Meet some of our horses:

The handsome little thoroughbred Pass 'Em Fast, known to everyone as Lucky, is aptly named. Sold from owner to owner for a number of years, he finally met Athene soon after her arrival in the USA in 1998. Fortunately for him, she was not deterred by his shocking record of getting rid of his riders in a variety of ways, and was completely won over by his gentle loving nature which was totally at odds with his bizarre and dangerous behavior under saddle.

The first few months of ownership were very challenging, as he could not settle to flat work, and, although he graduated to trail riding, he was a very difficult horse to control and manage.

In desperation Athene took him jumping, and from then on, they never looked back. Having discovered something he could do well, he thrived on the excitement of competition, and his extraordinary speed and athleticism meant that he was always in the ribbons.

Unfortunately that progress was cut short by a serious knee injury which forced months of stall rest. During that frustrating time, Athene clicker-trained him to do his in-stall exercises, and then a variety of tricks, which he still performs today. Playing musical toys with his nose is his star turn!

Since moving to CEC, he has turned into a wonderful school pony, and has a number of young riders with whom he is extremely careful and kind.

He has even gone back to low-level competition and he and Jen Cantone had a very successful 2006 jumper season in the 2ft to 2 ft 9" divisions.You can see their pictures and results in the Results section.

As Athene's most beloved horse, he is of course, the barn favorite! He is also the gentlest and most loving and is generous with his kisses and affection. Lucky is a happy little horse who loves everyone: adults, children, other horses, even the dogs!

 

The strange name Toast Rack which belongs to Athene's other thoroughbred, the almost black 16 hh mare who lives in stall #14, requires some explanation. Her racing name was My Caitlan, and she still competes under that name, but when Athene bought (rescued) her, she was in shocking condition and so thin that you could see all her ribs, and many other bones that are normally invisible on a healthy horse.She reminded Athene of a toast rack, which is part of the English breakfast tradition, a small rack in which to stack toast so that it remains vertical and doesn't get soggy! It is rather like a business card holder, and looks like a row of ribs. Toast looked much the same! Since those early days, Toast has packed on about 300 pounds, and has developed from a timid, miserable, dull-eyed creature who cringed and expected the worst, to a happy, vigorous, opinionated and versatile horse, who is capable of showing great affection to those she trusts. She has a huge jump, and has learnt to enjoy trails, hunter paces and cross-country events. She is challenging horse to ride, but is used in the school for more advanced students.

Toast and Jen Cantone had a spectacular 2007 season, finishing as Series Champion in the Tri-state Novice Jumper Division winning 7 of the 9 competitions at the 3 shows in classes of 20 or more.

Toast and Athene were honored by being chosen to compete in the 1st Versatile Horse & Rider Competition which was held at the Equine Affaire in Springfield, MA over November 8 - 11, 2007.

One of the biggest (and some would say "goofiest") horses at CEC is Mick Jagger, more properly known as Canadian Reward. As his name suggests, he is a Canadian Warmblood, a Thoroughbred / Clydesdale cross. Although he is a big horse (16.2 hh) he is a gentle enough for beginners to ride, and has a delightful, friendly, if slightly mischievous, personality. He is used regularly in the school and is extremely versatile. Although his training until now has been as a jumper, he is competitive at Training level Dressage, and in Beginner Novice Eventing, as well as in many other classes.. Over fences, he is very bold but steady, and is a wonderful horse on which to teach beginner jumpers.

A firm favorite with many of our students, he is a mainstay of the school program.

Sweetie Be Mine may be the smallest equine member of the CEC community (at 14.1hh, she is officially a pony), but she is by no means the least significant. The old lady (it is not polite to reveal her age) is in semi-retirement, but still enjoys life and getting lead-liners off to a good start. Like the Jack Russells, Frankie and Riley, she has no idea she is small. She has a very high opinion of herself, and is a great character.

In 2006, she took Athene's mother on a 1 1/2 hour trail ride. See the picture to the right! Combined age of pony and rider - over 100! She also gave Joe, aged 3, his very first ride ever earlier in the same year. You can see her and Joe's picture in the Gallery.

Sweetie has a lifetime of competition behind her, and when she comes out for her Lead-Line classes, one can see the same feisty spark that is her trademark.