Our Herd

Meet the Horses Who Call Hunkapi Home

Our four-legged healers come from all different backgrounds. Each horse has been lovingly adopted by Hunkapi via donation or rescue organizations. Their stories are amazing and will touch your heart. The horses of Hunkapi are the life and blood of our program. They give tirelessly every day of the year and touch so many lives through our Therapeutic Riding program, and other services. Please sponsor a Hunkapi herd member today.

We are always looking for new herd members to join our program. If you have a horse you would like to donate, please contact us at (480) 393-0870 or love@hunkapi.org and complete the paperwork below for either horse donation or horse loan!

DONATION FORMS

LOAN FORMS

Horse Sponsorship Levels

$6,000: Provides a horse with new shoes and farrier visit, regular immunizations, worming, vet exam and nutritional supplements for a full year, plus a new halter, fly mask and all feeding and care.

$3,000: Provides a horse with a year's worth of nutritional supplements, wormings, immunizations, grain feeding, and hay.

$1,500: Provides a horse with shavings, auto-waterer, new feed bucket, and clean staff for an entire year.

$500: Provides a horse with six months of new shoes and farrier visits.

$100: Provides a horse with hay and/or grain twice a day for one month.

One-time giving and monthly, sustainable giving options available.

SPONSOR A HORSE

Introducing the Farm Animals of Hunkapi

The Farm wouldn't be a farm without a flock of hens, goats, cow, donkeys, dogs or a pig, would it? Our chickens, goats, cow, donkeys, dogs and pig are more than just farm animals, however. Every day the Farm Animals of Hunkapi serve our community as therapeutic aids: the Hens of Hunkapi offer their fluffy feathers as teaching tools for gentle touch, lightness of voice and the pleasure of stillness, while our pig offers an opportunity to experience curiosity and non-judgemental acceptance. Please sponsor a Hunkapi Farm Animal today. Sponsorship levels range from $40, which provides a month of feed and care for the pig, to $120, which will feed the hens for 2 weeks, to $500 to build a new patience and playful building goat pen.

One-time giving and monthly, sustainable giving options available.

SPONSOR THE OTHER FARM ANIMALS

PRINCESS

Princess (I am assertive).

Princess is the smallest member of the Hunkapi herd, sitting at just about 8.1 hands. Her birthday is on November 18, 2005. She is a miniature horse who is small but mighty. She used to live with a bull on a ranch in Camp Verde, AZ. Princess was owned by the land owner of Hunkapi Farms and when he died he wanted her to come to the farm to live the remainder of her days. When he was alive, she used to ride with him in his convertible between Camp Verde and Scottsdale! Princess loves to be a diva and teaches others to be just as assertive as she is.

SPONSOR PRINCESS!

PISTOL

Pistol (I am Affectionate).

Pistol is Hunkapi’s resident sweetheart and is sure to make your heart swoon. His birthday is on March 28, 1996. He has been a life long lesson horse and treats each session in the arena like a pro. He loves working with our Therapeutic Riding clients and stashing food in his stall, so you can find him at any given time munchin’ on his personal pantry of hay. When he’s out working, you will often see kids hugging him around his neck and letting their worries melt away.

SPONSOR PISTOL!

ZIPPY

Zippy (I am Warrior).

Zippy, is an American Paint who is always looking forward to his next bath, grooming, or petting. His birthday is on February 28, 1995. Zippy is a ginormous lover who will spend hours rubbing on you and is ready to fall head over heels for just about anyone, but don’t let his love of love fool you, he is always ready to take on a new challenge and obstacle on the trail with anyone on his back!

SPONSOR ZIPPY!

SUNSHINE

Sunshine (I am Powerful).

Sunshine is a Warmblood and is a big presence in our herd. His birthday is on July 7, 1998. He is retired as a Grand Prix level jumper and is enjoying his second part of life as a therapeutic riding horse. Sunshine enjoys hanging out and taking part in little schemes with his best friend Shy. Together, they enjoy spreading out their meals all over their entire paddock, playing with the red ball, and visiting with the pigs. In the arena, Sunshine teaches others to be powerful and understand the influence they have.

SPONSOR SUNSHINE!

SIMON

Simon (I am quiet)

In his past life, Simon was a pack donkey in Oklahoma and was severely beaten. He is extremely patient, steady, and leads his best friend Walter, even though he is smaller. Simon teaches the value of being a silent leader and always looking out for your friends.

SPONSOR SIMON!

GRANDPA

Grandpa (I am Honest).

Grandpa is a Holsteiner who was retired from the Hunter Jumper circuit in California. His birthday is on January 3, 1999. Over the years, he has learned how to escape any situation. Now that he’s here at Hunkapi, Grandpa uses his years of experience to teach others to be honest in their words and body language when they ride him to build a strong, trusting relationship with him.

SPONSOR GRANDPA!

ARIEL

Ariel (I am Safe).

