The Horses, Our Teachers
The horses at Galleywinter are the backbone of the farm and the work we do here. They're the true teachers, the wise ones. Each one inspires us with their beauty, athleticism, unique personality, and willingness. Their ability to change often exceeds our own, which we are paying attention to. Their social life, i.e. their herd, is extremely important to them and we do our best to keep adjusting it to keep them satisfied yet challenged if need be. Ginseng and Dulce share leadership of the herd with Felipe's steadiness. Maggie and Meridian, the herd's newest members, are friends and companions.
Our Senior Teachers
Dulci
The current matriarch of Galleywinter, born in 1997, Dulci is a Bay Quarter Horse/Saddlebred cross standing 15.2 hands. Her name comes from a fictional character in the novel Don Quixote, his true love, the most beautiful of women, Dulcinea del Toboso.
Dulci came to Galleywinter in 2005. She demonstrates her big heartedness every day. She is our lead mare and imparts a lot of confidence to the younger horses she hangs out with. She has taught us so much about having a lot of drive and what to do with it!
Felipe
21 years old and 14.3 hands, Felipe is 100% Arabian and 100% charming.
He was a gift to the Horse as Teacher programs and has been a phenomenal teacher to many women over the years. His sensitivity, softness and natural ability to reflect human emotions has helped all of us become better communicators. He has tirelessly taken many women over the mountains of the Blue Ridge, and gets softer, calmer and more responsive with each new student.
The Herd
Ginseng
A beautiful bay roan Quarter Horse mare from Big Valley Ranch, Ginseng was purchased as a 4 year old by a long term horsemanship student.
Ginseng came to Galleywinter as a green horse in 2010 and was brought along in our horsemanship lessons and classes. She's confident and curious. Currently going beautifully under saddle and the picture of serenity. On trail rides, she is the meeter and greeter for the group. She loves to be with people, particularly her owner. Roans are so pretty, changing color almost daily.
Meridian
Gentle and attentive to the humans of Galleywinter, Meridian is the newest member of the herd. Meridian participated in equine-assisted therapies programs with her prior owner.
The youngest member of Galleywinter, it is lovely to watch her playful vibrancy.
Maggie
Maggie is vivacious and elegant, a partner and inspiration to the riders of Galleywinter.
What We Love
Maggie
The color of iron
You surprise with your power,
Forged by wind and fire.
Summer, glistening.
Winter, a velvet-black void,
A rift in space-time.
A mother of six
You carried me on your back,
Dutiful, careful.
When I earned your trust
You placed your head in my hands.
We walked as one being.
My gratitude spills
To the gravel, echoing
The sound of your feet.
