Stanley
Stanley is a 16.2 hand glossy bay Hanoverian owned by MaKayla Muir, the inspiration for Quantum Leap Farm's "MaKayla's Hands on Horses" Program for pediatric cancer patients, survivors and their families. Dreams of Stanley kept MaKayla going through months and months of chemotherapy and radiation. Now he is a reality in her life--and generous MaKayla wants to share her special horse with other Quantum Leap Farm participants. She wants Stanley to give hope to others. We're thrilled to have Stanley and MaKayla in our midst--a constant reminder that dreams can come true.
Cowboy
Cowboy is a 15.3 hand bay Quarter Horse born in 1996. He was donated by John Faulkner. Cowboy was a show Reiner prior to joining our therapeutic riding program. Cowboy’s specialty is helping riders who are amputees or have limited arm and leg strength as it takes the softest of cues for him to respond. He takes his job seriously and is affectionate and attentive to his riders - particularly with children. Cowboy comes running at the sound of cellophane, knowing it means a peppermint treat (but he'll happily eat any human munchie). He also loves a good back scratch and will try to return the favor to his groomers! Cowboy's best bud is Ponce.
Ponce
Ponce is a show and pleasure horse in addition to serving as a therapy horse at QLF. This 17.2 hand grey Dutch Warmblood was born in 1999 and is owned by Pam Price. When it's time to work, he knows his job; but when it's time to play, he's best described as a fun-loving clown. Why do we call him "Swamp-Thang"? Because he loves to wade in the water and roll in the mud. He may be a natural grey, but he’s usually a muddy brown. He's also the game instigator of the pasture. Watch him find a stick or better yet, steal a halter and lead rope from the gate, which he uses to entice the other horses into a game of tug o' war. When he's ready for a change, he'll pull the fly-masks off their faces and dunk them in the pond!
Sonic
Sonic is a 15 hand bay Appaloosa/Quarter Horse with a small white blanket on his rump. He was born in 1994 and is owned by Roger Anderson. Sonic is our lover boy. He loves to cuddle, lick and be hugged. Kiss him on his soft nose and he'll sigh with contentment. Walk out to the pasture and he'll soon walk up behind you and follow along with his head on your shoulder. He's an excellent therapy horse, patient and gentle, but you have to be careful when he's standing and awaiting his turn. If the opportunity presents itself, he's likely to amble over to the instructor for a hug and a kiss. How can you resist a horse like this? Sonic loves sweets and always eats a piece of cake at birthday parties.
Tie
Tie, or Black Tie Affair, was donated by Kelsie Dabelstein and is sponsored by Nancy Whitehurst. He's a pin-up handsome Morgan who stands at 15 hands, born in 2002. His stunning looks made him a knock-out in halter class and his beautiful action is evident whether he competes as a hunter, in Western Pleasure or stylishly pulling a carriage. Breeding will tell--he is one of the last Kohler Morgans. But Tie's not impressed, he just wants you to scratch his neck. When you do, he arches his pretty neck and pulls his lips back into a smile. Tie likes horse cookies and anything anyone else is eating. He's the original party animal.
Idaho
Idaho is named for the potato, but we think she looks more like an angel…a very well fed angel. Idaho was our Christmas pin-up and wore a Santa hat on our 2009 Holiday Bash Invitation—maybe you saw her. She’s our favorite canvas when we have a party for kids who want to play “Paint the Pony.” Idaho is a Percheron and Welsh pony cross and was born in 1998. She is our choice when we need a carriage horse for a driving lesson. Participants who can’t ride a horse, can choose to go for a drive in our two-wheel gig. We can even roll a wheel chair into the cart and set off to see the sights of our beautiful property. Idaho was given to Quantum Leap by Jody Hanna and is sponsored by Donna Williams and Lila Bo. We are forever grateful.
