This adorable 13.1 hands mare has transitioned into a wonderful therapy horse after being a jumper.

Why we love her: Ginger is sweet and interactive with staff and clients, often coming to the front of her stall to greet visitors. She has a big personality packed into her tiny size and has very communicative body language and facial expressions.

What makes her a great therapy horse: Her multidimensional gaits are smooth with an inherently steady rhythm, which feels like a full-size horse despite her small stature. This makes her great for our smaller hippotherapy clients who may be new to vaulting or those in adaptive riding first learning to trot. Her height makes it easier for volunteer sidewalkers and staff to stand alongside her and assist clients.

Years of Service: Donated to The Shea Center in April 2023, Ginger primarily works in our hippotherapy and adaptive riding programs.

Previous Career(s): Ginger was a children’s show pony before being donated to The Shea Center.

Fun Fact:  Ginger’s golden-colored coat is called flaxen chestnut, which is different from the traditional chestnut color. Flaxen chestnut-colored horses have a lighter-colored mane and tail.

Stats:

• Age: Born in 2011
• Breed: Haflinger/Welsh Pony Cross
• Color/markings: Flaxen chestnut, blaze
• Height: 13.1 hands