Harmony Hilltop Ranch is a fantastic partner for the SPCA of Texas Equine program, assisting us with offsite training and boarding. They’ve even adopted several horses from the SPCA of Texas!

It was awfully muddy outside, but Harmony Hilltop Ranch’s covered arena provided the protection from the elements that allowed Daisy to work on Hershey and Skip’s training. 

First up was Skip, a handsome Quarter Horse with huge potential. This gelding served as a trail horse in the past and he’s now getting a refresher in the ring. It certainly doesn’t hurt that he’s a great looking horse! Skip got a nice brush down by Daisy, which he greatly enjoyed, then got to run around and be silly for a few minutes on his own. Then it was time to get to work – Daisy hopped on and Skip was ready to go. Skip didn’t mind the rain drizzling in sideways – he was just happy to show off his skills!

After Skip finished up his lesson, it was Hershey’s turn to shine! This sweet gelding is so agreeable and friendly. He loves affection and enjoys a good nuzzle. Hershey likes a good game of “catch me if you can” out in the pasture, but once he’s done playing, he is so easy to saddle up and even more of a breeze to ride. He’s so gentle, reliable and mellow that it would be almost impossible to find someone who wouldn’t enjoy riding him. What’s more, you would never know this guy had a tracheostomy! You might think that would slow him down, but it has no effect on this awesome horse’s ability.

After the training sessions wrapped up, we stopped by to say hello to SPCA of Texas alum Xerxes, now named Hartley for the heart-shaped white spot on his shoulder. He was happy to get some attention before he headed out for his own riding session.

All in all, it was a fun day out at Harmony Hilltop Ranch with Head Equine Trainer Daisy Erdmann, Skip and Hershey. Both horses are available for adoption at the Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney.

If you’re interested in adopting Skip, Hershey, or any other horse or pony from the SPCA of Texas, please visit www.spca.org/livestock to apply today.