Meet Our Horses
Our horses are at the heart of everything we do. Each one brings a unique personality, gentle spirit, and special connection to the riders and families of Rising Hope Farms.
My Name is Shadow
My name comes from Psalm 91:1 which says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” I was born in 1993 and have lived with Gail since I was 1 year old. I am a racking horse with smooth gaits and the oldest horse in the barn. I led the horse herd responsibly for a long time until I passed the mantel to my buddy, Prophet. Now, I am enjoying my retirement years but still like to carry some of our littlest riders from time to time
My Name is Miracle
My name comes from Psalm 77:14 where it says, “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” I came to the farm in September of 2010. I am a Spanish Mustang and was born in 2000. My coat is a beautiful olive dun color that shines in the summertime. I am the smallest horse on the farm. My small stature helps those that are intimidated by the bigger horses to feel comfortable and safe. Despite my small size, I am very strong and have a wonderfully smooth trot that my riders enjoy. You will often see me with my ears back, but don’t let me fool you. I am not being mean, that’s just what I do. I am feisty and quick, but I know when I have a special child on my back, and do my best to protect them.
My Name is TUG
Hi Everybody! My name is TUG (acronym for “Thanks Unto God”). I have resided at RHF for several years. First I visited temporarily, but decided this was where my home needed to be. A volunteer took me under her wing and has dedicated my services to the special riders at RHF. I am a Haflinger/Belgian cross horse with chestnut color and flaxen mane and tail. I am about 16 hands high and was born around 2002. I love apples and carrots and give big slobbery kisses. I have been trained to pull a cart but I like my job working with the wonderful and special riders of RHF
My Name is Judah
Hello, my name is Judah. I was named for Judah, one of Joseph’s older brothers in the Bible (Genesis 35). Judah was also the largest tribe of Ancient Israel. I am big and strong, and I am also a leader in the Rising Hope herd, a lot like my namesake. I am a bay, Quarter Horse cross, and was born circa 2008. My best friend is Noah. We lived together on a farm in Virginia and were hunter-jumpers before we moved here
My Name is Promise
My name is Promise. My name reminds us of the many promises God has made to His people and of His faithfulness to keep them. In 2 Corinthians 1:20, the Bible tells us, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” My name is a reminder that we can hold on to hope and trust in God, because He is always faithful to His promises.
My Name is Zion
Hello, my name is Zion, which means “holy place.” It is the word God uses throughout the Bible to refer to Jerusalem, Israel, and the City of David. It is the place where King Jesus will one day sit in throne. I was born in 2012 and lived on a ranch in Oklahoma. I am a blue roan Quarter Horse. I always try to carry my riders in honor of King Jesus on His everlasting throne!
My Name is Elijah
My name is Elijah, but my friends call me Eli. I was named for the prophet Elijah, one of the most courageous and faithful prophets in the Bible. My name means “The Lord is my God.” Elijah trusted God even during difficult times and boldly stood for his faith. His story reminds us that God is always present, providing strength, courage, and hope when we need it most.
Meet Our Barn Cats
Our horses aren’t the only animals who make Rising Hope Farms special. Our barn cats bring personality, companionship, and plenty of smiles to everyday life around the farm.
My Name is Genesis,
but Everyone Calls Me “Gen”
My name means “beginnings” or “origin,” and I was named after the first book of the Bible. I have many important jobs at Rising Hope Farms. First and foremost, I am a companion to the riders who visit each week. I love rubbing against their legs because that usually earns me a pat on the head or a rub down my back! I love our volunteers too and have been known to curl up on a welcoming lap.
I stay safely away from the horses’ hooves, but sometimes jump onto the top rail of the fence so the horses and I can greet each other nose to nose. I am also a hardworking barn cat, helping with mice before curling up in the cozy straw after a busy day. When you visit Rising Hope Farms, be sure to look for me—and if I’m nearby, I’ll gladly accept a gentle rub down my very soft back!
My Name is Eve
My name is Eve, and I am one of the newest members of the Rising Hope Farms family. Although some might say I was adopted, the truth is that I may have adopted the farm! I arrived as a beautiful little kitty with striking markings and a personality all my own. I love being around people and often make an appearance when there is activity in the arena. I quickly made myself at home and have become a much-loved member of the RHF family. Like so many animals who have blessed this farm, I remind everyone that sometimes the best friends simply find their way to us.
Forever in Our Hearts
Some of the most beloved members of the Rising Hope Farms family are no longer with us, but the love, lessons, and memories they gave us remain. We honor these special friends who touched the lives of our riders, volunteers, families, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.
Faith
With our hearts broken, we want you to know that we lost our beautiful girl, Faith. I think everyone would agree that she was a very special dog and she was perfect for Rising Hope Farms. Whenever there was a session, she would come around and stop to each person for just a moment for them to give her a pet or two and then she’d go onto the next. She greeted everyone that walked into Arena. It was her most important job and she did it beautifully. When the kids would touch her, you could see if they were nervous, that she could calm them down just by being near them. I think it’s safe to say in a way, that she was like a therapy dog for each and every one of us even though she wasn’t noted as one. She respected the horses and they respected her. And most of all, she was dearly loved by Gail and Kurt. We miss and love you, beautiful girl, and we know you are with our horses that are in heaven, and running along right beside them.
Prophet
On April 18, 2022, our dear Prophet went home to be with his Lord. Prophet was a founding member of the Rising Hope Farms herd and belonged to executive director, Gail Wartner. She rescued him as a young horse from severe abuse. Prophet’s entire life became a miraculous part of RHF’s ministry as he overcame his own trauma to help riders with disabilities. He was the herd’s lead horse for many years and his quiet confidence provided assurance to the other horses, the volunteers, and the riders he faithfully served. He is deeply missed, and we eagerly anticipate the joy of seeing him again, galloping across the fields of Heaven.
Abraham
In 2014, we lost one of the special members of our farm team, Abraham (Abe). Abe joined Rising Hope Farms in the second year of the ministry. His majestic stature and kind heart caused everyone to take notice of him. There was not a doubt that God would use him to reflect His love and kindness. He served the farm well until age and crippled legs made it so he could no longer carry the special riders. Yet even then he continued to serve by allowing children and adults alike to groom and love on him. Abe’s quiet and kind personality made it impossible for you not to fall in love with him from the time you met. One of the greatest lessons Abe taught us was that despite struggles and disabilities we may face in our lives, God can still use us to make a difference in those we encounter every day
Gideon
In April of 2019, our beloved Gideon went home to Glory. He was an incredible member of our team and is deeply missed. He served as a therapy horse for over 5 years and lived 30+ years. He impacted numerous lives and left a loving imprint in the minds of all who knew him. We are so thankful God granted us the time we had with Gideon and look forward to the day we will see him agai
Heaven
In 2021, we received the news that our beloved Heaven passed away. He and Baalam moved to a loving retirement home a few years back as Heaven’s health meant he could no longer be in our programs. Heaven’s immense presence reminded one of the vaults of heaven and the power of God. We are grateful to have known him
Samson
Samson, was named after the biblical hero in the book of Judges. Samson was a mighty warrior of incredible strength. The named suited this sweet, powerful horse. He faithfully carried many riders for several years. Samson was a strawberry roan, Tennessee Walking Horse. He retired to the home of a volunteer who loved him well until his passing a few years ago
Faith, Love & Remembrance
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:1
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.”
— Proverbs 12:10