Meet the EET Horses
The horses EET uses for veteran training range from famous retired professionals, to horses rescued from abusive situations and from overpopulation in the wild. Some of them live at a partner ranch in Norco, and some of them live at the EET training headquarters in the Tehachapi mountains at Hole In The Sky Ranch.
Each one is a vital member of the EET team.
Indio
Indio is my real name but everyone calls me “Indy”. I was a roping horse and competed in the rodeo. My first human tried to get me to do what he wanted with cruel and outdated methods. I couldn’t learn that way so I would try to pull back and run away. I’ve broken many halters, ropes and tie racks while trying to get away from the pain.
Now I am allowed to be myself, and my humans are gentle, caring and respect me. I can be sweet, kind and affectionate while still being very quick and coordinated. I LOVE kids.
One time, my human was breathing very heavily and sweating. I was very worried and would not let him pass me until I was certain that he was ok. That’s how much I love my humans now. They taught me how to trust again.
Zee Bey
I’d like to be a lap dog. I really don’t understand why I can’t come in the house, sit on the couch, and watch TV with my human. There are many humans in my life; but one has been with me forever. He asks me to show humans how to be a two-legged horse. He also asks me to help him teach wild horses to like humans.
My ancestors were some of the most prized Arabian horses in the world. Since I like to run fast for long distances in the mountains, early in my life I decided that I didn’t want to be a show horse.
One of my favorite things to do is to untie any knots and open most gates. Sometimes I hear people call me “Houdini”. I love my life at Hole In The Sky Ranch so I don’t go anywhere when I sneak out.
Charley Horse
My name was Horse until my 5 year old friend, Holly, decided to call me Charley Horse.
I don’t know why some humans hurt me and didn’t take care of me in the past. The misery and pain of the past changed when I was adopted by EET. I have a wonderful place to live, my food is nutritious, I get regular care for my feet and body. Most importantly, with the help of patient people who understand me, I am teaching children and veterans how to cope with past pain and be fully present. I adore being around people, and will happily follow anyone around who gives me some love. And, of course, I now have my friend, Holly.
Mustang Sally
I endured almost 4 years in the wilds of Nevada. Most of the time, there was not enough to eat and I had to fight for food with other horses. When I was captured and moved to Hole In The Sky Ranch to be gentled, I was confused, defensive, and frightened. I met some other nice horses that liked humans and there was always plenty to eat. I have grown over 2” and have gained over 50 pounds of muscle since moving to HITSKY. My pasture home is beautiful, safe, and has many places to hide. All of the people I have met have been nice to me. Recently, I have become very curious and much less fearful with people. I’ve even been trusted to work with fearful and traumatized humans. We are helping each other.
Willie
I arrived at Hole in the Sky Ranch with Mustang Sally. I grew up in the wild, and was nervous at first to be in a different place with new horses… but came to love my new safe home. And one of the things I have really grown to love is all the people! When humans are feeling overwhelmed, they come and hang out with me and I do my best to be there with them. I’m known as the “Comfort Donkey”, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Dolly
When I came to Hole in the Sky Ranch, I was barely a year old and just weened from my mother in the wild. I was so tiny, and had an injured back leg so I may not have survived the wild. But I was introduced to Willie, who was over the moon to have another burro on the ranch. He quickly showed me the ropes, and I started leading the herd. I now have a big safe pasture to run around with Sally and Willie, fresh food & water, and people who I love to nuzzle up to.