The horses of Risen Ridge are our ministry partners. God works with them in such beautiful and unique ways to reach His people! Each one of our horses has a story and we hope you enjoy learning about them. If you are interested in sponsoring a ministry horse, please click the button below to learn about our horse sponsorship program.

Maple is a gem of a pony! We were blessed to adopt her from Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue in August of 2019. She was the second ministry horse for Risen Ridge. The vet estimates that she was born in 2008. Because of her unique "gait", she is believed to be a Paso Fino cross. She is about 13.1 hands tall and despite her typical pony legs, has a very stout body. She has very unique coloring and a gorgeous mane and tail. Between being seized by animal control twice, being adopted and returned, and being in foster care in between, Maple had been in 7 homes over the span of just three years prior to us adopting her. She is finally home at Risen Ridge Ministry! She is the perfect size for children and those who are a bit timid around horses and she is stout enough to carry even small adults. We love her and are looking forward to the love she will share with our guests for many years to come! 

Dezi joined Risen Ridge Ministry in November of 2019. She was the third ministry horse and was also adopted from Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue. She was born on March 25, 2001, and is a 15.1 hand Quarter Horse. She has a history of being a 4H show horse, but her life took a terrible turn along the way. She was found by animal control, locked in a stall with no food and very little water. Upon her initial evaluation at Hope's Legacy, the veterinarian was surprised that she even survived the trailer ride and said if she made it through the night, she would have a chance of survival. She not only survived, but thrived under the expert care she received at Hope's Legacy and has been an amazing addition to our herd. She is gentle, meek, and loves cuddles.

In December of 2021, our gentle giant joined our herd. Chester, which means, "fortress", is a 17h, Percheron cross, born in 2006. Before being donated to Risen Ridge by his previous owner, he had been well trained in natural horsemanship, had been on hundreds of miles of trail rides, had been a lesson horse, and a companion. He is a wonderful example of a leader who knows his worth! He is confident, loves to be scratched, and keeps us smiling with his silly antics.

Eli came to us from Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue. He was surrendered by his owner in excellent health and has lived a life well cared for. He is a 14.1h, gaited large pony born around 2000. He has a lovely, calm demeanor and will follow his person around like a puppy dog. He is satisfied grazing alone, but enjoys the company of Dezi. He is one of the gentlest souls I have ever encountered.

11.2 hands of pony power packed into this little guy! Poncho was born around 2012. He was purchased at an auction in 2020, where two large men were reported to have been riding him. The family who purchased him felt the need to rescue him and wanted a pony to have their grandchildren love on. Poncho knew five years of love and sweet grandchildren with their family. In the fall of 2024, his owner thought that he needed a new job and felt led to reach out to Risen Ridge. In March of 2025, Poncho came to be part of the ministry herd. He is very sweet and we are looking forward to many hearts being touched by the Lord through their work with him.

In September of 2025, our tiniest herd member became family. Hazel is 33" of 100% adorable!! She was born in 2016, making her the youngest member of our herd. She also came to us from a lovely local family who generously donated her to Risen Ridge. Every horse that joins our herd has a purpose and is the perfect fit and Hazel is no exception. She fits right in with everyone else and, I would even say, is best friends with gentle giant, Chester. She is never cross with any of the other horses, but they all know where she stands and she won't let them push her around. Having a miniature horse is wonderful for our guests who have some hesitation about large animals. There is something about their small size that instantly disarms those hesitations and allows the Lord to work.