Our Equine Professors

Did you know that most of our lesson horses here at Triple Moon Equestrian are in the program because they needed a second chance at a purposeful life? Some were rescued from a bad situation. Some were outgrown by their child riders. Some were very misunderstood. Some are ex-show horses who are done with that "job". Some needed to be healed by us. Some came to heal us. Some came to us as a step just before retirement and some came to us simply because they needed a kind home with lots of love and attention.  

We believe that lesson horses are the most important part of the foundation to everyone's equine education. We feel they deserve the best care and environment we can offer for their service. With out them, there would be no upper level equestrian sports. There would be no police, military, search and rescue, hunting, logging or therapy horses. There would be no trainers, coaches or instructors. These lesson horses are very important to the entire process of learning while giving the utmost patience through out. Lesson horses are here to teach the first time equestrian how put on a bridle and pick out their hooves. They are here to be understanding when riders are nervous and unbalanced. They are kind and gentle teachers, friends and therapists. Sometimes they may have a hitch in their step or are hard to get moving. Sometimes they may give a student a hard time. But they always leave the student with a great understanding that each animal is a sentient being with a mind and life of their own. Lesson horses are essentially the saints that carry the weight of the entire equestrian world!

Get to know your teachers!

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CAESAR (Caesar Salad, Mr. Salad)

When he first arrived, his shaggy, matted fur and hefty frame hardly lived up to his powerful name, Caesar. This boy looked more like a tall, elderly buffalo than a horse, prompting us to rename him Mr. Salad – a name more befitting his cuddly, teddy bear-like appearance. 

As the warm spring days arrived, Salad began shedding his winter coat, unveiling a  beauty that had been hidden beneath all that fluff. With each pound of hair he shed, his true form emerged: a beautiful gelding with a rich, glossy black and white coat. 

Despite his size, Mr. Salad is the epitome of "go with the flow", making him the perfect lesson horse. He puts his own shyness away and focuses on helping our riders have fun. His smooth gaits and unflappable nature provide a sense of security, allowing even the most apprehensive riders to open up under his guidance.

Salad's metamorphosis from a shaggy, overweight newcomer to a good lookin', level-headed friend surprised us. With his big eyes and politeness, he is becoming a favorite….reminding us all that you just never know how many diamonds may be under a pile of teddy bear hair.

HONEY (Hot Dog)

Honey's brand of life is all her own. The swish of her blond tail and the rebellious look in her eye - that's just Honey being Honey. Born in 2017 with a birth brand that might as well be a tattoo sleeve, this mare marches to the beat of her own bass line. 

Part metal with her punky blonde mane, part diva with her demanding of attention, Honey keeps eyes on her. One moment she's gentle nuzzles and velvet muzzle, the next she's rearing in the pasture like a movie horse working for an Oscar.

For all her sass, Honey's just a sweet young lady who geeks out over green apples and orange jello cups. She loves basking in the sun almost as much as basking in attention from her favorite human, Martti.  

Those two burned-in-bonded partners share the same spark - both confident individualists doing life their way, with plenty of sauce on the side. Both of them slay the day like rock stars.

 FRANK (Frankie)

In the heart of the rolling hills of Triple Moon Equestrian, there stands a noble steed.... A magnificent specimen.  

Just kidding. Frank is a goof ball. His silly cow like neigh and Steve Bushemi eyes truly sets Frank apart from the others, but not in a bad way. His enduring qualities are he is a gentle soul and he seems to really enjoy his job as a teacher.

While some may mistake his slow pace for sluggishness, those who truly know Frank understand that he operates on his own timeline….but on the other hand, he can sometimes fall asleep mid sentence. 

As a lesson horse, Frank is a true gem. For beginners, he offers a gentle introduction to the world of horsemanship, instilling confidence with his medium size. Yet, for those who dare to delve deeper, Frank reveals another side of himself – a hidden corvette motor….or maybe not. We think he prefers not.

Frank's greatest gift lies not in his abilities, but in his magnetic pull from the ladies.  We cant stress enough hoe much of an absolute heart throb among the female horse herd here. Not one mare can resist his smolder. Frank is a total babe. In our eyes, Frank is a masterpiece made of silly putty and fur. But we will keep that to ourselves and let Frank be the Brad Pitt of the horse world.

All jokes aside, Frank has touched the lives of everyone who has had the privilege of crossing paths with him, leaving happy face drawn on their hearts forever….and maybe a giggle too.

DOT (Doticus Prime)

Shine Dot Shine:   

Dot's story comes from learning about trust and the magic of horse-human bonds. Dot's tale begins with being purchased at a futurity sale at the age of 2 for a groundbreaking $100,000. His destiny led him to Washington, where he embarked on a promising career in reining, showcasing his exceptional breeding and athletic talent.