Ariel is a small Arabian who was rescued by an Angel just for our program. Her gentle spirit and small stature make even the most fearful feel safe. Her birthday is on May 21, 1990. Ariel loves bubble baths and flowers in her hair.

SPONSOR ARIEL!

BLUE DUCK

Blue Duck (I am Forgiving).

Blue Duck, a quarter horse, knows what it is like to experience trauma, having been rescued from a kill pen in Texas just before arriving at Hunkapi. His birthday is on March 7, 2000. His traumatic past allows Blue to relate to many of the Hunkapi clients and help them overcome their own traumas.

SPONSOR BLUE DUCK!

SAMSON

Samson (I am Protective)

Samson is a Halflinger rescued from a kill pen in Texas. Samson was delivered to Hunkapi in a large trailer with Tessa and S’mores and has never left their side. His birthday is on July 16, 2010. Samson was named for his long hair and protective nature. Samson teaches us to have the courage to protect the ones we care about, whether they are two or four-legged.

SPONSOR SAMSON!

HENS OF HUNKAPI

Hens of Hunkapi (I am the still in your sit)

Little did we know when Hunkapi was gifted 12 hens or shortly afterwards when we adopted 12 more, that that these feathered additions to the farm would be just the medicine many of our kids with abuse and neglect needed to quiet their nervous systems before meeting the horses. Today, you’ll often find a group of dis-regulated kiddos feeding, watering or sitting with the hens. Watch as within moments their voices quiet, their bodies still, and they’re sitting in the straw petting one of the hens. In there, they learn to touch gently, speak lightly, and to find the stillness in sitting.

SPONSOR THE HENS!

Will

Will (I am Safe)

Will's more detailed bio will be added soon.

SPONSOR WILL!

MOONRISE

Moonrise (I am Patient).

Moonrise, more commonly known as “Moonie,” is a black and white paint that was retired to Hunkapi after living in California and swimming in the ocean with his first owner. His birthday is on August 21, 1997. Now, Moonie, is one of the most relied upon Therapeutic Riding horses because he is so reliable and patient with special needs children. You can often see him walking down our driveways lead by a young child in a wheel chair or standing patiently at our mounting ramp. He teaches everyone in his presence to take a breath and just relax.

SPONSOR MOONRISE!

TESSA

Tessa (I am Mindful)

Tessa is an American Paint horse, rescued from a kill pen in Texas. Tessa was delivered to Hunkapi in a large trailer. Tessa is always conscious of others and aware of her surroundings. With each and every step, Tessa teaches our riders to move mindfully toward having confidence in the present moment.

SPONSOR TESSA!

WALTER

Walter (I am loveable)

Walter came from a local rescue group who got him from a kill pen in Texas. Walter is a total hugger and is always vocal when he wants love. He teaches the importance of asking for the love you want and deserve.

SPONSOR WALTER!

JIMMY

Jimmy (I am love).

Jimmy is one of the larger members of Hunkapi’s herd and a native of the Netherlands. His birthday is on September 12, 1997. Jimmy is a Dutch Warmblood and has traveled the world as an Olympic horse. Here at Hunkapi. Jimmy teaches poise by carrying riders through the arena like a perfect gentleman, and love when he nestles his giant head into their hearts for pets and hugs.

SPONSOR JIMMY!

PINKIE

Pinkie's more detailed bio will be added soon!

SPONSOR THE TURKEYS!

S'MORES

S’mores (I am Bold)

S’mores is a pony who was rescued from a kill pen in Texas and delivered to Hunkapi in a large trailer. S’mores is lively, bold, and full of spirit. Her birthday is on October 16, 1990. S’mores teaches our riders that their strength is never determined by their size or circumstances, but by the power of their inner strength and unrelenting spirit.

SPONSOR S'MORES!

RANGO

Rango (I am Energy).

Rango is a futurity Quarter Horse and was retired to Hunkapi. His birthday is on June 23, 2007. His small stature and beautiful coat make him inviting to pet and love on. He loves to be groomed but is equally ready to be energetic and fun in the arena. You can often find our kids giggling on his back through the arena.

SPONSOR RANGO!

PUMPKIN

Pumpkin's bio will be available soon!

SPONSOR THE TURKEYS!

GILBERT

Gilbert (I am resilient)

Gilbert came to the farm after being rescued on the side of the road in Gilbert, Arizona when he was just one day old. His birthday is on August 24, 2018. He is the farm baby and thinks he is just another dog. He loves to run with the dog pack, steal yummy food from the other horses, and scratch his growing horns. Gilbert also likes licking everything in sight and sleeping by the fire.

SPONSOR GILBERT!

PATRICK

Patrick (I am respectful).

Patrick is the beloved pig of the farm. His birthday is on November 7, 2016. He enjoys living a mellow life and wandering around the farm, getting belly rubs, and finding mud holes in our gardens. He is very gentle always respects your space. He even puts himself to bed on time every night, making parenting this pig a dream.

