Adoptable Therapeutic Riding Horses 

* Available for Adoption! * 

Description of horse: JoJo is a 13.2 hh pony of mixed heritage.  His chestnut coat is flecked with white, reflecting his 30+ years.  He also has a white stripe down his long face. 

History: JoJo had been a lesson horse at many riding schools throughout San Diego County.  He spent some time in our program, as well, before being ready for his forever home which he was placed in over five years ago, along with fellow therapy horse Prince.  However, the current economic recession has hit many families very hard, and JoJo’s was no exception.  They were forced to return both JoJo and Prince, being unable to care for them any longer.  He is sociable and affectionate, and would make a wonderful companion for a loving family. He loves carrots and being scratched on the shoulder. If you feel you could be JoJo’s forever home, please contact Therapeutic Riding at 858-756-4117 ext 321 or aliciar@animalcenter.org 

Update on JoJo:  Our therapeutic riding staff has been working with JoJo since his return to Helen Woodward Animal Center earlier this year.  We have found him to be the steady, easy-going horse that originally made him a candidate for therapeutic riding lessons.  JoJo loves interacting with people of all ages, including playing with bean bags and hula hoops!  We have also been able to carefully introduce some light riding with him.  We feel he would continue to be most comfortable in a lead line situation, but that he is suitable for light riding, and seems happy to have a job to do!   

*Payaso has recently been placed in his loving forever home.  We wish Payaso and his new family a wonderful life together! A special thanks to volunteer Sandy who helped us connect with Payaso’s new family.* 

Description of horse: Payaso is a 25 year old retired polo pony.  Polo ponies are often a mix of many breeds, including Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred.  Payaso is a tri-colored paint horse who stands 15 hands tall. 

History: Payaso came to our program with his buddy, Presidente, about 3 years ago.  Both had been polo lesson horses in Lakeside.  He is fun and playful, living up to his name, which means “clown” in Spanish.  He is also extremely dependable, however, and often would be the first horse a rider could test their independence without a leader attached.  After almost 3 years in our program, an aggravation to an old polo injury required a long lay-up.  The staff agreed that Payaso would now be happier in his forever home, where he could receive lots of love and attention from one family.  He is recovering well from his injury, and is sound at the walk and trot and would be a great trail horse because of his personality. He loves playing with other horses, getting attention from people of all ages, and loves all kinds of treats. He has picked up “clicker training” very easily and loves all kinds of interaction.  If you think you could be Payaso’s forever home, please contact Therapeutic Riding at 858-756-4117 ext 321 or aliciar@animalcenter.org