Horse Partners
Gus
Thunder
Gus is a big, bold and gentle giant who lived the first 7 years of his life as a stallion in a small herd. In fact, he was feral until the age of 9 and when we first met him, it was Gus who relayed a message that he was ready for a new adventure. Born in 2012, Gus stands tall alongside his herd and has been busy teaching Raffy and Chunk what they need to know, almost as if he was their parent. He has that guardian spirit and his herd, including the humans in his presence, is everything to him. Gus, true to his Clydesdale breed has a very kind soul, has quite a soft demeanour and kindness in his eyes. He will look deep within your soul, inviting you to be present and connect with his huge heart. Gus is a magnificent teacher and healer.
Thunder arrived at Ara Equus after a career ending injury on the race circuit. His track name was “I'm the Man.” Born in 2008, Thunder, a Standardbred had a rough start as an Amish horse who had more endurance and speed than was fitting for this role. When he didn’t fare well, his natural talents were recognized and harnessed as a race horse. We met him just after he came off the track at the age of 13 and after another rough restart, he is proving to be a deeply intuitive soul with great wisdom to impart onto those who seek it. Having endured his own battles, including several dog attacks in his first year at the farm, Thunder is drawn to people who struggle with emotional pain or trauma and who seek to unload their burdens and find inner peace.
Raffy
Raffy was born in 2020 and had a very traumatic birth. We are lucky to have him here today as he almost did not survive. Although he carries his trauma well, he can be aloof at times. Despite his stunning appearance, with those captivating blue/brown eyes, Raffy is sometimes overlooked. His gentle and soft demeanour and his penetrating stare will entice you to journey into the depths of yourself.
You won't find a more kind spirited, and gentle soul to hold space with as you unravel the parts of your life that cause you upset. Raffy is a Gypsy Vanner and his name means God Heals.
Chunk (Third Moon Rising)
Chunk is our happy-go-lucky youngster. He is a Gypsy Vanner, (also a draft breed known for their soft temperament) born in 2021. He loves people, likes to check you out, and he can intuitively sense when you need a hug. Sometimes he’s in your face, as he is still learning boundaries. Chunk has adapted quite well in the herd, sees Gus as a father figure and will graze alongside any of the herd as if they were always together.
Joey
Joey came to Ara Equus as a 12-year-old gelded standard size donkey who once lived on a farm with his mother donkey and with a bunch of buddies, including horses and sheep. His job was to be cute and to protect the herd. At age 5, the horses left and then the sheep and he found himself all alone. Stoic is the word that best describes Joey as he became very withdrawn, living alone in a barn for five years with hardly any human or animal contact. Because he had not received proper care before coming to Ara Equus, he began a slow process of hoof and teeth rehabilitation so that he could walk and eat normally again. It also meant he had to learn to trust that his new friends were here to stay and that his people truly love him. Joey has a special gift. Not only is he a guardian of the herd, but he is also drawn to people who are lost and need to find their way.
"An animal's eyes have the power to speak great language." Martin Buber