MEET THE HORSES

ELSA wouldn’t be the same without our amazing horses who inspire, guide, and teach our participants each and every day. To learn more about this rescued equine team, take a look at some of their bios below.

RILEY

Breed: Connemara / Age: 26 / Color: Black

Riley landed as a mis-fit at a local barn. Reports were he had previously been a fancy show horse but had fallen on tough times when his human went to college and he was living in a carport with no one riding him. Susan and Riley connected in 2012 when the barn decided to sell him because he didn’t fit in. Riley helped launch ELSA’s programs. He loves his job and all the attention he gets during it! A confident and playful horse, Riley is well rounded and takes care of the humans around him with special attention. To know him is to love him!

FREDDY

Breed: Arab Cross / Age: 15 / Color: Chestnut

Freddy was considered “an unwanted child” by his previous owner. His long story doesn’t fit here, but in brief, he was living in a dark 10x10 stall pretty much 24/7 with no attention and very little time out. They thought he was crazy and dangerous. When we met Freddy, what we saw was a youngster full of potential! Freddy was donated to ELSA in 2017 and since then, he has realized that life can be good. Freddy is already working with wheelchairs and groups during ELSA’s programs. Freddy is a gentle equine soul who is longing for stability and love.

JIMMY CHOO

Breed: Thorobred Cross / Age: 20 / Color: Bay

Jimmy Choo is a retired hunter/jumper show horse who was donated to ELSA at the end of 2016. His old trainer said he is lazy and doesn’t like to jump, and he’s a big love bug so we took him! We put Jimmy into rehab and are working through old injuries from being an athlete his entire life. Jimmy enjoys working with ranch guests during ELSA’s programs every week. Jimmy is still recovering from his injuries and isn't able to be ridden. Since being with ELSA, he enjoys spending time turned out with his paddock buddy, Chase.

RUDY

 Welsh Cobb /Age 20 / Color: Seal Brown

Rudy was donated to ELSA at the end of 2015 because he had no job at his previous home. Originally bought for a grandchild who showed no interest, Rudy was first donated to another nonprofit who returned him. Working with Rudy is a real challenge! He is busy as can be and has a hard time settling down. But his “horsenality” makes him fun and a challenge to work with which some participants really enjoy. Everyday is a potential for fun and games, if you hang out with Rudy! 

FERO

Breed: Miniature Horse / Age 25 / Color: White

When we first met Fero, we couldn't believe his overgrown hooves, matted mane and big tummy! Sadly, no one had been caring for Fero since his human passed away. He came to ELSA in February 2019. Since then he's become part of the herd and enjoys being the center of attention. Everyone who meets him can't help but smile. Fero is a bundle of cuteness who's eager for his work!

CHASE

Breed: Quarter Horse / Age: 15 / Color: Paint

We got Chase from Thousand Oaks in 2013 to be #2 horse for ELSA. What we liked about Chase is his easy temperament and that he was so well trained. We knew he’d be a great asset for ELSA and so he went right to work. What we didn’t know was that he was not ready for the work. He was a young, strong and spirited horse who needed to experience life a little. So for several years, Chase trained on the trails to gain a new, more confident outlook his life. He returned to ELSA programs in May 2017. This time, he is ready for the job!