Meet Our Herd

Our therapy animals are the backbone of our programming and are like family to our participants. Learn more about our equines, goats, and bunny below!

Horse Selection 

Horses are intuitive by nature and respond best to kindness, consistency, and respect. Our horses are carefully chosen based on their natural interest in human interaction, and on their inquisitive, patient, and pleasant dispositions. Every animal has its own personality and preferences, which are taken into consideration when pairing each one up with a participant. The best equines suited for adaptive riding and horsemanship come from all disciplines and breeding, but are ideally aged 18 and under, 16.2 hands and under, and are sound at the walk, trot, and canter. If you think you might have an equine suitable for donation to our program, please email equestriancenter@eastersealsma.org.  

Animal Care 

A selectively trained, highly dedicated group of staff and volunteers cleans the paddocks and tends to the animals at least four times a day. Farrier Steve McAlister and The Humble Hoof's Alicia Harlov provide shoeing and barefoot trimming, respectively, every four to six weeks. Commonwealth Equine and Black Pond Veterinary Service offer the animals excellent preventive onsite dental and medical care throughout the year, while Dr. Kate Echeverria supports the herd as our advanced internal medicine specialist. Dr. Megan Graham provides spinal manipulation and acupuncture as needed to keep our herd feeling comfortable, balanced, and relaxed.

Animal Nutrition & Environment 

Program horses follow a forage-based, anti-inflammatory diet, including balanced supplementation of Vermont Blend and natural vitamin E, to encourage optimal hoof, coat, and gut health. High-quality first and second-cut hay is fed free choice in slow-feed bags to encourage gradual and frequent consumption, which reduces the chance of common equine ailments such as gastric ulcers. All horses have access to their outdoor paddocks around the clock with the brand-new addition of Dutch doors to the original barn. We are continuously expanding our incorporated track system, which encourages movement, circulation, and hoof concavity as well as topline development (not to mention, it's more fun!). This gives each animal the opportunity for freedom of movement, promotes proper circulation and respiratory health, and grants them the ability to socialize with other members of the barn at their leisure.

Equines

Billy J. 2012 Norwegian Fjord Gelding. Hails from Kentucky, where he was a ranch horse and children’s mount. Comfortable crossing rivers and cattle ranges, he has a floaty trot and a steady walk. Billy is gentle, docile, and kind. Great with beginners, he is the refined gentleman of the herd who eases anxiety and builds confidence.  Billy J was generously donated by a committed community member.

Dolly. 2020 Crossbred Mare. Like her namesake, she comes from Tennessee. This sweetheart loves connecting with people on the ground and in the saddle. She’s a perceptive and sensitive soul, mature beyond her years. Dolly is unflappable across all terrain, and undeniably playful when loose in the arena - she picks up the cones!  Dolly was donated by a generous parent in the community.

Liam. 2021 Gypsy Vanner Gelding. He was bred and born in Michigan; he is much like a golden retriever puppy in a horse's body. Steadfast and solid, he shows great potential for work in our Veteran programs. Liam enjoys horsemanship lessons and shows interest in all kinds of adaptive equipment here. His birthday is May 4! Liam was generously donated by a community parent.

Lionel. 2015 Norwegian Fjord Gelding. He is our founding Fjord and grew up tilling potato fields in West Virginia. He knows how to drive and use the mechanical lift with riders. A participant's first spoken words were to the song “You Are” by Lionel Richie. That’s how Lionel got his name! Norwegian Fjord Horse Alliance 2024 Therapy Horse of the Year

Max. 2000 Haflinger Gelding. He is a foodie opportunist who never misses a chance to grab a meal. Willful and reliable in the arena, he has taught many riders to canter (he used to jump quite a bit!). Max also carries participants who need maximum support in the saddle and trains with lift transfers. 

Mariah. 2017 Norwegian Fjord Mare. This docile, brave, and stoic girl was rescued in PA by a caring community member in October 2025. While much of Mariah’s history is unknown, permanent marks on her sides show evidence of a tough past life driving a carriage in an ill-fitting harness. Mariah now knows only kindness and gentle affection. 

Neil. 2017 Norwegian Fjord Gelding. This patient lovebug greets everyone in the aisle with his soft muzzle. Neil pulled sleighs in Canada before his arrival in June 2024. A true MVP, Neil now excels with all programming: Adaptive Riding, Traditional Riding, and Veteran Classes. Neil will be the first to pull our new adaptive carriage in 2026! Neil was generously donated by a community parent.

Stevie the Wonder Pony. 2018 Norwegian Fjord Gelding. He is our smallest Fjord with the biggest personality. Playful and active-minded, he is game for new adventures daily. Stevie enjoys showing kids new perspectives when they ride sideways and in backyards during Physical Therapy. Stevie was generously donated by a dedicated parent in the community.

Whitney. 2010 Haflinger Cob Mare. She tilled a backyard garden in Lancaster County, PA, before joining the herd in early 2023. Spunky and opinionated, Whitney fosters independence in our smallest riders. She is a breeze to lead around the arena and is great at training our volunteers and animal caretaking groups. Whitney was generously donated by a dedicated parent in the community.

In Loving Memory of Finn (2001-2025). Finn was adopted by Bridgewater VFW 2125 and was a founding member of our herd. Dependable and trustworthy, this 16.3-hand Canadian Warmblood gelding had a heart as big as his fuzzy bay belly. He was patient, gentle, and a steadfast friend to all who knew him.

Goats and Bunny

Wednesday (2024) is a 35-pound female Nigerian Dwarf goat, called a doe. She competed in local 4H shows with elementary-aged children and loves to snuggle in your lap. She was thoughtfully donated by JEM Equestrian and the 4H Club out of Duxbury.

Zelda (2024) is a 45-pound Nigerian Dwarf doe who was raised on the same farm in Duxbury as her friend, Wednesday. Zelda has a small white tip on her tail and loves to jump around the obstacles in her.

Sundae. 2025 Nigerian Dwarf Doe. Recently joined our herd with her sister. These cuties were generously donated by Meghan and her 4-H kids at JEM Equestrian. 

Tobe. 2025 Nigerian Dwarf Doe. Recently joined our herd with her sister. These cuties were generously donated by Meghan and her 4-H kids at JEM Equestrian. 

Penelope. 14-pound Spayed French Lop. On April 17, 2024, MSPCA-Angell reached out to let us know about this large stray that Boston Animal Control rescued off the bustling city streets. We hoofed it to Nevins Farm right away to scoop her up and adopt her into our family. We call her the "biggest bunny in Bridgewater", and she thinks she is a lap dog!