“Nugget is surprising. He’s young—only 8—and yet he is one of the most versatile equines in our herd at Hearts & Horses. His day may start with a 10-year-old and end with our oldest participant who is 96.
He works in every program we offer and serves a wide range of needs. From our therapeutic riding program to our at-risk-youth program to our veterans program to our Riding in the Moment program for adults with dementia, there is no participant Nugget cannot reach.
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Nugget has a particularly special bond with Alice. She’s 96 years old and although it’s difficult for her to stand for long periods of time, her riding seat is phenomenal.
Spending time with Nugget is the highlight of her day, especially if they get to ride outside. Our equine director put it best: ‘He walks like he’s crossing a field of tea cups when they are on the trail. Nugget knows his cargo is precious and becomes soft but aware. The squadron of volunteers around him seems to be his parade audience as he goes out on the trail.’
At the end of a ride, Nugget has been known to lean over to get some snuggles in with Alice. She’s small and so he has to come to her, and boy does he love leaning in.” –Summer A.
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