Horse Heroes Help Individuals with Special Needs

At Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida (EATSF), every horse has a story and Cherokee’s is one of heart, charm, and a bit of mischief!

Cherokee is EATSF’s 16-hand chestnut Belgian Warmblood/Saddlebred cross. He was born on July 25, 2009, and joined the EATSF herd in 2021. He came to us from a loving family who recognized his sweet nature and felt he would thrive in a therapeutic setting, and they were absolutely right.

Since arriving at EATSF, Cherokee has quickly become a barn favorite, especially among our volunteers. His affectionate personality and love for attention make him a natural fit for equine-assisted activities. Whether he’s working with participants or soaking up a good grooming session, Cherokee brings joy to everyone he meets.

Cherokee works diligently in our therapeutic riding program. Cherokee adores being groomed and fussed over. His stunning mane and flowing tail are always a point of pride (and frequent compliments).

Before joining EATSF, he was definitely a bit spoiled and still sometimes seems to think he’s a lap dog rather than a horse. He’s also quite the escape artist, so we always make sure his stall door is secure when anyone is working nearby.

Did you know that horses can be models? That’s right! Cherokee’s good looks got him noticed by our friends at Chewy! You might spot his handsome face featured on Chewy’s website, representing equine wellness and style like a true professional.

From his goofy moments to his therapeutic work, Cherokee is a shining example of the transformative power of horses. We’re grateful every day to have him as part of our herd, making a difference in the lives of our participants and bringing smiles to everyone around him.

Thank you for supporting Cherokee and all the incredible horses who help carry out our mission at Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida.

We are thrilled to introduce Zander, the newest member of our herd and a true horse hero in the making! Zander is a 14.1 hand, 15-year-old bay Morgan/Quarter Pony Cross with a gentle spirit and a heart of gold. Previously a show-jumping pony, Zander has now found a new calling helping individuals with special needs through the transformative power of equine-assisted therapy.

Generously donated to Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida, Zander completed a 90-day trial with flying colors. During this time, he was carefully evaluated for his temperament, adaptability, and ability to connect with participants. We’re happy to share that Zander passed every milestone with ease and officially became a permanent part of our program this month!

Zander has already begun working with some of our younger riders in our therapeutic riding sessions, where he’s proving to be a calm, responsive, and nurturing partner. His background as a show pony gives him the confidence and steadiness needed to support our participants.

It didn’t take long for Zander to become a favorite among our volunteers, instructors, and participants. His kind eyes and patient demeanor have made a lasting impression, and we are excited to see the impact he will continue to have on the lives of those we serve.

Thanks to your generous support, horses like Zander are able to help individuals build strength, confidence, and emotional resilience one ride at a time. Welcome to the EATSF family, Zander!