Our Horses
Pony Power started ten years ago, with little more than a dream and MAT.
 Mat Matwas a retired fancy show horse who came from France with a passport and all! Dana recognized the gentle and earnest look in his eye, and knew he was the horse that could fulfill the goals she dreamed for Pony Power. Mat was the literal foundation for this program when it started with one horse and four riders. Mat was an integral part of Pony Power. He assumed his roles here with pride; whether he was “dancing” in the aisle to our own version of “the neck of the horse goes side to side….” (to the tune of “wheels on the bus”), allowing wheelchairs to roll right up to him to teach students how to groom a filthy gray horse, or by auto-pilot steering for our beginner riders. Mat passed away in November of 2011. He will be greatly missed by all! |
 CC CCis very special. He was purchased by a local family and donated to Pony Power for the sole purpose of being a therapy horse. It was months after CC had been a member of the Pony Power team before we realized his amazing talent. CC can sense his rider will have a seizure before there is any sign of it. A usually forward horse, he plants his hooves and refuses to move a muscle. When he indicates this change, our team can prepare for the inevitable seizure that will ensue. He has been known to turn his head and neck to the rider to help secure their stability along with our team of trained staff and volunteers. CC is a staple in our program and loved by all who have the pleasure to work with him. |
 Patrick Patrickwas rescued from a ranch that was being liquidated and all of the horses were headed for slaughter. Patrick is the face of Pony Power, his handsome looks and snuggly character melt everyone’s heart. He is in his later years, and has developed arthritis so Patrick’s light load of walking lessons keeps him happy and moving. Like all of our horses, Patrick spends his days outside playing with his friends in the paddocks. |
 Rebel Rebelis our diamond in the rough! His name doesn’t fit him in the least, as he is one of our most gentle and capable horses. He was donated from an Olympic equestrian from New Jersey and has been an ideal lesson horse for beginners to advanced riders alike. He has taught many of our riders how to trot, canter and ride independently with ease. His curly chestnut coat provides the perfect excuse for his riders to stay after their lesson to groom and spend extra time with him. |
 Maya Mayais our resident miniature horse. Don’t let her size fool you, because she rules the roost! Maya was purchased by Sydney Spett, who in lieu of presents for her Bat Mitzvah, requested donations to purchase a therapy outreach horse. Because of her size, we aim to bring Maya to hospitals and treatment centers to bring the joy and happiness of a barn to those that can’t come to us. Maya is still young, so we continue to work on her training and fundraise to achieve these worthwhile goals. |
 Red Hot Red Hotis one of our newest therapy horses. He is a Pony of America, donated by a family in Connecticut. He was a lead line champion, and has reached a new potential here at Pony Power. Red Hot has been with us since September of 2010, but has exceeded all expectations we had for him. As his first introduction to a therapy barn, we anticipated realistic fears of objects such as wheelchairs that are foreign to a horse. Red Hot’s first interaction with a wheelchair was happily following it up to the bus while one of our riders was loaded on the auto ramp. Red Hot marched right up to the bus and stuck his head in to send off our riders with a friendly nicker. He has been a wonderful addition to our program with a natural kindness and gentle demeanor that is perfect for our more fragile riders. His smooth gait makes him a perfect mount for hippotherapy sessions as well. |
 Promise Promisewas donated from a trainer in Connecticut to our program at the same time as Red Hot. She had a long history of struggles, including evidence of being physically abused by a former owner. However you would never guess this background from her character. She is one of our most trusting horses, and promises-as her name implies- to try her best at whatever task we ask of her. |
 Mulligan Mulliganwas donated in the spring of 2010 around the time of our annual golf outing. Contrary to his name (in golf terms), he is no “do over”. He was donated to us after suffering a ligament injury and was lame. With meticulous attention, and a very talented farrier, Mulligan has made a full recovery. Mulligan is one of our largest horses in the therapy program, standing 16.2 at the withers. He has been a favorite in our veterans program Horses for Heroes, where our veterans have the privilege of picking their own horse to work with. He is our gentle giant, and his willing to please demeanor has won many hearts with our volunteers and riders. |
 Cheyanne Cheyanneis a special paint pony, who has been a huge hit in our equine assisted learning program. Her curious nature and unusual looks never fail to bring out an interest in participants. She is also well-known for her comfortable trot and smooth stride, making her another great mount for our Hippotherapy program. |
Big Rascal and Squirewere donated as a pair, and a pair they will stay. These two best friends do everything together. They came to us with a trail riding background making their calm dispositions a great fit for therapy. They both have been big hits with our veterans and therapeutic riding programs. They are both large horses and have the ability to teach children and adults the joy of riding.
 Big Rascal Big Rascalis a breathtaking registered Buckskin Quarter Horse that suffers from allergies all summer long. Big Rascal loves nothing more than to be groomed daily to help satisfy his itch. |
 Squire Squireis an intelligent chestnut Quarter Horse. His rolling trot and rocking chair canter keep him in constant demand between our therapy and traditional riding programs. |
 Major Majoris our biggest horse. Standing just under 17 hands he is a crowd pleaser. He also had a fancy jumping career, and was donated to us after suffering an injury. We were able to rehabilitate Major to his full potential, and he has been an amazing addition to our program. He has been hand picked by one of our veterans each session of our Horses for Heroes program. |
 Little Bit Little Bitis one of our most treasured ponies. His resume includes small pony hunter champion of New Jersey, our red light/green light champion as well as the “Mayor” of the farm. Little Bit may only be waist high for some, but he still believes he is the biggest and fastest horse on the property. At the age of 24, he exudes a sense of pride and self-confidence that is undeniable when you see him prance from his stall to the ring to greet his riders. |
 Princess Princessis a palomino pony that is beautiful and knows it. Her show name could not be more appropriate, “if the crown fits.” She is a diva in every sense of the word and is one of our best ponies to teach independent riding skills. She has taken a few of our riders to local shows, where she’s won an array of ribbons she earned for her ease over jumps and in the flat classes. |
