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Vino may be just one horse, but his impact ripples far beyond the walls of our barn.

With his steady gait, soulful eyes, and kind heart, Vino has become an irreplaceable member of our therapy herd. His gift lies in his ability to meet every person where they are—with quiet strength, compassion, and presence. And the people he serves? They are as diverse as they are courageous.

Take Lilly, a ten-year-old who participates in our speech therapy program through hippotherapy. Each week, Vino becomes part of her therapy team, helping her build breath control, articulation, and

confidence—all while she rides. His rhythmic movement provides the foundation for her progress, but it’s the bond they’ve built that inspires her to keep pushing forward. With Vino by her side, Lilly isn’t just working on speech — she’s finding her voice.

Then there are the eight veterans who attended one of our Warrior Mission: At Ease military retreats. Over five days, Vino carried their burdens with grace—fear, grief, invisible wounds. He asked nothing in return, simply offering his quiet companionship. Through him, they found peace, connection, and, for many, the first steps toward healing.

Vino also supports children and families navigating life’s toughest challenges. For Grace, the sibling of a pediatric cancer patient, therapeutic riding has become a source of light and connection. Not only does Grace get time to ride and enjoy a space of her own — she gets to share that experience with her brother, Mikey, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Riding together has given them a chance to reconnect, to laugh, and to just be kids again during a time when so much feels uncertain.

And for Daryn, a young adult with special needs, Vino has been a gentle teacher. With every session, Vino helps Daryn build strength, coordination, and trust. Their partnership has opened doors to

greater independence, self-confidence, and joy. Where words sometimes fall short, Vino offers steady encouragement—and Daryn continues to meet goals once thought out of reach.

These stories are only a glimpse into the impact of one horse. But behind Vino’s incredible work is an entire community—you. Providing exceptional care for Vino and our therapy horses requires

substantial resources. From specialized feed and farrier care to veterinary support and training, every dollar ensures that Vino remains healthy, happy, and ready to serve.

As we enter this season of growth and renewal, we invite you to be part of Vino’s journey. Your spring gift helps us provide the care our horses deserve, and the healing our participants need.

Because when you support one horse, you change many lives.

Adopt a Horse
When you adopt a Therapy Horse, your gift helps provide for your horse’s care, feeding and enrichment. When you choose to give a gift of $50 or more, we will send you a QLF 2025 Herd t-shirt and sticker.

Sponsor a Horse
When you sponsor a Therapy Horse, you’re playing an important and direct role in ensuring the health, happiness and well-being of your horse, while supporting Quantum’s mission. You and a participant will receive a QLF 2025 Herd t-shirt & sticker, and recognition on your horse’s stall and at major fundraising events. If you choose to be a Full Sponsor you will receive a plaque to display in your home or office!

Our Therapy Herd

Say hello! Look through our horses to find your perfect match.

Johnny Cash

American Clydesdale

Breed: American Clydesdale
Color: Bay
Birth Date: May 14, 2006
Size: 18.1 H
Donated by: Karen Unger
Arrival Date: December 23, 2014

Johnny Cash stands at an impressive 18.1 hands and weighs approximately 2,200 pounds! A light bay with lots of chrome (white markings), Johnny is a must-see for all Quantum visitors. Johnny and his donkey side-kick, Carlotta, were donated by Karen Unger in 2014 after her husband’s death. Bob Unger retired from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department as a Master Sergeant, was a veteran of the US Navy and loved field hunting with his beloved Johnny. Prior to Bob’s death, this couple supported veterans’ causes and were aware of Quantum’s work with veterans. When Karen decided to donate Johnny, she knew Quantum was the perfect fit.
Johnny’s work as a therapy horse has been exemplary. His huge presence, warmth and quietness has calmed many veterans navigating rehabilitation and community re-integration. Johnny has provided non-judgmental support for veterans coping with post-traumatic stress, and given freedom to those who feel limited by their physical disabilities a way to focus on their abilities through horsemanship.
Johnny remains a hard-working therapist in our mental health EASE program and with veterans and active duty service-members in our Warrior Mission: At Ease military retreats.

