy horse (I’m also pretty handsome–at least everyone says that!). I’ve been a stellar trail horse for many years and have a lot of ‘natural horsemanship’ training–now I’m a stellar therapy horse as well!
Owner: Denise Nedelco Galligar
For 2025 I’ve been sponsored by Cindy D. –THANKS!
Aztec
I arrived at Ridin’ High in the Fall of 2025 and spent some time settling in before starting my formal training as a therapy horse. I was in a lesson program years ago, but have to get used to all the therapy equipment and busy environment at Ridin’ High. I’m getting the hang of the routine around here and been making great progress in my under saddle work as well. The staff say that I’m a great size (13:2 hands) and build for many riders; plus they can tell I truly want to interact with people. I’ve heard that Ridin’ High has won awards for horse care and so far I give this place 5 stars!
Owner: Ridin’ High
For 2026 I’ve been sponsored by CDCTS – THANKS!
Dream
I’m a 4 year old Haflinger and beautiful (at least that’s what everyone says)! At 14:1 hands, I’m the perfect size and build (chunky) to be a therapy horse. Although I’m young, the professional horse people all agree that I have a good mind for being a therapy horse. Besides looking gorgeous, I’m being used in relationship building/natural horsemanship lessons, some limited riding lessons, and am actively in training by the staff. I’m the youngest horse here, but the training I’m getting – along with my great temperament – is equipping me to be a great member of the herd for many years.
For 2026, I’ve been sponsored by the Jett Family — THANKS!
Woodchuck
I’m a rangy ranch horse who came out of Texas, with a big, goofy personality the size of Texas as well! Frankly, my fun and entertaining approach to life makes me extremely popular with everyone. I’m used for the Veterans program and riding lessons. When I’m not ‘working,’ you can usually find me sparring with my best friend, Jackson. We provide great entertainment and make everyone laugh (which I believe is my horse superpower). I’d also like to point out that a recent survey of Ridin’ High volunteers and riders showed that I was the smartest horse in the barn, too.
Owners: Pat and Cathy Dooley
For 2025 I’ve been sponsored by Robert Moore (RM Farrier Services) – THANKS!
Retired Horses
Zorro
I was used in the program for ‘led’ and independent lesson. Everyone liked my calm manner, training level, and good looks. Unfortunately, I developed some spinal and arthritic issues (suspected kissing spine) that made it hard for me to be happy in lessons–but I am super content and comfortable being a beautiful pasture pet! I’ve been retired to a fantastic home, where I’m spoiled every day. My ‘new’ job will also entail helping Ginger get used to our home — because guess what? We’re being retired together! How cool is that? If you want to check out my new digs, take a look at Long Away Acres Sanctuary, which was set up as a peaceful retirement home for therapy horses.
Ginger
So I just might be one of the most famous therapy horses at Ridin’ High ever! Even though I have a bit of a sassy personality (I prefer to say, “spicy”) when not being ridden, I’m always a true “professional therapy pony” in the arena. I’ve helped literally hundreds of riders through the many years I’ve been at Ridin’ High!
In the Fall of 2023, the staff took me to the eye specialists at UT Vet School where they discovered I’ve lost about 75% of my vision (due to suspected equine recurrent uveitis). You would have never guessed that, because I love my job, kept providing great therapeutic experiences, and never set a hoof wrong. Despite the fact I was great at my job, the staff and board felt it would be best for me to retire with Zorro. I’m hoping to keep the rest of my vision, but if not–I’ll already be familiar with my new place, can follow Zorro around, and keep living my best life! You can check out everything I’m doing at Long Away Acres Sanctuary.
In Memorandum: Nutmeg
Nutmeg was the best therapy horse ever and could absolutely be trusted with any rider. She passed peacefully at Ridin’ High in November 2025. We will miss her forever, but also remember her with great fondness for her HUGE contributions to the lives of so many.
Help Our Horses
To sponsor (or partially sponsor) one of our horses, contact our office by email (ridinhighinc@yahoo.com) or phone (423-585-0331). Horse sponsorships are $1200/year, which includes hay, grain, hoof trimming, routine vet work, and care. Partial sponsorships (for $400, $600, or $800) are also available. We also accept donations of hay, grain, and horse care items. We are looking for horse sponsors! Horses can be sponsored by individuals, businesses, clubs, or organizations. They can also be sponsored anonymously in ‘honor’ or memory of a loved one.
We have also established a ‘veterinarian / medication / supplemental feed’ fund to pay for non-routine costs, such as special medications and treatments to help maintain our horses’ soundness and comfort. For example, some of our horses required special medications, feed, shoeing, and supplements. If you’re interested in donating to this fund, indicate it on your check…for online donations, indicate this fund in your comments. Thanks!
Our horses are extremely important to us and we follow horse industry (and PATH) standards in providing their care. We have earned the “Guardian” status by Equus Foundation for several years in a row, which indicates we follow best practices in caring for our horses. Only a few centers in the southeast have achieved this distinction. Consider joining us to help us continue to provide excellent care for our horses!
