Weighing between 900 and 1,200 pounds, our horses read body language, sense emotional tension, and respond in ways that create profound breakthroughs for the children and families they serve.
The ripple effect we create in our community begins with the extraordinary bond between horse and human. These friendly, curious, loving animals (sometimes sassy and grumpy) are a genuine gift that deserve kindness, love, and respect.
Their emotional intelligence and connection to humans is significant, meaningful, and at times puzzling. They read subtle body cues, recognize tension, and detect emotional strain in ways no other animal quite can.
Every horse at Animals & Kids has a permanent home here and a profound purpose: helping children find confidence, calm, and connection.
Gus is one of our beloved equine partners and a regular in Gus & Stormy’s Family Storytime. Patient, gentle, and endlessly curious, Gus has a natural gift for connecting with children, especially those who need a calm, steady presence.
Read Gus’s profile
Stormy is our mobile ambassador, a gentle miniature horse who travels into the community for school visits, shelter outreach, and special events. Where Gus thrives on steady connections at the farm, Stormy brings the magic of horses directly to kids who can’t always come to us.
Stormy has visited schools, libraries, youth shelters, and community organizations across Southwest Florida, spreading calm, joy, and connection everywhere he goes.
Fourteen horses call Animals & Kids home. Each one brings something unique, from equine-assisted learning and peer mentoring to storytime and community outreach. Together they are the heartbeat of everything we do.
Grace is the reason Animals & Kids exists. She’s a Thoroughbred, the heart of the program, and the undeniable alpha mare of the herd, which just means she can be a little bossy, but also incredibly sweet. She teaches leadership through clarity, calmness, and consistency.
“Be clear, be calm… I’ll meet you there.”
Lexi is a thoughtful, gentle mare who is at her best with patient, steady partners. She teaches kids that trust is built one small step at a time, and that consistency and kindness always win in the end.
“Patience builds trust.”
Journey came to us at just 3 months old after her mom had to be euthanized. She’s grown into one of our greatest teachers, showing kids how to set boundaries and match energy in a powerful way. Not suited for novice riders; Journey needs a confident, present leader. When she chooses to join you, there’s nothing better.
“If you don’t lead, I will.”
An injury ended Argo’s jumping career, but it didn’t end his purpose. Now 20 years old, this Paint Horse patiently teaches countless kids how to trot and builds confidence one ride at a time. All patience, all kindness, all heart.
“I may not jump anymore, but I’ll always help you reach new heights.”
Captain has lived at our farm his whole life and is the undisputed farm ham, almost always found making silly faces and keeping everyone entertained. This 10-year-old Quarter Horse reminds us daily that a little goofiness goes a long way.
“I may be the captain, but I’m really just here for the snacks and the laughs.”
Small but mighty. This 20-year-old miniature horse is a community favorite. Stormy visits assisted living homes, schools, camps, and even walks around Coconut Point, bringing the magic of equine connection to kids and families everywhere he goes. He hosts his own storytime and has left hoofprints on countless hearts.
“Small horse, big heart… I leave hoofprints everywhere I go.”
In loving memoryJiffy was the wise elder of the herd. He joined our family after his owners passed away, and from the moment we met him he was nothing but heart. He took care of everyone around him, quietly, gently, and with a softness no one here will forget. Jiffy passed away in October 2026 at 34 years young. He touched every child he welcomed and, as we learned when we said goodbye, so many of their parents too. His gentle soul lives on in all of them.
“Come here, kid… I’ve still got a hug for you.”
Felicity is always watching, always keeping tabs. This 13-year-old has carried many kids into their very first horse shows and has been perfect in every way. If you ever want to know what’s going on around here, just ask Felicity.
“I’m not nosy, I’m just keeping tabs… you never know when you’ll need my expert opinion.”
Gus has been a first horse for so many of our kids. This 20+ year old pony is kind, patient, and always up for an adventure, though don’t let him fool you, he’s still got plenty of shenanigans left in him. He co-stars in Gus & Stormy’s Family Storytime.
“I may be small, but I’ve got a big heart and a lot of love to give.”
Luna is a kind-hearted Quarter Horse Paint cross who has become a trusted partner for many young riders entering the sport of jumping. At 18 years old, she brings steadiness and heart to everything she does.
“Don’t leave me out! I must also participate!”
At 23 years old, Nikki is the best horse around for the novice rider. Easy-going and sweet, she joined our herd after her biggest supporters passed away, and she will spend her golden years right here, surrounded by love and care.
“Slow and easy is the way.”
Lumus is the bright light of the herd, a horse whose presence lifts the energy of any arena. Often photographed alongside Felicity, these two have an unmistakable bond. Children are drawn to his playful warmth from the moment they meet him.
Hope embodies exactly what she’s named for. This mare has a warmth that children respond to immediately, and she plays an important role in our enrichment programs for youth working through difficult seasons of life.
Dash is a true farm baby: Grace’s foal, born right here at Animals & Kids. He grew up surrounded by children and staff, which makes him uniquely comfortable with people of all ages. Full of energy and curiosity, Dash is one of our rising stars.
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Every dollar donated helps cover feed, veterinary care, farrier services, and facility maintenance. They give so much to our youth. Help us give back to them.