Barron

Quarter Horse / Percheron Cross

Breed: Quarter Horse / Percheron Cross
Color: Buckskin
Birth Date: January 1, 2009
Size: 17.2 H
Donated by: Lisa Butash
Arrival Date: March 23, 2022

Barron is a big handsome horse with a big personality to match! He loves people and any sort of human attention but mostly praise pats and of course treats. He’s a retired field hunter and used to live with his old owner Lisa Butash and our other therapy horse, Flynn, who passed in 2022.
Barron wasn’t sure about his new job as a therapy horse, but after some settling in and learning that work can be relaxing too – he has become the biggest star in therapy across all of our programs! Barron helps medium to large riders in our Therapeutic Riding program gain independence, he is a pony ride master for all of our little ones at Family Fun Days, and who doesn’t want to hang out with this big and beautiful equine during EASE sessions for our veterans and rehabilitation groups!

Khan

American Morgan

Breed: American Morgan
Color: Black
Birth Date: August 10, 2001
Size: 15 H
Donated by: Dr. Gail Latlief & Lydia Gladwin
Arrival Date: May 22, 2021

Khan is a retired show and trail horse – he’s both beautiful and elegant, and he knows it! He has a playful, but sensible personality and loves his role as a therapy horse. Khan has received high quality training in his past and his skills are reflected in his work in the arena. While he’s patient enough to accommodate beginners, he’s skilled enough to perform well for our more experienced riders. He loves human attention, praise and treats. Treats maybe a little too much: he gets super excited when there is a carrot in his immediate future! Khan serves children and small to medium size adults in our Therapeutic Riding & Hippotherapy program. He also proves to be a wise teacher and “comfortable nap buddy” in our EASE sessions with veterans and rehabilitation groups.

Waffles | Willki Kings Gold

POA registered

Breed: POA registered
Color: Palomino
Birth Date: June 9, 2010
Size: 13.1 H
Arrival Date: April 1, 2023

You are in for a “treat”! This sweet, little pony is as cute as it gets and is a huge part of our Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding programs. Waffles spent part of his career as a cow pony in MO and then in FL as a kids' hunter jumper and trail pony. He is the perfect size for our little ones at Family Fun Days and just loves attention overall. You can find him with his herd mates in the ELAPP.

Vino

Friesian/Gypsy Vanner

Breed: Friesian/Gypsy Vanner
Color: Black
Birth Date: January 1, 2010
Size: 16.2 H
Arrival Date: May 26, 2023

Vino is a gorgeous boy with a big personality! He loves ATTENTION, so being a therapy horse at Quantum Leap Farm is the perfect match for him. Vino carries our medium to large riders in our Therapeutic Riding program, small to medium riders in our hippotherapy program and loves working in our mental health EASE program. His presence is large and his demeanor sweet, it is no wonder that participants feel safe and loved spending time in the arena snuggled up next to him!
Vino loves spending pasture time with Johnny Cash and will always welcome a visitor to come spend time with him in his stall.

Louie

Quarter Horse Cross

Breed: Quarter Horse Cross
Color: Blue Roan
Birth Date: February 1, 2016
Size: 15 H
Arrival Date: January 11, 2024

It doesn't get any more handsome and sweet than our boy Louie! He has a timid and quiet personality and just wants to build trust with all those he meets. Once that connection is there, this horse will stop at nothing to make sure you know his love. Louie truly can be a mirror to all the courage we hold deep inside! He carries all sizes of riders in Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy programs. Louie's forward pace helps riders build postural strength and improve their balance. He also works in our Family Fun Days, mental health EASE program and has helped many veterans find themselves in our Warrior Mission: At Ease Military Retreats.
Louie loves to spend time with his best friend Tie and will gladly take a belly scratch any time!

Colonel Jack

Quarter Horse

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Palomino
Birth Date: April 15, 2012
Size: 16 H
Arrival Date: April 20, 2024
Donor: Roberta Skinner

Colonel Jack has now been part of our herd for over a year, and he continues to shine in his role as a trusted therapy partner. Sweet and nurturing to everyone he meets, Jack carries our medium to large riders with confidence in Therapeutic Riding sessions and brings a calming presence to our mental health EASE program. He’s also become a steady and beloved companion during Warrior Mission: At Ease Military Retreats and Family Fun Days. Jack still loves kisses on his muzzle and relaxing pasture time with his best friend Louie by his side.

