MVHR Program Horses
At the MVHR Ranch in McCoy we have 50 or more horses on site at any given time. The majority of those, about 30 to 35 horses, are the MVHR Recue Herd, on their Journey of Hope from recovery to adoption.
The rest of the herd is made up of Boarders, privately owned horses (almost all of whom were adopted from MVHR) who have stayed on at the ranch with their owners covering their expenses, including paying monthly board to MVHR.
But the cool thing is that of the boarded horses, almost all are also part of MVHR’s Program Herd: horses that help teach in MVHR’s educational programs like day camps, lessons, school groups and pony rides for events like Hay Day. The Program Herd helps MVHR have a number of horses available who are safe and healthy to help with the education and outreach that is part of our mission. These horses are skilled and trained at working around novice horse people and small children. We are often asked “Who are the other horses?” So we’d like to introduce you them…..
Many of our Program Horses have been at the ranch for years, helping with the hundreds of programs we provide. Some might even say they are “famous” in the community, as we often hear when we are in town about someone’s favorite horse like Jack or Grace!
These Program Horses are a critical part of MVHR’s work and mission to educate the community about horses, so we wanted to make sure they get the recognition they deserve here, as well as help you all get to know this essential part of the MVHR Herd!
CUTTER
Cutter was a roping horse and an MVHR intake back in 2010 when his family experienced a medical crisis. He was quickly adopted as a trail horse by a local family, and has since traveled many miles of the back country of Colorado. He even carried Michael Martin Murphey one summer, and was serenaded with “Wildfire” as he navigated the trails. You would never have guessed it years ago, and Cutter would never admit it, but he has come to love having his mane braided after cruising through the obstacles with our summer campers.
PADME
Padme is a 10 year old miniature horse, who came to the rescue in Spring 2025 due to difficulty with her feet and history of founder. She is since been more comfortable with diet management and she was adopted by this little boy this summer but remains at the ranch to help with other programs, primarily our popular Mini Horse Heroes. She is a sweetheart and loves the cuddles and grooming during all the programs.
RACEY
Racey was an MVHR intake in October 2015, along with Stormy, both arriving with severely neglected hoofs. Their hoofs were so overgrown that they could not walk and MVHR was their last chance to see if it could be corrected. Many sedations, many trims and hoof adjustments later, both recovered well. These miniature horses are how MVHR’s Mini Horse Heroes originated! Racey has since been adopted by a little girl of her own, but has stayed on as a boarder at MVHR, where she takes her responsibility for continuing the program that she founded, MVHR’s Mini Horse Heroes, very seriously!
DUKE
Duke is 26 year old Percheron Gelding who is retired from trail riding in the mountains with an outfitter. He is boarded now at MVHR and participates in our programs and riding lessons. Duke is a gentle giant and has a sweet personality. He loves treats and big hugs.
SNOOZY
Snoozy is a sorrel gelding in his late twenties who recently joined the program herd at MVHR. We look forward to integrating him into programs this winter, as he loves attentions, cuddles and is a perfect gentle soul to teach all our participants. Thanks for being here Snoozy!