Hi, I’m Gabby! You can usually find me with hay in my hair and dirt (& manure) on my jeans because my life literally revolves around these horses. But to be completely honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Inspiring Strides is a dream of mine that has slowly been becoming a reality since I graduated the Colorado State equine science program in 2018. Thank you for your support, love and interest in my little program. I can’t wait to meet you!

My WHOLE heart! Casino is the most soft and gentle horse in our herd. He will gladly follow you around like a puppy, whether there’s a treat involved or not (but he prefers if there is), thoroughly enjoys teaching groundwork, and loves being ridden bareback. Casino is my first horse and personal mount, he continues to teach me something new every time I ride.

Age: 13 Years

At IS Since: Decmeber 2016

Favorite Snack: Lemonde Strawberries

Status: Resident Intermediate & Advanced Lesson Horse

The other part of my heart, Dandy. Dandy is sassy, spunky, and full of energy. He is Michael’s favorite horse to ride. He absolutely loves discovering new trails, and will often refuse to turn around when he has his sights set on a new route. He doesn’t flinch or think twice about obstacles he comes across on the trail or in the arena, and if you’re nice, he’ll do anything you ask. He is the most confident-boosting horse in our herd, as he knows how to push you to learn just enough every ride.

Age: 23 Years

At IS Since: December 2018

Favorite Snack: Chocolate Pop Tarts

Status: Resident Beginner Lesson Horse

Okie is a goofy guy that always keeps a smile on our faces. After a long retirement, and finding his way to Inspiring Strides, Okie is going through physical rehab that will eventually prepare him to be ridden. His rehab process has included a farrier, vet, chiropractor, supplements, and some stretches and exercises. Okie is starting into a light training program, which should help him along in his continuing rehab. He will be available for on-site lease for a student wanting to learn training at the start of his program, and by any leaser at the completion.

Age: 22 Years

At IS Since: January 2022

Favorite Snacks: Apples & Peaches

Status: Physical Rehab

Pretty & pampered, Penny is our loveable mare. On her best days she will put her head in your chest for ear and neck rubs, and show you her butt for scratches. She made her way to the farm with Okie and is a beautiful and willing partner. Penny has an injury in her hind leg that allows her to be used for light riding only, but she is available for on-site half lease to an appropriate rider!

Age: 20 Years

At IS Since: January 2022

Favorite Snacks: Cookies!

Status: Resident Light Riding Horse / AVAILABLE FOR HALF LEASE

This big beautiful Tennessee Walker is our newest addition. She’s fast and energetic when running through the pasture, but stands paitently to be haltered and loves to have a job. Abby isn’t quite ready to join our lesson program yet, but our hope is for her is to teach intermediate riding and trails by this coming summer 2024.

Age: about 15 years

At IS Since: May 2023

Favorite Snack: Potato Chips

Status: Under Saddle Training

Dewlittle is the most huggable and squishy donkey you will ever meet! He will greet you with an excited bray, and wants to be involved in everything you’re doing. Scrubbing a water trough? Dewlittle’s checking out what’s in your back pocket. Haltering a horse? He’s pushing his way through for a scratch. The only thing Dewlittle doesn’t want any part of is having his feet trimmed. If you’ve never seen a donkey pout, come to the farm on a day AJ is coming. Dewlittle does a wonderful job of protecting our herd from any animals that don’t belong in the pasture and living an otherwise care-free and spoiled life.

Age: 12 Years

At IS since: January 2022

Favorite Snacks: Nutter Butter

Status: Resident Donkey

Paisley Mae & Molly are the best mascots we could ask for. Our girls witll meet you at the gate with all the love to give. They join us on rides, will always sit for a cookie, and are the best at encouraging you to be brave and bold.

Age: 4 Years / 2 Years

At IS Since: November 2019 / June 2021

Favorite Snacks: anything that may be considered edible

Status: Resident Mascots

The Little Munchkins! Dreamer & Tinkerbell are sweet-as-sugar! Their small stature makes them the perfect ones to teach basic grooming skills, gain confidence in handling, and give lots of hugs and kisses. These girls came with Okie & Penny, and have completed their ground-training programs. They were adopted by a wonderful, local program and spend their days making lots of kiddos and adults alike giggle with their playful personalities.

