All of our lesson horses are well-loved on the farm. Here are some of the faces you might meet at On Course Equestrian Services:
Calvin
Calvin is a bay Quarter horse gelding. He was born in 2004 and has background in hunter/jumper, western, and therapeutic riding. He’s a sweet little man who’s more “woah-than-go”. He’s a perfect horse for riders of all experience levels. Whether you want to jump or go on a trail; Calvin is the man for you!
Nico
Nico is a Gypsy/Paint cross and a powerful, sweet, willing horse to ride. Nico is gentle on the ground and under saddle, making him a favorite for many of our lesson students. He is a big mover and fantastic jumper. He is great for all levels of riders.
Smokey Joe
Smokey Joe, or “Smokey”, is a Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse cross. He is a light dapple/fleabitten gray with a white snip and stands 17 hands tall. He is a favorite for many lesson students. Smokey is very gentle and great for students of all ages. He loves to go on trail rides and has a beautiful rocking horse canter. His favorite treat is carrots with the greens still attached. Smokey is owned by the Zenker family.
As of January 2020, Smokey will be semi-retired to beginner lessons only. He loves having a job to do and we are happy to give him safe work within his physical limitations.
Ruby
Ruby is a red roan Appaloosa mare standing 15.2 hands tall. Ruby is sweet, sensitive, kind and is the perfect beginner horse. She has a very smooth trot and canter. She is great at teaching the more timid riders and is very patient and well-behaved.
Major
Major is a Haflinger pony standing at 14 hands tall. He joined us in the summer of 2016 and has been an instant favorite. Major loves treats and adores being groomed. His favorite thing to do is canter through a cross-country course. He is gentle on the ground and under saddle and a very eager learner. With a little more work he will be a great pony for beginners. He is currently in training with our instructors and used in lessons for intermediate and advanced riders.
Patches
Patches is a skewbald Paint/Welsh cross and stands at 13 hands tall. He is a very well behaved pony with smooth gaits and a big jump. Patches is extremely kind and gentle with children and loves being spoiled by Leigh’s daughters.
Spike
Spike came to us in January 2020. He is a 13.1.5HH Welsh/Haflinger gelding; born in 2006. He has a past in eventing, he has shown extensively in 4H, hunted, parades, trail, games and camps. He is a very sweet little boy who every now and then can get that grumpy pony attitude! But we love him for it. What’s a cuddly pony without some spunk?
Titan
Titan was bought at an auction with Rowan and Cosmos. He’s a tall, young, bay, OTTB who will begin training with students in our lesson program 2022.
Rowan
Rowan was bought at an auction with Titan and Cosmos. She’s a small, young, chestnut who will begin training with students in our lesson program 2022.
In training:
Presently training to join our lesson program are Gloria (OTTB, broodmare, bay mare with a star), Chicka (OTTB, bay, filly), and Bruno (OTTB, young, chestnut with a blaze). We look forward to them joining our lesson program soon!
In loving memory of…
Hastey
Hastey was a wonderful old bay Thoroughbred gelding who started many children out in beginning riding lessons. He was a very talented jumper and even in his old age could pop over a 3ft fence with ease. For many students, he was the first horse they rode, learned to jump on, or took to their first show. Sadly, he did not make it through the harsh winter of 2014 and was buried on the farm. He died a ripe age of 30.
Cassidy
Cassidy was everyone’s favorite horse. She was an adorable liver chestnut Quarter Horse with a big white face and white stockings. She had a kind heart and always took care of the children who were riding her. She was the perfect horse to learn to ride on and was so trustworthy that you could put anyone on her back and know that she would take care of them. She unexpectedly had to be put down at New Bolton Medical Center in May of 2016. She was only 20 years old.
Junior
Junior was Leigh’s second horse. He was bought for her by her parents as a surprise when she was 9. He was the horse who gave her a basic foundation of riding and competing. They went to Dressage Nationals and Young Rider Championship together. He was the absolute love of Leigh’s life. He had a bad habit of breaking free when tied up and regularly was found wandering the show grounds dragging his lead and broken bailing twine. Needless to say, he went through many halters in his lifetime. Junior tragically died of sinus cancer 2 months before Leigh’s wedding. He was 23 years old and was buried on the farm.
Tilly
Tilly was a Shetland pony. She was our little special occasion lady used for birthday parties, pony rides, camps, and ground work. Her spunky sassy attitude was easily bribed by any treats you brought her. On Course Equestrian bought her for Leigh Tsottle’s oldest daughter Jordan. Tilly was Jordan’s first pony and they competed in shows together back in her prime. She passed away January 202 and is buried at the farm. She lived a long and happy life.
Know No Limits
Know No Limits, or “Know No” was a bay Thoroughbred mare. Know No was an unsuccessful race horse and so started her life as a Pony Club horse in polocrosse and eventing. She loved to give kisses if you blew on her nose. She was gentle enough for the smallest riders but spunky enough to take a more advanced rider around a jump course. She passed away December of 2021 and will be greatly missed by everyone!