At 12.2 hands, Boog is the perfect size for The Shea Center’s smallest riders, and he enjoys his job helping little ones improve their core strength, balance and confidence. While short in stature, he has a wide base of support which creates a stable platform for vaulting and games. Boog’s silver bay coloring makes him a favorite with clients who enjoy decorating his lush mane and tail with ribbons and flowers. AND he looks great in a pink saddle pad!

Boog was born in 1999 and was donated to The Shea Center in 2009 from a local veterinarian who acquired him as a child’s pet pony. Prior to that, our Amish pony worked as a cart horse. In spring of last year, he was diagnosed with uvitis and glaucoma in his right eye. After months of eye drop applications, avoiding bright sunlight and wearing a fly mask in lessons, the pressure and pain increased: Boog’s right eye was removed and after a short recovery period, he was back to work. Giving our clients an opportunity to watch him thrive with a disability is one of Boog’s most important jobs.

So, what’s up with his name? New volunteers often ask if Boog is short for ‘booger’. Our Boog is named after former Major League first baseman Boog Powell (Baltimore Orioles: 1961-74; Cleveland Indians: 1975-76; LA Dodgers: 1977). So, for the record, he’s named after a talented, former professional baseball player, and not something you find in your nose.