SPONSOR PATRICK!

AMOS

Hi there, I'm Amos, but you might have heard of me by my cool name, "Famous Amos." My birthday is January 1, 2007. I used to hang out at a super fun trail riding place right here in sunny AZ! I have a little secret – I get a bit shy around water, but guess what? When it's time for action in the arena, I turn into a superhero horse! I stand strong and steady for you.

SPONSOR THE TURKEYS!

ANGUS

Hey there, I'm Angus! I was rescued in 2022 by Hunkapi from a kill-pen in Texas. My past was tough, but I believe in second chances. I'm learning to become an awesome therapy horse. That means I'm training to help people who might be feeling a bit down, just like I did. I want to bring them comfort and happiness.

SPONSOR ANGUS!

MAE MAE

Mae Mae's more detailed bio will be added soon!

SPONSOR MAE MAE!

TEX

Tex's more detailed bio will be added soon!

SPONSOR TEX!

DOLLY

Dolly's more detailed bio will be added soon!

SPONSOR DOLLY!

SUGAR

Sugar's more detailed bio will be added soon!

SPONSOR SUGAR

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Welcome to our dedicated section of honoring the cherished souls who once graced Hunkapi and brought immense joy to the program. Our "Fallen Horse Angels" section is a tribute to the remarkable equine companions who have left a lasting hoof print on our hearts.

Each of these magnificent beings played an irreplaceable role in our journey, providing comfort, therapy, and endless inspiration to all who crossed their paths. As we reminisce about the hoofbeats that once echoed through our barns and grounds, we invite you to join us in celebrating the profound impact these horse angels had on our program and the lives they touched.

HOPE

Hope (I am hopeful).

In October of 2019, the Hunkapi team put out a call to the community asking for a draft horse who needed a second life. We found #0234 at a kill pen in Texas only 2 days from slaughter. We shipped her out from Texas and renamed her Hope. Hope is a gentle soul who wants nothing more than to be hugged. Her birthday is on December 10, 1990. She is a daily reminder to always have hope and that second chances are always possible.

SPONSOR HOPE!

CLARABELLE

Clarabelle (I am gentle).

Clarabelle's past is one of mystery but we know that it was traumatic. She is a gentle soul who learns to be loved and accepted. She loves to be brushed and is learning to come out of her shell. Her birthday is on May 6, 2005. Clarabelle teaches the importance of a gentle touch and being calm.

SPONSOR CLARABELLE!

ADIRA

Adira (I am Calm).

I was saved from a Texas kill-pen on September 29, 2022, marking the beginning of my incredible transformation. As a resilient bay draft cross, I have embarked on a profound healing journey, and now my purpose is to support fellow beings who have experienced their own share of trauma.

SPONSOR ADIRA!

APACHE

Apache (I am Calm).

Apache is a former western pleasure Appaloosa who is almost always sure to win the slow contest unless he is by Teddy. His birthday is on June 9, 1997. His slow, take-it-easy nature, makes everyone calm around him as they move one foot at a time towards progress. He loves it when people sing to him and teaches others to take life one day at a time and to be calm and patient through it all.

SPONSOR APACHE!

MIKEY

Mikey (I am loyal)

Mikey is an Arizona local and an ex-Reiner. He was donated to our program to get more of the love and attention he craves. Mikey is extremely loyal to his friends and teaches about the importance of building strong bonds!

SPONSOR MIKEY!

BUDDY

Buddy (I am miraculous)

Buddy is a paint horse who spent his younger years in Peoria with his family. His birthday is on December 28, 1994. Buddy was donated on Christmas Day to Hunkapi Programs, and we decided to take a chance on using him as a therapy horse. Buddy has been a miracle worker ever since. His calm, steadfast demeanor quiets children with the full spectrum of disabilities on a daily basis. His quiet energy allows him to carry little riders who are afraid and gives them the opportunity to learn, socialize and play in a way that makes everyone smile. It is a miracle to watch Buddy when he is in his element.

SPONSOR BUDDY!

PRINCE CORNELIUS

Prince Cornelius (I am meek)

Prince Cornelius was born stillborn and was rescued and resuscitated at a local dairy goat farm. The plan was for him to be turned to meat but one of Hunkapi's clients rescued him. As he recovered from his rough start to life, she saw his potential to heal others with his unrelenting love.

SPONSOR CORNELIUS!

THE TURKEY

Gucci (I am alert) and Bobbi (I am supportive)

Gucci and Bobbi are the farm's turkeys! Gucci and Bobbi arrived at the farm right before Thanksgiving 2020 after searching for a new home. Today, you can hear Gucci making his "gobble" noises and being alert to make sure his friend Bobbi is always safe. Bobbi loves being his right-hand woman and spending all her time with him.

SPONSOR THE TURKEYS!