Doc
Doc is registered as Riskey Skipping and was born March 26, 2006 in Tomball, Texas on the ranch of Doc Cadwalder, of the Cadwalder Behavioral Clinics. His Cadwalder parents are both Equine Assisted Psychotherapy horses in the ranch’s program. He comes by his therapeutic name and temperament naturally and is very happy to be on the At EASE team at Quantum Leap Farm. He may be a new member, but he is an old soul. Doc belongs to Carla and Dewayne Staats.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is what we call in the therapeutic riding world: the go-to horse. He’s the keystone of our daily sessions. The big, 17-hand retired hunter/jumper was born in 1989. His size makes him perfect for many of our adult riders. His warmblood temperament is a beautiful match for the routine, quiet work he is asked to do. He’s a big puppy dog—just happy to be here. Tampa’s beautiful bay color earned him his name. Tampa Bay was donated by Valerie Harwood and is supported by Roberta Skinner, and we thank them every day.
Other Residents
Eugene
Eugene is our donkey. He grew up on the Farm after being donated to Quantum Leap as a baby. This burro is very sweet and kind, and you haven’t lived until you’ve felt him pick up a treat from your hand with his gentle, velvety lips. Unlike our horses, he knows the difference between your finger and a carrot. Eugene’s endless curiosity and interest in people makes him invaluable in our Equine Assisted Self Exploration program (At EASE). Eugene was born in 2004. Eugene's sponsor and best buddy is Carole Lawson.
Tillie, pygmy goat
Tillie is a barrel of fun, and that fun is most enjoyable when she's on the other side of the fence. One minute she'll love you, and the next you’ve been elected to participate in her favorite game—“Let’s Butt Heads!” Tillie is eager to try treats but if she doesn't like what you give her…you guessed it— “Let’s Butt Heads!” Tillie hates to be left out in the rain, loves to get fat and sassy, and can be very cuddly and nice when she chooses.
Elvira
Elvira, AKA Psycho Pus or Witchy Poo, is the Queen of the Barn Yard. We can’t count the number of folks she has lured into petting her only to end up with a heavy, extremely dirty black cat wrapped around their forearm, with a “Make My Day” look on her face. We love her though, and if you take a lesson, she just might come into the middle of the ring and assist your instructor. It’s one of her favorite things.
Butterball
Butterball, our turkey, is a quiet gal. She spends most of her time in her home, behind Cowboy's stall, just hanging out. She will poke around looking for a snack before her meal of cracked corn and fresh water arrives morning and night. If you speak to her, she'll answer you right back in a lovely singsong gobble that always end on an upnote. When you come by the Farm, make sure you say hello. You won't have another conversation like it this week!
Retired
Smokey
Just a note to all of Smokey's fans--our beloved therapy horse has been adopted and given a lighter work-load. He is living the Life of Reilly on a horse farm in New Tampa. It was time for Smokey to retire while he could still enjoy himself. His new Mom loves him from his black forelock to his trim (but arthritic) feet. Now Smokey lords it over the other horses, walks out on trail rides and regally accepts an abundance of treats from his doting human. We miss him but know he has plenty of horse company, turn-out, love and affection--and the bliss of retirement.
In Memoriam
Rocky
We’ve put away the harness and hung up his saddle. On March 2, beloved therapy horse Rocky, died of natural causes at the age of 29. Rocky, a registered Appaloosa, was generously donated to Quantum Leap Farm by his former owner, Harriet Henry, in 2000. He was an excellent therapy horse, able to pull a cart, carry disabled and able-bodied riders, and work one-on-one in our At EASE program. In 2001, Rocky was awarded the Florida Animal Hall of Fame Ambassador of the Human-Animal Bond Award for his work with handicapped adults. He was, indeed, Quantum Leap Farm’s ambassador, wearing a panama hat at the Little Everglades Steeplechase, dressing up as the “Christmas Pony” at the annual QLF Holiday Bash, and stepping off the trailer at events as far ranging as a USF Leadership Symposium to a personal appearance at MacDill Air Force Base. His previous career included fox hunting and showing in numerous hunter-jumper and dressage competitions. Rocky was one of a kind—like no other horse. He served challenged humans unstintingly—from tottering two year olds to hospice patients merely desiring his company. He will be missed. R.I.P. Rocky, our friend.
Please call Quantum Leap Farm at (813) 920-9250, or submit a web form for more information about our Horses and Animals.