Why Horses?
Why Horses?
As fight or flight animals, horses assess their surroundings for their own survival. This includes assessing the people around them. They have the unique ability to sense and respond to human actions and emotions. They don’t judge or lie —they simply respond to what we bring into the moment. We are given genuine feedback to what we are putting out and that can provide a powerful opportunity to assess ourselves. By working with horses, we can learn to regulate our emotions, build confidence, and learn what we need to change in our life.
Additionally, horses are herd animals, which means they don’t like to be alone. Horses want relationship. If we show ourselves to be trustworthy, they will allow us to be a part of their herd. What a beautiful thing it is to be able to call a horse your partner and friend. They are like their Creator who also can be our partner and friend if we let Him.
Meet the Horses
Gunny
Gunny is a registered red dun American Quarter Horse gelding, foaled in 2014, and one of the largest horses at Eagle’s Nest Ranch. Owned by one of our dedicated volunteers, Gunny is playful, personable, and loves connecting with people. With his gentle spirit and engaging personality, he is being prepared to join our program herd, where he will serve veterans, first responders, and families on their healing journey.
Chipeter
Chip is a registered Standardbred bay gelding, foaled in 2019, who joined Eagle’s Nest Ranch in September 2025 through our Horses in Hardship program. Once a trotting racehorse in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Chip’s path changed after a leg injury led him to a new purpose. Now, with the guidance of our trainer, Chip is learning a new way of life as he prepares to become one of our program horses. Full of personality, Chip loves engaging with people and has a playful, mischievous spirit that keeps everyone at the ranch smiling.
Hope
Hope is a miniature horse, estimated to have been foaled in 2008, whose life is a remarkable story of rescue, resilience, and God’s faithfulness. Saved from severe neglect in Texas as part of a large cruelty seizure, Hope survived both abuse and the devastation surrounding Hurricane Harvey before finding her way to Colorado for rehabilitation and care. Later adopted by Eagle’s Nest Ranch in 2018, Hope was given her name because her life was saved not once, but twice—through rescue and through a serious medical crisis answered by prayer. Today, Hope serves as both a beloved program horse and part of our Pony Patrol, bringing encouragement, healing, and a powerful reminder that even through pain and adversity, hope can endure.
Starlight
Starlight is a registered Pony of the Americas mare, born in 2001, who has been part of the Eagle’s Nest Ranch family since December 2018. Named for the star on her forehead and the Star of Bethlehem, Starlight’s life reflects her purpose—to help shine the way to Christ. Her beautiful Appaloosa markings resemble a blanket of stars, making her as memorable as she is meaningful. With her gentle, quiet nature, Starlight is a ranch favorite and is especially loved by the children who often choose her for rides and connection.
Brave
Brave is a part-draft pinto mare, estimated to have been foaled in 2009, who arrived at Eagle’s Nest Ranch in November 2023 after being rescued from a kill pen and lovingly adopted by Suzy. Though much of her story remains unknown, Brave’s journey reflects remarkable resilience. Having lost her left eye somewhere along the way, she carries visible reminders of hardship, yet her presence speaks to strength, survival, and the belief that every life has value. Brave now has a safe home, a renewed purpose, and the opportunity to help inspire healing and hope for those who come to the ranch.
Patience
Patience is a registered Missouri Fox Trotter mare. She was foaled in 2002 and has been here on the ranch since 2019. She is a beautiful Palomino who shines in the summer when her coat glimmers in the sun. Her name is truly a reflection of her personality. Not much phases her, and she does well on the trail. Her smooth gait allows older folks or people with physical concerns to ride without being jostled. She is also great with the children who also enjoy riding her. She is one of our “go-to” horses.
Emmylou
Emmy is a beautiful miniature horse, foaled in 2014, and while she may be the smallest at Eagle’s Nest Ranch, she is certainly one of the feistiest. Despite her size, Emmy confidently holds her own among the full-sized horses in the pasture. Her life is a powerful story of resilience—after surviving a devastating dog attack that left her critically injured and without both ears, Emmy overcame incredible odds with months of healing and determination. Though marked by trauma, her sweet, courageous spirit remains unshaken. With a heart of gold and an eagerness for connection, Emmy serves as a living reminder that healing is possible, hope endures, and life after trauma can still be full of purpose and joy.
Gideon
Gideon is a dark bay pony gelding, born in 2015, who joined Eagle’s Nest Ranch in 2020 to serve the children and families who come to the ranch. Named after the Old Testament warrior Gideon—a “mighty man of valor”—his name reflects his purpose well. Though one of the smallest members of the herd, Gideon carries a strong, steady spirit and brings joy, comfort, and confidence to the children he serves. Loved for his reliability and gentle nature, Gideon is also a cherished member of our Pony Patrol, sharing encouragement and hope at community events for both children and adults alike.
Joshua (Josh)
Joshua is a sorrel Quarter Horse gelding, born in 2000, who joined Eagle’s Nest Ranch in the summer of 2023. Donated by a retired Army veteran, Joshua once faithfully carried his owner through mountain trails during hunting seasons before being entrusted to a new mission. Knowing Joshua would continue serving fellow veterans and first responders on their healing journeys made his transition especially meaningful. Friendly, dependable, and full of personality, Joshua has become a beloved part of our herd, carrying forward a legacy of service, trust, and hope.