Aldi, a charming Fjord mare, joined NCEFT in 2020 after traveling from British Columbia, where she spent years supporting therapy, mental health, and driving programs. Known for her calm demeanor and steady presence, Aldi’s “superpower” is stopping — an invaluable skill for helping our physical therapy clients build balance and confidence. Her kind eyes and affectionate nature make her a favorite among patients, volunteers, and staff alike. At the end of each session, Aldi offers her clients a gentle sniff or nuzzle, a quiet reminder of her patience and the special bond she creates with everyone she meets.

Belle, a beautiful Haflinger mare, joined the NCEFT herd in August 2024. She quickly settled into her role across several programs, including Mental Health and Resilience, Hippotherapy, and Adaptive Riding. Belle’s calm, steady nature and willingness to learn make her a wonderful partner for both clients and therapists. Around the barn, she’s known as a social butterfly — always eager to greet passersby at her stall door. Belle truly shines in our Mental Health sessions, where clients love grooming, connecting with, and caring for her gentle spirit.

Sponsored by the Maloney Family
(John, Kathleen, and Carolyn)

Charlotte is a lovely bay Morgan/Cob cross standing 13.1 hands high, easily recognized by her striking white blaze and bright expression. Before joining NCEFT, she excelled as a show hunter, and she’s now embracing her new role in mounted therapy sessions with confidence and grace. Her gentle temperament and eager-to-please attitude make her an instant favorite among clients, volunteers, and staff. Charlotte loves attention and thrives on connection — she never turns down the chance to share a moment of sweetness with those around her.

Checkers is a handsome Quarter Horse gelding who joined the NCEFT herd in 2018 following a successful career competing in Reined Cow Horse events under the guidance of World Champion trainer Sandy Collier. With his strong training and calm demeanor, Checkers excels in mounted sessions, adapting easily to the variety of activities in our arena. Steady, reliable, and endlessly patient, he helps riders build confidence and balance with every stride. Beloved by clients and staff alike, Checkers is the true definition of a dependable partner and a cherished member of our therapy herd.

Dozer is a Quarter Horse gelding who joined the NCEFT herd in January 2025. With his sweet, social personality and calm demeanor, he’s quickly become a barn favorite. Often described as a “giant lap dog,” Dozer loves attention and connection with everyone he meets. Before his therapy career, he excelled in Cowboy Dressage, demonstrating both skill and responsiveness. Now, he brings that same steady presence to our Adaptive Riding and Mental Health programs—and he especially enjoys relaxing trail rides, where his gentle spirit truly shines.

Elf is a distinguished Fjord gelding who joined the NCEFT herd in 2014 after an impressive show career. He earned top honors in multiple disciplines and was named Reserve Champion at the largest Fjord gathering in the country in 2010, competing against more than 100 horses. Today, Elf channels his experience and intelligence into his role as a dependable therapy partner. Incredibly intuitive, he remembers each client’s unique cues and responds with care and precision. Calm, confident, and always ready to work, Elf is a cornerstone of NCEFT’s  programs and a favorite among clients and staff alike.

Mac is an American Quarter Horse gelding who joined the NCEFT herd in 2022. Bred from the renowned Reining line “Hollywood Dun It,” he brings both skill and sensitivity to his work as a therapy horse. A deeply intuitive horse, he mirrors clients’ emotions with patience and understanding, making him a natural fit for our Mental Health and Resilience programs. Affectionately known as Mac‑a‑doodle, Big Mac, or Macaroni, this “Spirit Horse” inspires trust, connection, and confidence in everyone he meets.

Ocho is a Miniature Horse gelding who joined the NCEFT herd in 2020 and quickly became a crowd favorite, representing NCEFT at many different events. With his gentle spirit and big personality, he captures hearts in our Mental Health and Resilience programs, where both children and adults are drawn to his warmth and charm. Ocho is especially helpful for clients who may feel nervous around larger horses, helping them build confidence and horsemanship skills. Patient and good‑natured, he happily stands still while clients braid and style his mane, tail, and forelock—always welcoming the extra attention that comes his way.

Pistol is a Quarter Horse gelding who joined the NCEFT herd in 2021 after a successful career in Cutting. Bred by Barbara Brooks—NCHA Members Hall of Fame inductee and wife of country artist Kix Brooks—Pistol’s registered name, “Six Shooter Boogie,” perfectly fits his spirited yet easy‑going personality. Recognizable by his unique half‑guitar, sunburst brand, Pistol combines athletic ability with a calm, curious nature. His agility and steady movement make him a wonderful partner for clients building balance and core strength. A true social butterfly, Pistol nickers to greet familiar friends and loves staying connected with everyone around him.

Valentino, affectionately known as “Tino,” is a Friesian/Morgan cross gelding who joined NCEFT in 2021. As one of the largest horses in our herd, Tino brings both strength and sensitivity to his work. Before coming to NCEFT, he proudly served as part of the Woodside Vaulters Trot Team, carrying up to four young athletes at once. His vaulting background makes him an exceptional therapy horse—steady, responsive, and highly attuned to his riders. Tino has a remarkable ability to sense his clients’ needs, providing balance, confidence, and calm assurance to everyone who has the privilege of working with him.

Sponsored by the Maloney Family
(John, Kathleen, and Carolyn)

Vinnie, a black‑and‑white Paint Quarter Pony born in 2018, is the youngest member of the NCEFT herd. Standing 12.3 hands high, he joined us in May 2025 and has quickly captured the hearts of clients, volunteers, and therapists alike. Bright, curious, and full of personality, Vinnie is already proving to be a natural in our programs—especially when working with our smallest riders. When he’s not in a session, you’ll often spot him enjoying sunny pasture time or strolling alongside his best buddies, Tino and Checkers, embodying the playful spirit that makes him so special.

Woody is a Thoroughbred/Belgian cross gelding who joined the NCEFT herd in 2015, and he proudly holds the title of our tallest therapy horse at 16 hands high. Calm, steady, and reliable, Woody is most at home in the arena, where he provides a secure, reassuring ride for clients. His background in Dressage has made him highly attuned to his riders’ cues, allowing him to respond with subtlety and precision. This combination of size, sensitivity, and training makes Woody an outstanding partner for Adaptive Riding clients working to refine their skills and build confidence.

Willy and Wonka are Miniature Mediterranean donkeys who have become some of the most recognizable members of the NCEFT herd, especially beloved by our younger clients. With their small size, soft expressions, and gentle personalities, they offer an inviting first connection for anyone who may feel nervous around larger horses. These sweet brothers excel in our Mental Health and Resilience and unmounted horsemanship sessions, where brushing, leading, and simply spending quiet time with them can build confidence, trust, and emotional regulation. Whether soaking up hugs or posing for photos, Willy and Wonka bring joy wherever they go.