Charlie

Quarter Horse

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Bay
Birth Date: December 15, 2010
Size: 14.3 H
Arrival Date: January 4, 2025
Donor: The Tilchin & Shimberg Family

Charlie is a handsome bay Quarter Horse with a calm, steady presence and a heart full of kindness. He plays a vital role in our Therapeutic Riding, EASE, and Hippotherapy programs, offering confidence and support to riders of all ages. Charlie also serves our veterans during Warrior Mission: At Ease Retreats, where his quiet strength helps participants feel grounded and at peace. He’s known for his sweet personality and playful nature. When he’s not working, Charlie enjoys grazing in the sun and hanging out with his buddy, Barlee.

Kara

Miniature Horse

Breed: Miniature Horse
Color: Chestnut
Birth Date: March 1, 2016
Arrival Date: April 5, 2024

Kara is a tiny beauty and a sweat pea! She is best buds with her other miniature stall mate Carlotta making them doubly cute. Kara is the perfect size for little ones to meet, groom and lead in our BEST program and a big part of our Family Fun Days. We are also hoping to take her on the road in the future to meet those who can't make it to the farm!

Carlotta

Abyssinian Donkey

Breed: Abyssinian Donkey
Color: Chestnut Brown
Birth Date: August 1, 2008
Donor: Karen Unger
Arrival Date: December 23, 2014

Presenting the Queen of Quantum … CARLOTTA! This cute-as-a-button donkey may be small but she is full of sass! Although she arrived with Clydesdale Johnny Cash, her current stall mate is Kara. She’s a stickler for being treated gently and with respect, but if you do it her way, she’ll fall in love with you.

Barlee

Leopard Appaloosa

Breed: Leopard Appaloosa
Color: White with Dark Spots
Birth Date: September 15, 2007
Height: 14.2 H
Owner: Lee Riseman
Arrival Date: November 9, 2024

Barlee is a stunning Leopard Appaloosa with a heart as big as his spots! As a therapy horse, he supports riders of all abilities in Therapeutic Riding, EASE sessions, and Hippotherapy. Barlee also proudly serves our veterans during Warrior Mission: At Ease Retreats, offering comfort, connection, and calm. With his gentle spirit and steady presence, he’s a favorite among both participants and volunteers and goes by the nickname "Ozzy". Barlee enjoys sun bathing, a good roll in the dirt, and quiet pasture time with his herd mate, Charlie.

Expenses per horse total $15,000 each year!

Our expenses this year totaled $225,000 in horse care!

Medication & Care
2,500
Feed & Supplies
5000
Veterinarian
2000
Stall Bedding
1800
Transportation & Training
450
Farrier
2000
Dentist
600
Manure Removal
650

Our Retired Horses

Did you know?! We pay an additional $18,000 a year to board our retired horses off site to provide them with a well-deserved retirement. Your donations can help support them too!

Tie

American Morgan

Breed: American Morgan
Birth Date: June 3, 2001
Color: Bay
Size: 14.2 H
Donor: Kelsie Dabelstein
Arrival Date: January 1, 2007

Please make way for Prince Tie-Tie! He stands at 14.2 hands, has a pin-up handsome face and this American Morgan Horse is the prima donna of the farm. His stunning good looks made him a knock-out in halter class and his beautiful Morgan leg-action is evident whether he competed as a hunter, in western pleasure or stylishly pulling a carriage. Although we took Tie out of the show ring, we can’t take the show out of Tie. His registration papers indicate he is one of the last of the Kohler family Morgans, and Tie knows it – he is always ready for a photo-op and loves applause.
Tie was a staple in all our programs – he provided consistency for our younger kiddos while challenging our Military participants in the E.A.S.E. program. Tie loved his job, but is now fully retired after 20+ years of service!! He now gets to just enjoy his days grazing on Quantum’s pastures and being loved on by staff and volunteers. He will never turn down a delicious banana and good neck scratch. When you find that spot, he arches his pretty neck and pulls his lips back into a smile!

