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Our Horses

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April

HALFLINGER | MARE

April is indispensable to our program, serving people of all abilities—from sports riders learning walk, trot, canter to veterans and participants with medically complex needs. Whether traveling offsite for special services or standing patiently for hands-on learning, she brings confidence and calm to every setting. April’s interactive “smile,” taught as a visual aid during lessons about teeth and feeding, never fails to charm. True to her “mare” personality, she’s always engaged—nickering, soft snorting, and checking in with her handlers as part of a conversation. Carefully selected for her temperament, movement, and strength, April joined our center in 2015 thanks to a generous grant from the Jefferson Foundation. Her steady, easygoing nature around medical equipment like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, and other aids has made her a cornerstone of our services and a cherished ambassador of Ride On St. Louis.

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Ghost 

GYPSY | GELDING

Ghost is as impressive in spirit as he is in ability. Naturally curious and confident, he approaches new surroundings with intelligence and enthusiasm. He shines in liberty work, where the freedom to move, play, and connect supports both his physical conditioning and inquisitive mind. True to his affectionate nature, Ghost loves hands-on interaction—often “grooming” his human partners back or gently resting his head on a shoulder during ground sessions. As a large pony, he’s the perfect partner for participants who may be nervous around bigger horses, offering comfort through his kind and steady presence. Ghost represents Ride On St. Louis proudly as an ambassador during offsite trips and services at our Forever Home. His inclusion in our herd was made possible through the LexLin Gypsy Ranch’s Gypsy Gift Program in 2018, honoring a long tradition of Gypsy horses known for their strength, heart, and trustworthiness with children in the traveling families of the UK.

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Style

ARABIAN | GELDING | RETIRED

Kind, brave, and athletic, Style boasts an impressive pedigree, including his sire, Ultimate Star, owned and bred by Wayne Newton. Throughout his career, this observant and intelligent horse thrived in one-on-one sessions, offering mounted participants exceptional movement, stamina, and a rewarding physical challenge. Naturally gentle and unassuming, Style sits low in herd hierarchy, preferring moments on his own but always curious about new learning opportunities. He delights in liberty play and tricks like “fetch” and the Spanish walk, showing off both his playful and thoughtful sides. Since retiring in 2020, Style has been enjoying life in our Always Home program, where we’re grateful to provide his ongoing care and comfort at our Forever Home.

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Zen

DUTCH WARMBLOOD | GELDING

Zen is an observant, thoughtful horse with a naturally alert and sensitive nature. He’s often the first to notice movement around the property and takes his self-appointed role as the herd’s “lookout” seriously. While curious about everyone who visits—often greeting new faces along the fence line—Zen is most comfortable working within a small circle of familiar people. Since joining Ride On St. Louis in 2011, he has shown a deep capacity for awareness and learning, taking time to process new experiences and look to his handlers for reassurance. He enjoys practicing “targeting” to build confidence and engage his active mind with new sights and sensations. Athletic and intelligent, Zen flourishes in dressage training, where calm guidance and consistency help him feel secure. His perceptive and cautious nature makes him a meaningful partner in our veteran and first-responder services, whereZen is an observant, thoughtful horse with a naturally alert and attentive personality. He’s often the first to notice movement around the property and takes his self-appointed role as the herd’s “lookout” seriously. While curious about everyone who visits—often greeting new faces along the fence line—Zen connects most deeply when working consistently with a small circle of trusted people. Since joining Ride On St. Louis in 2011, he has steadily developed into a confident and dependable partner, always attentive to his surroundings and the people he works with. He enjoys practicing “targeting” to strengthen his confidence and engage his sharp mind with new challenges. Athletic and intelligent, Zen thrives in his dressage training, where focus and precision suit his nature. His steady yet discerning temperament makes him a valued partner in our veteran and first-responder services, where connection and trust grow gradually through shared experiences and interactions.

Equine-assisted services must always balance horse welfare and service delivery. The horse's physical, mental, and emotional well-being is integral to our programmatic decisions and curricula. Ride On St. Louis ensures our horses always benefit from their inclusion at our center.

Symbolically adopt one of our herd members and help us provide for their continued welfare.

RIDE ON ST. LOUIS
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(636) 464-3408

PO Box 144 | Hillsboro, MO | 63050

12 Crusader Circle | Hillsboro, MO | 63050

©2026 by Ride On St. Louis, Inc.

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