Horses and Ponies

MAKING STRIDES EQUESTRIAN would not be possible without these truly amazing friends!

CANDLELIGHT'S FIREFLY "Fly"

Fly is a registered Welsh pony, 13.0 hands, whom has been in our family for many years. We found him through Margaux, to teach little Cathy the ropes. He started her successfully in crossrails and continued through short stirrup. They won many championships together and were an adorable pair! Once little Cathy grew up, she moved to a large pony and Fly moved to Charleston with Cyndi. Cyndi took great care of him and after years of teaching little ones, he came back to Athens to be with us. Since returning, he took Taylor successfully into short stirrup, and then he took Samantha up to short stirrup. He has taught numerous beginners since then and has earned his retirement. He is still used occasionally for grooming lessons, but no more riding, even though he is still happily trotting & cantering around his paddock at meal time. Fly will celebrate his 34th birthday on May 3rd.

BEN THERE "Ben"

Ben is a Hanoverian cross, 16.2 hands, and has been a Making Strides Equestrian equine for almost 20 years. His first Making Strides Equestrian mom, Nancy, rode with Tonia for 16 years. Nancy came to Tonia after attending a summer camp riding program when she was only 10, and quickly progressed up the ranks. After owning 3 ponies, Ben came along to teach Nancy the 3'6" at USEF shows in Junior Hunters. Before this, Nancy competed at Pony Finals 3 years in a row on her large pony. Ben had an eventing background before she purchased him, which made him a great candidate for 3'6" hunters, jumpers, or equitation. Once Nancy graduated college and started traveling abroad, Ben was passed down to his next mom, long time Making Strides Equestrian student, Andrea. Andrea owned him for the next 6 years before moving out of state, but decided to let Ben stay with us at Making Strides Equestrian for others to enjoy. Ben will turn 29 in June.

WENDY'S COMET "Wendy"

Wendy has been in our family for almost 20 years. She is a registered breeding stock paint, 15.2 hands, and we believe she did have a foal sometime before we purchased her. She will celebrate her 27th birthday on May 16 and has done a little bit of everything in her life. Wendy won 4th in AAHJA year-end awards 2'6" hunters with limited showing in 2011. She also won 7th in the AAHJA year-end awards in 2010. Wendy decided she wanted an early retirement from riding, so she is simply enjoying life. We call her the Queen of Making Strides Equestrian.

SIMPLY SPENCER "Spencer"

Spencer was a Making Strides Equestrian client for 5 years before he joined our family for good. He is our most solid lesson horse and has been with us for almost 15 years. Originally Jillian brought him to Athens from California, but after a short stay she decided to return to California. Instead of having Spencer make the long haul back across country again, Jillian's sister, Laurel, decided to keep Spencer. Now Laurel has moved back to California and we all knew that Spencer belonged with us. He teaches a wide range of riders from first timers to junping students. Spencer celebrated his 20th birthday in January and we couldn't do what we do without him. He is worth his weight in gold.

STORMY WEATHER "Thunder"
Thunder is a Morgan/ pinto,who is simply a lot of fun. He teaches beginner walk lessons to any ages, but is more of an intermediate ride when it comes to trotting. He previously competed at a horse show, and has been off property to trail rides. He is Tonia's main ride but does share himself for lesson use as needed. Thunder will celebrate his 13th birthday in June. He has been with us for 4 years.

CAPED CRUSADER "Batman"

Batman is our newest and youngest addition to our family. He is mainly Winnie's ride but does play in the lesson program from time to time. Batman joined our team in August 2019, he is a paint, and previously he was a barrel horse before learning the English route with us. Batman will celebrate his 12th birthday in March.

Elite

Elite joined our family as our first barn cat. She showed up as a kitten, outside Georgia Elite Gymnastics, in September of 2009. She was so tiny and both Tonia & Winnie knew that she needed some love and a wonderful new home. She settled right in at the farm, learning to walk on the rafters and sleep above the office. She is a great hunter and enjoys babysitting the horses as they graze, as well as watching the lessons in the arena. Since she is now 11 years old, she is getting spoiled and spending the nights inside our house. she will turn 12 this summer.

Bobby
Bobby joined our team in November of 2014. He is a super playful cat, very loving, very curious, and all around fun. He keeps watch over our lower barn from the rafters or even the roof! He is around 8 years old.