- 45 Gabriel Drive / PO Box 1879, Naugatuck, CT 06770
- 203-723-0633
- [email protected]
- 45 Gabriel Drive, Naugatuck, CT 06770
- 203-723-0633
- [email protected]
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Each member of our herd has a very unique personality, but they all share traits in common that make them ideal for serving the participants in our therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities programs. Horses that succeed in these roles tend to be between 10 and 20 years old and have a solid foundation of training and experience. They’re also kind and patient by nature, less reactive than the average horse, and in good health with sound walk, trot, and canter movement which is especially important for riders with physical challenges.
We assess new potential herd members for these desired qualities, followed by a trial period and training program to introduce them to their new role. They practice being on lead, teaming with side-walkers, working with riders that may be vocal or physically unstable, and interacting with items on our sensory trail. They then complete a final assessment before serving riders and participants.
In appreciation of the special gifts our horses provide, we give them the best possible care with the help of veterinarians, equine dentists, horse chiropractors and massage therapists, saddle fitters and farriers. This kind of quality care requires a great deal of resources. Please contact us if you’re interested in making a recurring or one-time contribution toward their care or if you are interesting in donating a horse that may be suitable for our programs.
Full Name: Chloe Girl.
Birthday: February 14, 1999.
Full Name: Spring Hollow Jocasta
Birthday: May 8, 2002.
Full Name: Doublesan Scootnrouge
Birthday: December 15, 2001.
Full Name: The Mighty Quinn
Birthday: June 1, 2010.
If you are watching the herd and see spots before your eyes, you have found our new pony, Coco! Coco is an appaloosa, known for their colorful spots, who came to us all the way from Texas. She is the only appaloosa in our herd, and she looks pretty snazzy out in the field. “Don’t Mess with Texas” is the motto of her birthplace and she knows it! As a pony, she’ll always be shorter than the others, but don’t tell her that, she’s the new boss! She is not afraid to speak her mind with the other horses. Coco enjoys her new job as a therapeutic riding pony. She especially loves carrying little ones around.
Mateo is a handsome Haflinger who comes to us from Lancaster County, PA where he pulled a buggy for an Amish family. He is now a superstar in our carriage-driving program. His luxurious mane and tail are admired by all. His favorite quote is: “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.” He is highly sensitive and loves to meet new people. Pulling a carriage in the carriage-driving program doesn’t seem like work to him. Although he is somewhat of a ham, he has a real soft spot for our participants and loves nothing more than making them smile. We are so lucky to have him as part of the Hidden Acres herd, and he knows it!
Simba joined the herd in 2022 and his fancy breeding and spirited personality never fail to
impress! Simba is a Lusitano, one of the oldest horse breeds in the world. Lusitanos are
athletic and intelligent and are famous for carrying riders in bullfights. (Don’t worry, Simba is a
lover, not a fighter!) With his long legs and beautiful mane, Simba is a fancy mover and a real
charmer, making participants fall in love and connect in our unmounted, group sessions.
Full Name: DPS Ima Star
Birthday: May 5, 2007.
Full name: DPS Riccan for the stars
Birthday: May 5, 2009.
These two mini horses, by their very existence, make the world a more joyful place. Kiera and Little Zoey are half-sisters. Kiera, while 3″ taller, is the younger of the two. In typical sibling fashion, Little Zoey makes sure she knows it! Zoey makes the decisions in this bonded, connected relationship. It is beautiful to watch as they each share their remarkable gifts.
Kiera is a star, by her own right, in our carriage driving program. At 36″ tall, she excels while pulling an adult in her little cart! Little Zoey shines in our senior program; at exactly 33″, she is the perfect height and temperament to provide love and connection to those in a wheelchair.
Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center, located on 80 acres in Naugatuck CT, is in search of a horse to join our therapy herd. We are a private nonprofit 501-3C providing equine assisted therapies and activities to children and adults with special needs, disabilities and mental health challenges. The members of our therapy herd are considered full partners in the therapeutic process and as such are respected team members who are afforded the best possible care. Our horses receive regular equine massage, saddle fitting, veterinary care, specialty shoeing if necessary and constant assessment of their physical and mental health. All horses have daily turn out on large grass pastures.
• 5-17 yrs. old
• 14-15.3 hands
• Sound
• Finished W/T/C
• Calm, easy-going temperament
• Suitable for beginner riders
We are interested in all of the following: donation, free lease or horses available for purchase. You can be assured of an excellent home for your horse, whose contribution will be highly valued. In free lease situations, owners are welcome to remain in contact and continue riding their horse outside of the therapy schedule. Horses in our herd typically engage in eight or less therapeutic lessons per week. A 30-90 day assessment and training period is necessary before accepting a horse into our program. Hidden Acres provides all necessary care except for major emergency care during assessment period regardless of whether the horse is accepted into program.
Please email Rebecca: [email protected] or call/text: 203-516-8380 for more information.
