Meet Our Horses
Our horses are at the heart of everything we do at Bella Terra Stables. They join us in purposeful retirement as members of our treatment team. They are the focus and core behind all programs here at Bella Terra Stables.
Max
Max came to Bella Terra Stables because he has asthma and was no longer able to work in the riding programs he'd been a part of for over 15 years. His cheeky demeanor and passion for eating makes him endearing and relatable to many of the kids in crisis who work with him.
Okie
Okie is the oldest member of our team and comes with a lot of experience. He worked in the Therapeutic Riding and Wounded Warrior programs, as well as our equine-assisted therapeutic program back in Washington DC before coming here to Murrysville. He is a sweet guy and gentle natured.
Joey
Joey's gentle and unique way with children makes him our go-to for our youngest clients in crisis. Joey has a rare disease causing him to no longer have teeth which limits his ability to graze. His diet has to be very carefully planned out to keep him healthy.
Della
Della is our lead therapist at the moment. She spent her career as a public trail horse and lost her job when the pandemic hit.
Because of her age, she did not have a place in other programs. She has a soft and very perceptive heart and is a go-to for anyone struggling with grief and loss.
Buttercup
Buttercup came to us with an abundance of love and patience. She has quickly demonstrated a natural talent and passion for helping humans in need and has stepped up to the plate with ease.
Dylan
Dylan is one of our newest herd members and is quickly proving himself a worthy therapist. His curious nature has proven to be invaluable in his new role and he is fast becoming a favorite among those that work with him.
Fiona
Fiona is our youngest team member and is a therapist-in-training. She is a great athelete and spent many years competing in shows in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. On a break from her show days, Fiona is working to see if being a therapist is a good fit for her.
Ariel
Ariel came to us in the Spring of 2024 and has embraced her new role as a therapist in purposeful retirement. Having worked as a lesson horse up until now, Ariel has transitioned into working with children on the ground with ease, her compassion being at the forefront of her interactions with them.
LittleBit
When LittleBit was rescued from a situation of bad neglect. Her hooves were so long they were beginning to curl up, making walking difficult for her. Despite her past, she has risen to her new role and demonstrates that size doesn't matter in the arena.