However, fate had other plans for Dot. Despite his early success, adversity struck at the age of 4, as he endured a series of injuries that sidelined him for months at a time. A check ligament injury, requiring extensive rehabilitation spanning 9-12 months, forced the reining operation to make a difficult decision: to re-home Dot and remove him from their roster.

Yet, in the intricate tapestry of life, serendipity intervened. Dot found his way to Triple Moon, floating in by what can only be described as divine intervention. Under the dedicated care of Cat Snapp, Dot stepped in to a journey of healing and growth. With a symbolic exchange of $1, this beautiful horse began a new chapter for him.

Dot's path to recovery was not without its challenges. It took him three years to unravel the threads of his past, shedding the weight of demanding reining training and embracing a slower, gentler existence. Compounded by his deafness and a tendency towards over reacting to stimuli, Dot faced formidable obstacles. Yet, through Cat's friendship and positive reinforcement, he began to open his eyes to a world he didn't know existed.

A bond between Cat and Dot developed.  This testament to the unspoken language shared between them had both of them learning from each other. In moments of uncertainty, Dot found solace in Cat's presence, learning to trust and seek comfort in her reassurance. Together, they navigated the labyrinth of fear and uncertainty, emerging on the other side with  both of them intact.

Today, Dot is a different horse. He's learned hope and forgiveness and has found peace in understanding. While he may not yet be ready to assume the mantle of a riding lesson horse as his athleticism sometimes requires advanced riders....but he does, however, shine with personality making him an invaluable asset in ground lessons. As he continues to embrace his role in the world of equine education, one thing remains certain: Dot will forever be Cat's heart horse and he will always be excited able to teach people.

PATRICK (Mr. President)

Our Patrick is a true gentle giant who's middle name is encouragement. His soft eyes framed with white eyelashes is the way to everyone's heart.

All of Patrick's 17hh is matched only by the size of his heart and his sense of responsibility. To many, he is affectionately known as "Papa Patrick," a moniker that perfectly captures his protective nature and devotion to those under his care.

Patrick possesses a gentleness that instantly puts even the most timid rider at ease. With him, every rider feels like the best in the world. He has a unique ability to sense his rider's needs, adjusting his stride and demeanor like he can read minds.

It is with beginner riders that Patrick truly shines. Like a patient teacher, he takes special care to guide them through their lessons with kindness. With each lesson, he instills confidence and a love for riding that will last a lifetime.

Away from the arena, Patrick's playful side emerges, especially when it comes to his favorite treats. He adores belly scratches and ear massages. When offered a crisp piece of iceberg lettuce or a sweet peppermint, his eyes light up and ears prick forward showing how much joy he finds in life's simple pleasures.

Patrick is example of what it means to be a best friend. He will always touch the hearts of all who have the privilege of knowing him, leaving an indelible mark on anyone's foundational equine education. 

POUNDCAKE (Piggy/Poundage)

This is our fiery little pony aptly named Poundcake. With a mane ablaze with the color of sunshine and eyes that sparkle with mischief, Poundcake is a pint-sized stuck of dynamite.

She is a force to be reckoned with. Fearless and feisty, she approaches life with the exuberance of a wildfire, leaving a trail of chaos and laughter in her wake.

At the top of Poundcake's agenda is always one simple goal – treats! With a determination unmatched by any creature twice her size, she makes it apparent that she is interested in anyone with pockets because she knows those pockets may have yumny treats in them. Woe betide anyone who tries to deny her, for Poundcake is not one to take no for an answer. She demands her rightful dues and her persistence is matched only by her irresistible charm.

Despite her wild ways, Poundcake is a social butterfly, always eager to gallop her little legs as fast as they will go to say hello to anyone who comes to visit.  She makes it clear that she is a friend to all – even if her methods are a tad unconventional.

CLAIRE (Claire-Bear)

Inside the heart of the barn is the beautiful Claire. Her gentle existence and reserved energy speak volumes of her perfect grace. 

Claire's coat is black as coal and her eyes are pools of endless depth. She sees who you really are and what your heart speaks. With each soft step she takes, she carries the weight of responsibility, not just for herself, but for the entire herd here that is her family. 

Claire possesses a gentleness that we've never quite seen. It's as if she understands the fragility of the world around her and chooses to embrace it with love. 

Claire’s truth lies in her affinity for the preschool age kiddos who are drawn to her like moths to a flame. With them, Claire's reserved nature melts away. She navigates their world with them seeming to enjoy every second of it. We love watching her as she gives Mary Poppins energy. 

She is not just a mare; she is a mama, a confidante, and a guardian angel rolled into one. Until her last breath, she will continue to inspire admiration in all of us.

