Moonshadow Ranch - Home of Special Spirit - Owned Lesson Horses
Darby
Hi, my name is Darby!
I am a 10 year old Connemara pony gelding. I am originally from Ireland. When my previous owner moved away to college she wanted to find a good home for me, so I came to live here at Moonshadow Ranch. I’ve been giving lessons to the Special Spirit riders for two years and really enjoy it. I am half leased by a girl named Danielle; we compete in shows together and I love it. I also love to snuggle and give kisses. They say a kiss from an Irishman is good luck...come visit me and see if it’s true!    Diamond Jiggers Bar aka Jiggy Momma
Hi, my name is Diamond! I am a 27 year old Quarter Horse mare. I was a great cutting horse in my prime, and taught three generations of my family’s children to ride. Now that I am at Special Spirit, I am still teaching and loving every minute of it. Students have given me the nickname Jiggy because of my snappy, jiggy little trot. My favorite part of my job is being groomed and fussed over until my beautiful coat shines. |
Murphy
Hi, my name is Murphy!
I am an 18 year old Welsh Cob/Quarter Horse gelding. My owner Sammy and her mom Anne have had me since Sammy was very young, and have allowed me to be used in Special Spirit lessons since they first began. I am a jack of all trades here; I can step it up and jump for the more advanced riding students, or take it nice and slow for younger kids. My favorite activity, though, is eating everything from hay to horse treats. A working guy’s gotta eat!   Pumpkin
Hi, my name is Pumpkin!
I am a 15 year old Quarter Horse gelding. I used to work at the racetrack as a pony horse, but after my owner became ill, I was brought to Special Spirit a year ago to start a new job as a lesson horse. After a few months of training I am a dream horse. I have even been to a horse show and won a blue ribbon! Right now I am teaching one rider how to jump and having a lot of fun doing it. My last owner and friends from the track come visit me sometimes, and they always remark on how healthy I look; just look at how handsome I am! By the way, got any treats? |
Savannah
Hi, my name is Savannah!
I am a 16 year old Thoroughbred mare. I am a seasoned show horse with years of experience competing with my owner Morgan. Now that she is heading off to law school, Morgan wanted to find me a home where I would have a job and be well loved. I have been at the barn a few weeks now, and though it’s very different from my last home, I really like it here. I have been giving lessons to the intermediate riders and helping them advance and refine their skill |
Kidlet
Hi, my name is Kidlet!
I am a 32 year old Arabian gelding. I am mostly retired now, but my mom Pat lets me be used as a therapeutic riding horse when she is not around. I am calm, quiet, and kind, perfect for the job. Before riding, the children love to brush me and pet my long, smooth fur. I love the students for all the loving attention, and sometimes I even fall asleep while they take care of me. My favorite treats are bananas, peel and all! Reggie aka Born to Run
Hi, my name is Reggie!
I am a 30 year old horoughbred gelding. I was a racehorse back in the day, and lived a hard life for many years until my owner Sara found me. I spent a few years as a riding and trail horse, but am now a Special Spirit therapy horse. I love to spend easy days walking around the ranch with my favorite student and good friend Andy. I recently got a corneal ulcer, and with the expert guidance of Dr. Wanner and Dr. Robertson, Sara and my friend from Special Spirit Debbie have been caring for me to save my eye. I’m not out of the woods yet, but I really want to go back to work because I love my students. |
Algot
Algot aka known as Cragganmore is the latest addition to our horses. Algot is a 17 year old Swedish Warmblood imported from Sweden, and was purchased from Holmberg and Wadeborn Dressage. Algot trained with Lars Holmberg and can do high level dressage. Today he is being trained by Amy to become a hunter/jumper. He also enjoys trail rides with his owner Eva. Algot's father was Chapman 757, son of the legendary Chagall by Utrillo. Chapman represented Sweden in the 1994 World Championships in Hague, Netherlands and was Sweden’s most successful horse for many consecutive years. Chapman was champion at his Swedish warmblood stallion performance test. He competed successfully in Grand Prix dressage with a multitude of victories and placements nationally as well as internationally. Chapman had a very elastic gait - his piaffe and passage were considered to be among the best in international competition. As of 2002, at the age of 20, Chapman was still doing Grand Prix movements at shows. These movements have been inherited by Algot who is a fantastic "mover" and has a wonderful temperament.
