Oreo - "HCBC 2010 Horse of the Year"

This diminutive, grey Pony of America gelding may stand only 12.1 HH, but don’t tell him that! Oreo may be a tiny pony but he has a heart as big as any other horse.

Born in 1988, Oreo was first a Western pony who excelled at Little Britches rodeos with his sliding stops and tight spins. He was also used as a regular lesson pony and was so popular that he always carried several riders in many horse shows.

Oreo’s therapeutic riding career started in the summer of 2003 at the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association. He was an immediate favourite mount for therapeutic riders, and was also a welcome addition for volunteers, since they could easily side walk beside this little fellow with his shorter strides, and without stretching their arms up high to secure riders.

More recently, Oreo was a key addition to the South Okanagan Therapeutic Riding Association (SOTRA). With this experienced, willing and big-hearted pony at the helm, SOTRA has welcomed many young riders to the riding program. Riders arrive early to help with his grooming, they give him cuddles and kisses after their rides, and they look forward to providing him with his carrot treats when the ride concludes.

As Oreo ages, his vision becomes increasingly compromised. He is now visually impaired, but this has not impacted his effectiveness in the riding program. He compensates so well that many riders do not even notice his visual impairment. He trusts his coach, his lead and his side-walkers, and Oreo carries on with his job as able-bodied as he was twenty years ago.

From Little Britches rodeos to therapeutic riding star, Oreo is a pony who has had a meaningful impact on hundreds of riders and their families. Despite his age and his visual impairment, Oreo continues to put smiles on the faces of his many riders, while instilling in them the confidence and self-esteem to challenge themselves to achieve new goals. We are so grateful to have Oreo as an integral part of our riding program.