WONDER (Wonderpants/Vooderbar)

Wonder is definitely a character. He loves to tell jokes and tickle you.

We met Wonder unexpectedly.  He was at a dressage barn and he was very different from the other horses in the stable.  He was goofy and loved attention.  He loved giving kisses and licking your face.  When we found out that he was in need of a home and that he just couldn't cut it physically as a dressage horse, we jumped on it and he came to be our most popular Triple Moon horse.  It was explained he had never been around children and he could be very skittish.  We payed that no bother.  When he was first introduced to kiddos, they came running towards him.  We didn't have time to prepare poor Wonder for the tiny humans and prayed he would receive them as something fun and not scary.  They hugged his neck and chest and he brought his big head down to sniff the kids hair and investigate.  He looked as if he were saying, "Well hello children!"  Not one snort or ounce of skittish in him. That began his affinity for babies and kids. The entire time he has been a part of our family, he has never exhibited any signs of being skittish. He is the one we pull out to teach stark beginners because he's so reliable.  We will love him  and enjoy his shenanigans forever. 

 

JAMESON (Jason/James/Cookie Monster)

Jameson…ohhhhhh, Jameson. Initially his performance as a lesson horse was less then stellar due to his is squirrel brain and desire to put anything in his mouth to eat. One evening, he grabbed a red marker and he decided it tasted great! It was a feat to get that out of his mouth. He's a very hungry boy….all the time.

He's a notorious busybody, yet, amidst his bee-line for grass escapades, there's a huge charm about him that's hard to ignore.

Over time, Jameson has evolved into the epitome of reliability and predictability. We once thought it wasn't going to work, but he now shines as one of the best here. Once he focuses, he's awesome, and he's very literal, which makes him excellent as a teacher. 

Jameson is built like a fireplug with a wig on. His distinctive features include furry rave like bell bottoms and a mane so long it it doesn't look real.

Jameson is owned by a long time Triple Moon-er who loves to share her horses with us. Michelle has come so far with Jameson and has found not only a companion, but a partner in adventures. Their bond, forged through trials and triumphs, serves as a testament to the power of a little, yet big Muppet of a horse. This duo stands as a example of the extraordinary connections that can happen once a good horse comes into your life. We love Jameson and Michelle’s partnership and we are so happy they are both a part of our horse herd!

FIONA (Princess Fiona/Fioneroni)

Our girl Fiona, she's something else, let me tell you. This pretty Pocket Percheron may be a tiny little thing for her massive draft breed, but she's got a presence and elegance that just commands respect. 

At first, Fiona played it cool and kept us at a bit of a distance. But we weren't bothered - we knew that building trust with her was gonna be on her terms. Once she decided we were worthy folks and dropped that aloof act, she'd enjoy herself.

It was actually the sweetest thing watching her transition from skeptically side-eyeing the kiddos to becoming their biggest fan. Fiona went from "What even are those tiny humans?" to eagerly leaning down so the little people could brush her face. She'd close her eyes in total bliss, soaking up all the love and attention. Girlfriend was straight up smitten!

These days, Fiona's really found her groove teaching the more advanced students. She keeps her inner circle small and tight, but she's an absolute gem for the students who know how to work with her high standards. Only the best will do for the Princess!

We feel so lucky Cat's sister, Mary, shares her sweet Fiona with us. That beautiful girl will always have a special place in our hearts. She's proof that sometimes the most unassuming, small/big packages can have the most impact.

 TWIX (Sir Twixalot)

One look at Twix's bright red coat and you might expect a total spitfire of a horse. This guy's blazing color screams fiery attitude and a whole lot of trouble. But spend just a little time with Twix and you quickly realize he's actually a hilarious goof - like a mischievous 12-year-old boy trapped in a horse's body.

Twix is the ultimate class clown around the barn. He's always finding new ways to stir up trouble and laughter in equal measure.

Despite his perpetual joking around and irritating quirks, the second you pick up those reins, he's all business. Suddenly, the same horse that was just shamelessly rolling in mud puddles shifts into a sophisticated, focused riding partner. No shenanigans here! Well, sort of. He is definitely not a beginners horse, but once a rider has advanced to understands how he navigates things, he's as smooth as silk. Who would have thought the biggest kid in the field could also be such a rugged professional? He's truly got a duality happening.

At the end of the day though, you can always count on Twix to revert back to his usual silly self. Whether he's cornering you for treats, cracking himself up at his own jokes or finding new creative ways to make a mess, you can't help but love him.

 

DANY (JELLY BEAN)

It all started with Michelle just casually browsing the animal control website in Texas. She was probably bored, looking at all the pups and kitties up for adoption. But then she saw something pretty unexpected - a horse listing mixed in with all the dogs! 

