Lesson Horses
Lucky is a 2007 APHA registered mare (Okies Lucky Diamonds). Alissa has owned Lucky all her life -- she was a surprise breeding out of her AQHA show mare Okie (Doc Okies Gal) by the APHA stallion Smoken White Diamonds. Lucky ran wild in the Snowy Mountains of Montana until she was two, making her sure-footed and well-acquainted with wildlife. She is an excellent trail or arena horse. Lucky has participated in numerous Extreme Wylene, Jeff Cook, and Ty Evans clinics, giving her a solid foundation for teaching both novice and experienced riders.
Riot is a 23-year old AQHA gelding with an impressive record in the roping arena. As a head horse he went to the NFR three times and placed as high as second! He has been everywhere and seen everything, making him a solid arena and trail horse. These days he moves at a slower pace -- like molasses in winter -- and teaches our most novice riders.
Scout is a 15-year-old grade gaited mare that Alissa rescued from the Bowie kill pen in July 2022. Although her history is unknown, someone loved her once because she is well-broke, gentle, and kind. She is a fantastic trail horse that has been ridden independently by kids as young as three and is the kind of horse you feel safe putting your Grandma on. She has logged hundreds of trail miles since making the move to Arizona.
Buddy is a 2005 APHA gelding (Gallianos Deuce) with an unknown history. He came from an auction in Texas and spent nine months with a reining trainer. He was loved by two little girls, but when they started pursuing other interests, Buddy made the move to High Plains Arena. He is a fantastic arena horse for beginners and experienced riders on the flat and over fences.
Ruby is a 2004 AQHA mare (Specially Sparky) owned by Jim Gibson, who generously lets us use her for our lesson program. Ruby has won everything you can win in Arizona 4H and has some wins at AQHA shows too. She is a fantastic western horse with all the fancy buttons -- you should see her spin! -- but she is safe for our littlest riders too.
Sensory Experience Animals
Patches is a 16-year-old mini mare and our resident unicorn. She loves people of all sizes and tolerates all our shenanigans!
Baasley is a young Southdown-Babydoll sheep who was reserve Grand Champion at the Santa Cruz County Fair in 2023. He is gentle and sweet and absolutely loves people!
Craig is a two-year-old Jersey/Black Angus steer. He is friendly and social and loves going on adventures!
Uno was born January 3, 2023, right at High Plains Arena! His mom is a Pygmy goat and his dad is unknown. He is still a buck, but he is super sweet and snuggly. He would love to take a nap in your lap!
Red Baron is an 18 month old Bourbon Red turkey tom. He loves talking to people and will gobble at you all day! He is the best security alarm and will alert if anything suspicious is outside his pen. No, we aren't going to eat him for Thanksgiving!
Forrest Gimp is a one-year-old Silky rooster. He was born with a twisted foot, but it hasn't stopped him! He is friendly and social and loves to be snuggled, especially on cold mornings.
Chowder is a two-year-old Polish rooster. He has the best hair and he is always the first to crow in the morning.