Morgan Selected as 2017 Hope in the Saddle Therapy Horse of the Year

Shining a spotlight on the incredible healing power of horses, the grand-prize winner and runners-up of the inaugural "Hope in the Saddle Therapy Horse of the Year" contest were announced last week and is a Morgan horse!

The Therapy Horse of the Year contest was a national competition hosted by Hope in the Saddle, along with sponsors Nutrena and Tractor Supply Company, to acknowledge the hard work, special skills, and selfless contributions of therapy horses.

Selected from more than 120 entries, Dreamhill's Lady Pizazz (Whippoorwill Ebony x Marnos May Delight) was chosen as the grand-prize winner of the contest. "Ebony" (along with her human friend, Pam Hayes-Houldin) will receive a one-year supply of Nutrena feed, a $250 Tractor Supply Co. Gift Card, plus Hope in the Saddle gear and a commemorative trophy.

Ebony has been a “therapist” for more than 12 years. Now 24, Ebony has taught dozens of children about horses and riding through the Horsepower Foundation, a 501C3 charitable foundation at Horsepower Farm near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, that offers equine-assisted activities for riders with special needs.

Ebony has a particularly special bond with a young adult rider named Christie. Christie had lost a leg to cancer and was feeling despondent, but with Ebony’s help she was able to improve not only her balance and strength, but her outlook on life. Christie and Ebony ride twice a week, and Christie is now an independent rider with Paralympian dreams.

“I am so honored by this award,” says Hayes-Houldin, the director of Horsepower Farm and Horsepower Foundation. “Ebony and all of Ebony’s riders will be thrilled to say the least.”