Meet Our Horses
Our HORSES are the true stars of Horses of Hope/Caballos de Esperanza Inc. They are specifically chosen and trained to be safe, capable therapy partners. Our horses connect to our riders through unspoken trust and understanding. They are more than just training and therapy horses; they are family. And every day we work to be sure that we are showing them the same generosity of spirit, quality of care, and compassion they so deserve.
Why Horses?
The horses' 4-beat walk produces a 3-dimensional movement. While on a horse’s back, the movement transfers to the rider’s pelvis, spine, and trunk. This movement simulates the correct walking pattern of the human gait and is used as a therapeutic modality to improve balance, coordination, and strength. Additionally, the human-equine environment creates opportunities for greater empowerment, confidence, self-esteem, and education.
Jibaron
Jibaron is a 15.2 hh, 19-year-old, red dun, gelding, quarter horse who served as a police horse before coming to Horses of Hope, PR. Jibaron is a gentle, kind and respectful therapeutic riding horse, who loves all his students and volunteers.
The name “Jibaron” refers to a rural, self-sufficient mountain farmer, symbolizing the hardworking, humble, and culturally proud heart of the island.
You can sponsor Jibaron by clicking the Give Grove button, which will take you to the sponsor page.
Yunque
Yunque is a 15.1 hh, 18-year-old, chestnut, quarter horse, gelding who served on the police force as a brave crowd control equine partner. Yunque is calm, strong and brave during his therapeutic lessons making his students love him ride after ride.
Yunque tends to be like the Spanish word “Yunque” that means “anvil” which is a strong ,flat-topped shape often used by farriers.
You can sponsor Jibaron by clicking the Give Grove button, which will take you to the sponsor page.
KTJ
KTJ is a 20-year-old, 16 hh,, beautiful, dark bay, thoroughbred mare named after our founder, Elaine’s “adopted” daughter Katie J.
KTJ is an athletic, smart, independent, very capable therapy horse who challenges her participants to do their best. KTJ wins the hearts of many volunteers who want to care for her and respect her “queen of the herd” personality at the same time.
You can sponsor Jibaron by clicking the Give Grove button, which will take you to the sponsor page.
Tesoro
Tesoro is a 14 hh, chestnut, 8-year-old, chestnut, Paso cross, gelding who came to Horses of Hope. PR, as a rescue. Tesoro came to Horses of Hope, PR severely underweight, traumatized by abuse, lacking training , and without trust of humans.
Tesoro means treasure which describes our transformed healthy, happy, well-trained therapy horse. He is a great size for the children, loves people, trusts his volunteers and tries very hard the kind soul he was always meant to be.
You can sponsor Jibaron by clicking the Give Grove button, which will take you to the sponsor page.
