Written by DJ Shakib for Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center.
Photo by Reed Palmer Photography
A narrow road leads into a small parking lot outside of Little Bit. Just behind the welcome building is a stable, tracks, and paddocks for the horses. There are fields for the horses to graze and paths for them to take riders on. It is a small, idyllic slice of nature for Little Bit’s horses to trot around, form bonds with patients, riders and schoolers, and participate in the amazing therapy and riding lessons offered at Little Bit.
Lolli is a 17-year-old Bashkir Curly and one of the smaller horses at Little Bit. She has a beautiful grey coat, which looks white, and is speckled with little spots. She is very social and will come right up to you if you approach her paddock. She loves being around people, especially when they groom her mane. Lolli is content to spend her off days exercising with the schoolers and enjoying some company while grazing.
A former show pony, Lolli was leased to Little Bit by her family in 2015. Her energy and keen awareness made her a perfect match for emerging independent riders who were beginning to trot and ride more independently. Lolli is a great horse to learn to ride on and is amazing in the adaptive riding and therapy sessions.
The bond between a horse and a rider is incredibly special. Horses are amazing animals and tune into the emotions of the people around them which allow for them to communicate with their patients, schoolers and riders. Lolli is known for being very gentle, sweet, and always looking after her riders.
Lolli loves hanging out with her schoolers, soaking in plenty of love and attention. Like any person, Lolli has her pet peeves, and she will stand up for herself, often by pulling a face and laying her ears back if she gets uncomfortable or nervous. Her maturity and experience are great during sessions because she communicates well.
Young riders love Lolli because of her energy and as two younger riders have put it, “she will go fast.” The former show pony is a fun horse to ride, especially for riders who love when she trots during sessions. Lolli may be an older horse, but her youthfulness comes out when she hits the track. When given the chance to exercise her speed, she will take off like a “bottle rocket” galloping around the track as fast as possible.
Lolli is one of 28 horses Little Bit cares for year-round. Sponsorships cover everything from food to blankets to veterinarian care. Sponsoring a horse ensures that Little Bit can continue providing the highest quality care and sessions. Donations are greatly appreciated and go toward caring for amazing horses like Lolli.
