MEET THE TEAM
JESSICA OLIVER
Founder & Therapist
RYAN OLIVER
Veteran Support Facilitator & Director of Development
WOODY HINSON
Ranch Manager
PHOENIX
Breed : Appendix (Quarter horse/Thoroughbred)
Background : Phoenix was donated to PPR after having careers in many different fields of horsemanship. His gentle nature and desire to be engaged helps so many people learn about themselves.
Personality : Phoenix is friendly, calm and solid with a great sense of humor.
Fun facts : Phoenix will wrap his neck around yours for hugs.
CHANCE
Breed : Paint
Background : Second Chance AKA Chance was rescued by PPR in April 2020. He came to PPR emaciated, completely blind and with a grim prognosis. Today he uses his blindness to his advantage by focusing in on his other senses and provides clarity and emotional resilience to those who are drawn to him during treatment.
Personality : Chance is calm, inquisitive and always ready to nuzzle.
Fun facts : Chance knows his name and will prance towards you when you call him.
BITCOIN
Breed: Thoroughbred
Background: Bitcoin was introduced into our program in April 2020. He was retired from racing after suffering a career-ending and oftentimes life-threatening injury.
Personality: Bitcoin, is stubborn, loving, and strong-willed.
Fun facts: Bitcoin's registered Jockey Club name is "Wave of the Future".
STEELE
Breed : Quarter Horse
Background : Steele was donated to PPR by a Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputy. He was trained for mounted police work, but was did not possess the right temperament for the career they needed him for.
Personality : Steele is shy and watchful when you first get to know him. As he opens up he comes playful and engaging.
Fun facts : Steele smiles when being washed and loves to play in water. When he's not providing therapy, he enjoys learning barrels with his 12 year old rider.
PENNY
Breed : Quarter Horse
Background : Penny is 3 years old and has been at PPR since she was 6 months old. She came from Dunn Rose Farms for the purpose of being trained to be a therapy horse.
Personality : Penny is playful, high energy, with little to no awareness of personal space.
Fun facts : Penny's best friend is Waffles the donkey and they play chase and she wrestles with him on her knees out in the pasture.
WAFFLES THE DONKEY
Breed : Mini Jerusalem Donkey
Background : Waffles came to PPR after an incident with goats and his prior owners being unable to keep him. He takes time to earn his love, but the reward of getting to connect with him is worth the wait.
Personality : Waffles is withdrawn from people and untrusting. He will watch from afar until he feels its safe to come observe closer.
Fun facts : Waffle's protects the herd of horses from coyotes.