Now Michelle's a total animal lover with a huge heart, so of course her curiosity was peaked. She just had to learn more about this random horse situation. One thing led to another and the next thing you know, Michelle's welcoming this mare named Danerys (aka Dany) into her home!

Crazy right? Michelle had zero horse experience, but she just felt this pull to help Dany out. Little did they know, they were about to become an inseparable duo for the next decade.

So it turns out Dany was preggo when Michelle took her in! The poor thing had been abandoned and tied up next to a trash pile before getting rescued. Can you even imagine how tough that must have been for her? But Dany's one resilient girl.

As their bond grew, Michelle could see how smart and spunky Dany was. She started teaching her all sorts of cool tricks through clicker training - smiling, bowing, even standing in hula hoops! Dany was such a natural that she landed a role in a Tostitos commercial. A freakin' horse movie star at Triple Moon Equestrian!

Even though Dany's build made her not the best riding horse, she found her calling in other ways. She became the ultimate teacher's pet, letting students practice grooming and braiding her mane. 

Dany's true superpower is therapy horse with Shamrock Equine Therapy. Mary, Cat's sister, helped bring out Dany's therapist side. Dany just has this magic ability to comfort and heal those going through tough times.  

These days, Dany's livin' her best life at the farm, soaking up all the love and attention. Michelle must be one proud horse mama! Who knows what other adventures these two best friends will get into next.

 JASPER (Yabber, Yabber Dabber)

Oh Jasper…he's the equine equivalent of a baby duck who somehow ended up in a horse's body. This little/big critter might not know where his hooves end and the ground begins, but he's determined to explore every inch of his world – even if it means bumping into it face-first.

With a mane and tail so long they practically have their own zip code, Jasper often finds himself tangled in his own hair. Sometimes we worry he may actually trip over his massive mess of hair and turn a trot attempt into an impromptu somersault.

Jasper's curiosity has no limits – literally. He's an escape artist not by skill, but by sheer accident. He'll lean against a fence to get a better look at a butterfly and – oops! – suddenly find himself on the other side, looking adorably confused about how he got there.  

Water buckets are Jasper's personal amusement source. One minute his water bucket is full, the next, it's flying through the air. 

As a lesson horse in training, Jasper approaches each task with the enthusiasm of a labrador and the coordination of a newborn giraffe. He may mistake "left" for "right" and eating time for work time…but his heart is so innocent. What he lacks in grace and executive functioning, he makes up for with an endless supply of cute and an ability to turn every mishap into an adorable photo op.

WHISKEY (Wiki)

Whiskey's story is one of hope and unexpected second chances. This golden boy's journey began in the darkest of places - a feed lot auction where horses were valued not for their spirit, but for their price per pound. Whiskey, then just a baby, stood trembling among the masses, his future hanging by a thread as thin as his spindly little legs.

Fate had other plans for this little palomino paint. Amanda, a woman with a keen eye and a big heart, spotted Whiskey's photo online. Something in those wide, frightened eyes spoke to her soul, whispering of untapped potential and a spirit ready to shine. Without hesitation, she placed her bid, determined to outpace the grim math of the meat buyers.

Victory came at the end of the dayl. Whiskey, still unaware of his narrow escape, was whisked away to a farm in Eastern Washington for quarantine. 

Once he arrived here at Triple Moon, the real work began. Untouched by gentle hands and wary of adult humans, you could tell he wanted to trust, but he was in all survival instincts. Yet, in a twist that melted hearts, he showed an instant affinity for children. While he'd shy away from grown-ups, he'd stand stock-still for the pets of little hands, as if recognizing himself in them.

Under Amanda's patient care, Whiskey slowly unfurled like a new flower. Each day brought new milestones - the first touch, the first halter, the first steps on a lead. 

Whiskey had one more surprise up his metaphorical sleeve. The baby "gelding" turned out to be a baby stallion, a revelation that sent the farm into a flurry of activity. Suddenly, it was a race against time and hormones to get Whiskey vet-ready before he realized he was a ladies man. 

Today, at the ripe old age of two, Whiskey stands as a reminder of love, patience, and the power of a second chance. His coat is like spun gold splashed with cream, a far cry from the scraggly baby of the auction yard. While he may be years away from official lesson horse status, Whiskey has already taught us invaluable lessons about compassion, perseverance, and the unexpected happiness that come from taking a chance on a long shot.

From meat market reject to beloved farm mascot, Whiskey's journey reminds us all that sometimes, the most precious treasures come in the most unlikely packages. And while he may never breathe fire like a dragon stallion, there's no doubt that this horse has ignited a flame of hope in all who know his story.