Age: 18 Years

At IS Since: January 2022 - June 2023

Favorite Snacks: Veggies

Status: ADOPTED

Our Strawberry Girl, Skye. Skye is part of a herd of 5 horses we took in as owner surrendered animals to rehab and rehome. Her physical rehab was relatively easy as she was at an okay weight when arriving at the farm. Her mental rehab was a little more challenging, but this lady made a full recovery and is currently being loved by her very own little girl.

Age: about 20 years

At IS Since: December 2021 - May 2023

Favorite Snacks: Carrots

Status: ADOPTED

The definition of Little Red Mare, Star is a pony-type mare that is a part of a herd of 5 horses we took in as owner surrendered animals to rehab and rehome. She has great confirmation, and is a smooth mover. Star is best friends with Luna and almost as fearful of humans as her. Star has a little more confidence, however, and has allowed us to groom her and cut the matting out of her mane. We continued her mental rehab by allowing free-choice hay, fresh water, and room to move with the herd in hopes she will be able to let her guard down soon. She was recently adopted by someone passionate in working with the unbroke and has already progressed leaps and bounds with the individual attention she is able to receive. She is now a riding horse!

Age: about 15

At IS Since: December 2021 - May 2023

Favorite Snack: Strawberries

Status: ADOPTED

Luna is part of a herd of 5 horses we took in as owner surrendered animals to rehab and rehome. She is an a lovely red mare with beautiful confirmation. We had been allowing Luna to live in pasture with the rest of the herd, as an attempt to help her mental state, and she is learning a lot from watching our interactions with the other horses. She was recently adopted by someone passionate in working with the unbroke and has already progressed leaps and bounds with the individual attention she is able to receive. She is now a riding horse!

Age: about 10 Years

At IS Since: December 2021 - May 2023

Favorite Snack: Apples

Status: ADOPTED

“Blue Boo” is a gentle and loving gelding. Blue is part of a herd of 5 horses we took in as owner surrendered animals to rehab and rehome. Blue holds a special place in my heart as the first horse Insiring Strides succesfully rehabbed and rehomed. After earning his trust, Blue flew through his training, taking every saddle, tarp, and ride in stride. He truly turned from a weak and terrified pony into a strong and confident horse. Blue has been adopted by a wonderful family nearby and now has a little girl to call his very own.

Age: about 18 Years

At IS Since: December 2021 - August 2022

Favorite Snack: Birthday Cake

Status: ADOPTED

Sky is the most perfect princess, she does no wrong! Sky loves a good brushing after a long trail ride, and galloping across the pasture in the snow, and adjustments by the chiropractor. She’s so perfect I gave her to my mom and dad in Colorado, with her friend Salem, to teach them how to ride. She’s spoiled rotten with daily treats and runs to the fence when she sees my mom coming home from work. I miss her to pieces, but I know she’s living her happiest life.

Age: 18 Years

At IS Since: August 2019

Favorite Snack: Triscuit Crackers

Status: Living the GOOD LIFE with “grandma & grandpa” in Colorado

Whinny is Inspiring Strides first angel. She came to us with the herd of 5 horses we took in as owner surrendered animals to rehab and rehome. A tall, dark red mare with an incrediblly long mane and tail, Whinnifred (Whinny), completed her physical rehab and ground-training programs in spring of 2022 where we were able to get her to a healthy weight, groom her head-to-toe, and give her the unconditional love she always deserved. At her first vet-check our incredible doctor diagnosed Whinny with severe chronic asthma, severe chronic founder, and allergies. All of these diagnoses together are contraindicated and thus non-treatable. It was with heavy hearts that we laid Whinny to rest so she did not have to suffer for one more day. I love Whinifred deeply, and she will always have a special piece of my heart as the first horse we weren’t able to save.

Age: about 15 Years

At IS: Decmber 2021 - August 2022

Favorite Snack: Watermelon