Meet Our Animals
At Solid Ground Equine Assisted Services, our dedicated team of animals goes beyond just horses. From majestic horses to playful goats, gentle donkeys, and charming miniature animals, each creature plays a vital role in our program. These animal heroes bring their unique personalities and special abilities to every session, working alongside our riders to create an atmosphere of growth, learning, and joy.
Our therapy animals are not only trusted companions but also wise teachers, imparting valuable lessons in patience, compassion, understanding, and unconditional love. Whether it’s a horse’s calming presence, a goat’s playful antics, or a donkey’s gentle nature, each animal has a story to tell and a purpose to fulfill. These courageous and spirited animals are the embodiment of hope, working tirelessly to help our participants overcome challenges and reach new heights.
Providing top-notch care for our animal heroes is a daily priority to ensure they remain in optimal shape for their important work. Their well-being is essential to the success of our program and the progress of our participants.
As you scroll through the profiles below, you’ll get to see many of our incredible animals. If you feel inspired and would like to contribute to their care, please consider sponsoring one of our animal partners. Your support will help us continue to provide life-changing experiences for our participants and ensure that our animals receive the love and attention they deserve. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or donations, please see our donation page.
Now, let’s dive in and meet the animal heroes of Solid Ground Equine Assisted Services!
Opie
Opie is a registered Paint horse (APHA) that spent most of his younger years as a show horse, coming to Solid Ground in 2019. In 2024, he turned 31 (88 human years). Opie has been a rock solid therapy horse for the past 5 years.
Cash
Command N Cash (Cash) has been with us since 2017 and was the first horse at Solid Ground. He has settled into his job as a therapeutic riding horse and has a special connection and bond with the students who ride him.
Castle
Castle is a half Arabian and is officially retired from the riding program but that hasn’t slowed him down. He is active in EAL, Ground Connection and summer horse camps. Sponsored by Liz Burton.
Big Tucker
Big Tucker is a Registered Paint Horse (APHA) owned by Katie Harlan Paulson. A fun fact about him, his dad was a stallion named Super Far Out - who was a world champion all around supreme horse. He is active in our Veteran and Therapeutic Riding Programs.
Bugs
Bugs is a registered quarter horse (AQHA). He was donated to our program by his previous owner, Sarah Clark. He was also an amazing barrel racer as his past career. He also loves playing with his half-brother, Smoke.
Smoke
Smoke is a registered quarter horse (AQHA)that came to Solid Ground in 2019 as a donation from his previous owner Candace Kline. His career with Candace was as an amazing barrel racer. He is especially bonded with our donkey, Elmer.
Calvin
Calvin is a Registered Paint Horse owned by Rebecca Mendez. Calvin comes to Solid Ground every spring and goes home for the winter every fall. He loves his job and loves to be pampered.
Gracie
JL Open Rangerette (Gracie) is a Registered Breeding Stock Paint Horse. Gracie is mother to JJ. She enjoys training volunteers on grooming and providing education on foaling. She is owned and sponsored by Shelley Trumbly.
Just a Gentleman Jax (JJ)
The son of Gracie. Just A Gentleman Jax (JJ) is our first foal. He provided a fun and educational experience for the kids following his birth on up to current. He is owned and sponsored by Shelley Trumbly.
Tucker
Tucker was the second horse that came to Solid Ground and has been with us since 2018. He came with his best friend, Elmer. Tucker has a sweet temperament, and get's along well with others.
Jesse
Jesse is a Registered Breeding Stock Paint Horse. Jesse is active in our Therapeutic Riding, Veterans, and EAL programs. Jesse is owned by Madelyn Bloom and leased by Solid Ground.
Elmer
Elmer is a Jerusalem Donkey and is also the first donkey at Solid Ground. He is always on time and will let others know when they are running a little late.
Mr. Smalls
Mr. Smalls was purchased through a fundraiser from the Women’s Ministry at Living Faith Fellowship. He stands 30 inches tall and sure to win your heart with just a look.
Cactus Jack
Cactus Jack is a miniature donkey, standing at 40 inches tall. His best friend is Joker and where you see one, you are sure to see the other. He is part of our Farm Camp and Barn Fun Programs. He loves hugs and lots of pets.
Joker
Like his best friend Cactus Jack, Joker is also is a miniature donkey standing at 40 inches tall. Joker and Cactus Jack are inseparable. He too is in our Farm Camp and Barn Fun Programs.
Our Farm Animals
Ilas
Ilas is a Pygmy Goat. She is named after her mother. Ilas was donated to Solid Ground.
Neville
Neville is a Pygmy Goat retired from showing. He loves to play boxing.
Carl
Carl is a Pygmy Goat retired from showing.
Noni & Ollie
Noni is our first cow. She loves to be brushed and scratched, and comes running when you call. In December 2023, she had her first baby named Ollie.
Ginger Ale
Ginger Ale is a Pygmy Goat retired from showing.
In Loving Memory
This section honors the beloved animals of Solid Ground who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. These gentle souls left hoofprints on our hearts. Here, we celebrate their legacy of healing and unconditional love. Though they are no longer with us physically, their spirit continues to inspire our work in equine and animal-assisted services.
Angel
