Our Team

Alma Equine works closely with a dedicated team of rescue horses and a charming miniature pony. Each member of our equine team has their own unique qualities, making them invaluable mentors for our programs. They play a crucial role in helping us achieve our mission to empower young people, develop leadership skills, and connect with the environment and others in our community.

Gaby (racing name: Gavyn’s Lady) born 2006

Gaby raced until the age of five.  She was donated to the Neigh Savers program a year later. Gaby loves to teach and is a kind and patient mentor.  She has a big heart and is eager to teach the equine language. She requires very light handling and loves to be ridden bridle less. 

Runner (racing name: Storming Runner) born 2011

As a two-year-old, Runner was rescued from a feed lot by Neigh Savers and sent to their program in Los Gatos.  He was used in the Neigh Savers program to train volunteers and to help retrain and rehab other OTTB’s (Off The Track Thoroughbreds). Runner loves to jump. His favorite pastime is playing with Snickerdoodle and eating carrots.

Carabella (racing name: Queen Of Blades) born 2010

As a two year old, Carabella suffered a tendon injury during race training and was donated to Neigh Savers.  She was adopted out twice and returned to the Neigh Savers program two years later. Like any dedicated athlete, Carabella has a strong work ethic. However, like most females, she likes to be consulted about her workout routine and thrives with praise. Her favorite pastime is hanging out with her girlfriend, Gaby, flirting with the boys and having her belly rubbed.

Jess

Jess was a young foal when she was adopted from a BLM holding facility back in 2011. Her U.S. Government’s freeze mark indicates that she is approximately 11 years old. Alma Equine adopted her from a nonprofit (CTRH) located in Cincinnati. She had lived at their facility but she was too young and inexperienced to be part of their program for handicap children.  She came to us well socialized with horses and people and she has impeccable ground manners. She had limited riding experience. The volunteers at Alma Equine have really enjoyed the opportunity to learn from and work with a mustang.

A little pony named, ‘Snickerdoodle’

Alma Equine is excited to introduce its newest equine member, a miniature pony named ‘Snickerdoodle’. Snickerdoodle, aka ‘Doodle,’ came to us from Summit Horse Rescue, a local rescue organization dedicated to saving feedlot horses from slaughter. Summit Horse Rescue does amazing work rehabbing neglected and unwanted horses and finding loving homes for them. Alma Equine met Snickerdoodle and realized pretty quickly that he was perfect for their program. You see, Snickerdoodle has a unique skill set – he gives immediate feedback about interpersonal boundaries. He does this by shying away from students until they learn to come into his space calmly, confidently, and with respect for his thoughts, feelings and integrity. Only then will he respond by allowing students to get closer to him.  And when they approach him in this way, they are rewarded by a nuzzle from a pony who is as charming and cute as his name suggests. We believe that this experience of becoming a friend to Doodle can help young people identify and relate to their own more sensitive natures.

Women with a mission: Help grow young people.

A Special thanks to….