“I've got a really good heart. I love how the humans around me always tell the other humans that I'm definitely the sweetest and most gentle horse in the herd. When I’m not busy snuggling up to humans, I can be found trying to get the attention of the apple of my eye, Iyokihi.”
Grandpa Jones:
“I'm a pretty appaloosa. Feisty. A really quick runner and I hold the record for people falling off me. Skilled riders will have a lot of fun flying through the hills on my back, but I get stubborn on the trail from time to time. Careful not to stand behind me - I can be an ornery old guy, hence the name!”
Hota - Hoh-tah:
“My name means "gray" in the Lakota language. I'm really really gray. But I'm not old. Just gray. I really like when people ride me, but some of them say I'm stubborn. I just like riding the way I like riding. Also, I have this really funny trick that I do that sometimes makes the people on my back make funny human squealing sounds. I raise up on my back legs when they're not expecting it and they scream!”
Luna:
“I’m the little baby of the herd! I was born under the lunar eclipse in May 2022 and have received so many human snuggles since then that I act like a puppy. I’m 2 going on 30: I love to lead the herd to the paddock at feeding time, and I can often be heard trying out my whinny! Someday when I’m big and tall, I bet I’ll be galloping at the front of the pack on the 4 Directions Ride!”
Ulípi- Yoo-lee-pee(You Make the Flame):
"I just love people… and horses… and dogs! Tipi Raisers rescued me when I was an injured baby and I spent a lot of time being bottle fed and getting spoiled by lots of human-love! Some of my favorite pastimes are eating, running, and hugging! I love human hugs! A lot of people say I’ve got a unique and powerful spirit.”
Wakíŋyaŋ- Wah-keeŋ-yahŋ (Thunder):
“A beloved elder on Pine Ridge, named Nobby, gifted me to The Tipi Raisers a few years ago. I learned a lot from him about how to be a spirited and strong horse. These days, I get spooked easily but am slowly learning to trust people and enjoy carrying them. The Lakota meaning of my name, ‘thunder,’ about sums me up.”
Waúŋšila - Wa-ooŋ-she-lah(Caring | Compassion):
"I pretty much stick to myself. Though I look little and I keep to the margins of the paddock at feeding time, I’ve got a lot of speed and courage when we head out on the trails. I’m not afraid to lead the pack when we ride past rivers, lakes, hills and cliffs. People tell me there’s something special about me. I guess it’s something to do with the fact that I always seem to join in the circle when there’s a prayer being said by an elder.”
Iyókihi - Ee-yoh-kee-hee(You Can Do It):
“I'm a 'Steady Eddie'. If you like to ride and not fall off – I'll carry you. Everyone loves me 'cuz I'm so dependable, smooth, and gentle. My best friend is Cante. We love each other. We're not really into the drama that some of our other herd gets into sometimes. We eat just a little bit off to the side and we like it that way.” I’ve been approved by the Colorado Mounted Patrol, along with Dave, as a certified Patrol mount.”
Choco:
“People love me 'cuz I like to come up to them and put my nose in their business. But the funny thing is that my friendliness makes everyone think that they can just jump on my back and we'll go gallumphing down the trail…I don't really like to gallumph. I like to rear, run and really kick it up. You have to be a pretty good rider to get on me!”
Hanka:
“I'd say that I'm the cutest pony here, cuz I’ve got freckles all over. I was given to this herd by Hank Brings Him Back. And so, those humans named me "Hank"... until they realized I was a girl. And so, they changed my name to "Hanka". Silly humans. I’m baby Luna’s mom, but I’m no helicopter mom - I let her do her thing and she lets me do mine!”
Okíniha - Oh-kee-nee-hah(One Who Leads From the Front):
“Despite the meaning of my Lakota name, some people might just call me “bossypants.” I love humans and am a great choice for beginner riders given how steady and sweet I am to them, but I like to assert dominance with the rest of the horse herd. Let’s just say: I eat first, drink first, and am not afraid to push my way to the front of the trough!”
Wóksape- Wohk-sah-pay (Wisdom):
"I’m a bit of an introvert but will always enjoy a short ride as long as the other horses don’t get too close. I can’t see out of one of my eyes, but that doesn’t keep me from joining in on the fun during a trail ride. Although I’m not a fan of the other horses, I’m pretty gentle when it comes to human beings. Other than that I’m just a laid back, easy-going horse."
When a society loses the sacred... when everything has a monetary value, the commoditization of human life cannibalizes itself. -Basil Brave Heart
We do not charge anyone to ride one of our horses and we do our best to only ride them in a respectful way -- and during occasions in which they are a part of a larger effort or purpose.
In alignment with this Indigenous wisdom shared by our dear friend - and former Board President - Basil Brave Heart, all Tipi Raiser's events and programs - are FREE.We believe that those who join us receive the gift that is inherent in that experience and that they will give back to the best of their ability - in this way, we can all stay in balance.
The generosity of our partners, through donations and grants, funds our horse program, humanitarian aid, service trips, events and Gen7 youth programs.
