Meet our herd

Chipmunk - or Chippy as we all call him, is a Shetland pony and only 8 hands high, yet has a real presence. He is an invaluable member of our herd and teaches us about respect, boundaries, and learning not to underestimate others based on appearance! 

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Chippy's best friends are Sugar and Samsun, and you will often find him near by to either. He's full of energy, despite being the oldest member of our herd and loves to get in amongst the play with the bigger horses. 

 

His favourite part of the day is going for lane walks and getting out on the grass with his friends. He hates baths, but loves to roll around in the mud (especially after baths!)

Our Yard Team also like to joke that he's a bit of a Houdini, as he often likes to escape and run to different areas of The Red Horse site!

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Running Deer was the alpha mare for many many years and had an incredible partnership with Brannan. Although she has stepped down from this role, she continues to be the look-out for the herd, she is always on guard for any changes in the environment, big or small.

 

Deer is very assertive and responds well to those who mean what they say. Her style is ‘no nonsense‘, but she is very kind to those in need. She is not afraid to tell the other members of the herd off if they are not respecting her personal space, she does not allow her boundaries to be crossed, which is a great example to us all!

Deer teaches us about assertiveness, self-reliance and clear communication.

 

Deer has been with us from near enough the beginning of Red Horse. She has earned her place as a wise elder of the herd and prefers a slower pace of life now, although she still enjoys her rides out on the lanes; especially in the Spring and Autumn, her favourite seasons. 

Sugar has been with us since the very beginning of Red Horse.

 

Sugar is very bright and quick to learn. She is very alert to our emotions and intentions, and if you take your eye off her for one second she will use the opportunity to dart off to find a tasty bit of grass! She loves food and is very independent. Sugar shows us that not everyone shows their emotions in the same way, she has a lot of love to give when she is treated with respect and understanding. She has very clear boundaries and, like Running Deer, will definitely let others know about it if they are crossing them. 

 

Sugar holds her own amongst the bigger horses and puts new members through their paces. She likes to flirt with Antero from time to time and Chippy loves being near her. She may be little, but she is bold and will step forward to lead the herd when the others are uncertain. 

Samsun joined the herd in autumn 2022. He is an Irish draught and the youngest, yet biggest in the group, standing tall at 16 hands 3.

 

Samsun is a gentle giant and takes everything ins his stride. He is welcoming to all he meets, horse and human alike. He particularly loves to play with the other geldings and he and Chipmunk have developed a really special friend. Although young, Samsun's brain is huge, and he likes to be out and about on rides with his best friends.

 

He’s super inquisitive and gets easily bored, so his antics keep our Yard Team busy. Samsun teaches us that it is fun to learn new things and exploring social boundaries within the herd. He shows us that it is ok to get things wrong and make mistakes, and that good friends will always forgive us.

Antero joined the herd in late autumn 2021. He is a thoroughbred and didn't have the best start in life. He was rescued from a very neglectful home before he came to Red Horse. Despite his history, he loves people and always has time to give cuddles, or pull a cheeky trick to make you laugh. He loves his new job as a therapy horse, but is also equally happy snoozing in his stable or in the sunshine with his pals. 

 

Antero is a sociable chap who is everyone's pal - the girls particularly seek his attention when they are in season. He loves to be one of the lads and throw some big moves when he is playing with Samsun and Chippy. There is also question amongst the herd looking for leadership from him which Antero is getting to grips with slowly

 

A true playful yet soft soul with lots of love to give - he’s like a giant labrador. We're so happy and lucky to have him!

Monica joined the herd in spring 2024 along with her best friend, Flora.

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Monica is a very gentle, calming girl but also has a powerful side to her too. Monica was the lead mare in her previous herd and appears to be taking over the reins from Running Deer in that role now but the herd are still settling from all the changes in 2024 so it will be interesting to watch the dynamics as everyone gets comfortable.

 

Monica is fiercely protective of Flora and will get between her and the boys if she doesn't like what's going on! Monica can be very strong and speedy when being led or ridden which feels like it may be coming from an anxious place. She is already much more relaxed in work than she was so we will continue to encourage her that it's ok and she doesn't have to run.

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It is lovely to see Monica building a budding friendship with Running Deer - the old ladies keeping everyone in check!

Flora joined the herd in spring 2024 along with her best friend, Monica. She is one of our younger members of the herd at 13. She is 15.1hh tall and a standardbred mare. 

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Flora is a very sweet, friendly mare who loves cuddles and attention. From her first day she has had a special love for Antero but has since settled in very well with the whole herd. Flora can get worried when she can't see Monica but she is getting much more relaxed and knows Monica will be back. 

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Flora is already a popular member of the herd to work with and seems to be enjoying her work as a therapy horse. We look forward to watching her confidence grow.

 

Soprano, or Soppy, (as he has been nicknamed so fittingly!) joined us during Summer 2024. He is a magnificent friesian who stands almost as tall as his best buddy, Samsun!​

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Soppy has some health issues and lived a very different life style before coming to Red Horse. He is adapting really well and slowly becoming more confident to stand up for himself amongst the herd. He's certainly a gentle giant and is very appreciate of a good scratch! He can forget his size and isn't particularly aware of personal space but this just make him all the more cuddley!