Lift Me Up! Therapeutic Riding Program

Meet Our Horses

It takes a special horse to be a Lift Me Up! horse. To safely and gently carry a handicapped rider whose balance is frequently fragile and muscles unfit, a LMU! horse must be kind and steady. Absolutely unflappable, as all of our horses are.

Our mounts are experienced veterans from a variety of previous careers. Many are wise senior citizens enjoying a productive golden age.

Ekctor

FARNLEY SIR ECTOR

Anyone who has been riding at Lift Me Up! eventually meets Sir Ector. This special pony has quite a history. Farnley Sir Ector was foaled in 1977 out of Farnley Fleta. Farnley Farm was a family owned pony breeding operation at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. To own a Farnley pony was very desirable and many made it to the show jumping world. Sir Ector is a Welsh pony, 14 hands, and yes, he is 26 years old. In his early years he was a Hunter pony and was always "in the ribbons." In 1988 he joined a family in Great Falls. They soon realized he did not have a mean bone in his body, and had a mischievous streak. He always managed to find something in the barn to get into while the stalls were being cleaned. His favorite trick was upending the muck barrow - very cheeky!!

He was a trusted pony and had a mission even then. He helped the family's little girl, Catrina, with her balance and muscle control after a brain operation - they joined Great Falls Pony Club together. After learning Dressage and how to gallop cross country, he became the quintessential Pony Club pony. With his young rider he traveled around Virginia competing in United States Pony Club rallies and continued to win many ribbons. He also evented successfully at Novice level, jumping 2'11". Sir Ector was retired from Pony Club when Catrina outgrew him and was donated to Lift Me Up! where he is happily still helping children and adults.

A Word From Ector -

Hi! My name is Farnley Sir Ector and I am a very important ingredient at Lift me up! Unfortunately, I am getting on in years, and require increasing amounts of support. Can you help keep me comfortable? Here's a list of my monthly bills:

Board: $300
Shoes: $100
Medicine: $200

TOTAL: $600

My stable pals, Finn and Valentine, also cost over $400 a month to keep healthy. Any contributions made to LIFT ME UP! on our behalf are tax-deductible and Guaranteed to go straight to the horse's mouth. Please lend a hand!

Horses Needed !!

We are looking for two horses to help with the work load. If you know of a medium sized pony, not too wide with smooth gaits, or a horse about 15.2hands, who can be ridden independently at the walk/trot and canter PLEASE send us an e-mail. Although LMU! does have a 'New Horse Fund' established, any donations are greatly appreciated. Remember, all donations are tax deductible.

Accredited member of North
American Riding for the
Handicapped Association