Dino | Dinosaur

Suffolk Punch

Breed: Suffolk Punch
Color: Chestnut
Birth Date: July 15, 2006
Size: 17 H
Arrival Date: December 9, 2021

Suffolk Punch is a rare breed of quintessential giants with sweet, quiet personalities. Dino is nothing short of that and became an instant therapy horse! He is patient, mellow and sweet – Dino adores belly rubs, treats and kind words. In the arena, he was accepting of all things that came with being a therapy horse, from shooting hoops to noodle jousts and corn hole! Dino served our medium to large adult riders in Therapeutic Riding and kiddos on our Family Fun Days. He was also the gentle giant of our mental health EASE program, teaching many that our physical appearance does not equate to who we truly are!
Due to the Florida heat, we had to retire Dino to a boarding facility in Virginia, where he gets to enjoy cooler weather and grazing all day at pasture!

Griffin

Quarter Horse

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Black
Birth Date: November 13th 2008
Size: 13.3 H
Donor: Jackie Ripa
Arrival Date: August 10th 2020

From cow pony to show pony – Griffin has done it all! He may be small, but he is mighty. Griffin enjoys his own pasture, but will go greet other horses over the fence when he wants some company. Griffin was the perfect fit for our smaller participants in Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy program. He has a great slow and steady go button, which made him perfect for our low muscle tone clients, a cluck or a light tap will send him on his way! Griffin is a smarty pants and an all around adaptable dude. Griffin has retired to his forever home in Spring Hill with long time friend and staff member of Quantum.

Hoagie

Thoroughbred

Breed: Thoroughbred
Color: Bay

Hoagie retired to Spring Hill and lives with retired Therapy Horse Griffin!

Mack Truck

Belgian Draft Horse

Breed: Belgian Draft Horse
Color: Palomino
Birth Date: October 1, 2009
Size: 18.3 H
Donor: The Litschgi Family
Arrival Date: April 1, 2023

Mack is nothing “short” of his name! He stands at a whopping 18.3 H and towers over the rest of the herd. The weather in FL compromised Mack's quality of life, so he has been retired to Virginia to live with Dino, another retired therapy horse! Mack spent his career doing light dressage and was part of a mounted patrol unit. He worked with our large riders in the Therapeutic Riding program and was an instant therapy horse with our veterans and active military participants who came from the VA.

I own/board a horse of my own, and the costs you’ve provided as an example seem higher than what I’m used to paying. Why is that?
The cost examples provided are an average for all of our herd – basically, $1,000 per month per horse. But each horse in Quantum’s herd has its own unique needs. Most of our horses are donated – sweet senior horses that require complex veterinary and farrier care. Our farm can be wet for long periods of time, and we find that shoeing our horses all the way around helps them deal with the moisture as well as the daily routine of carrying unbalanced and sometimes larger riders for therapy sessions. Also, throughout our 25 years, we’ve come to expect at least one major veterinary expense per year. For example; life-saving colic surgery or expensive diagnostic MRI for tearing a deep digital flexor tendon. Obviously, these costs drive up the average per-horse costs provided in our examples. But, like you, we love our horses and strive to provide the best possible care for each of them. They are truly the heart and soul of our equine-assisted therapy programs.
Are adoption donations the only source of funding for the care of Quantum’s horses?
Quantum Leap Farm is fortunate to have multiple funding sources for its operation. About 30% of our annual budget comes from grants and 5% from program fees for those who are able to pay for therapies. Another 2% of our budget comes from a handful of caring horse owners who agree to allow their horses to participate in Quantum’s therapy programs in exchange for greatly reduced boarding fees. They are an important part of our therapy family, and so Quantum provides the same level of care for these boarded horses as for those owned by the Farm outright. But the bulk of our budget – nearly 70% – relies on contributions, special events and fundraisers like our Adoption Program. We are grateful for all of our donors!
When I sign up to adopt a horse, do my donations provide for that particular horse’s care?
Adoption revenues are pooled in a fund to provide care for all of Quantum’s 15 equines. It takes a community of caring donors to support Quantum’s herd of equine therapy horses. Each of us may be drawn to a particular horse – and that’s why we want to share information, photos and updates about the horse that motivated your donation.  Rest assured that the funds you donate – along with those of all our adoption donors – will be used to support your horse and the rest of his/her herd mates.
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