Snuffy

Summer 2005:  Our old equine friend, Snuffy, recently retired after 13 years at Three Gaits. Thanks to program coordinator, Dena Duncan, and occupational therapist, Stephanie Bruschi, Snuffy has a permanent home on Stephanie's property. We are glad to report that he is very well, loves his new friends, and has fit right in.

Throughout his life, Snuffy, a handsome chestnut unspotted Appaloosa, has willingly done all that's asked of him. Once a family's 4-H horse, he expanded into huntseat shows and also dressage. With his experience, training, and pleasant disposition, Snuffy was terrific match for a therapeutic horsemanship program. Snuffy came to live and work at Three Gaits in 1992 and his owner, Leanne Hake (to whom we are extremely grateful), eventually donated him to us.

Snuffy became the most-loved horse of many a rider at Three Gaits. At times playful, yet always calm, sensitive, and steady, Snuffy was also a favorite among the many volunteers who have worked with him over the years.

Snuffy recently turned 30 years old, and although he is still bright-eyed and active, we knew that some health and condition issues were beginning to take a toll as far as the daily work required of a program horse. And though he's missed around the barn, we know the decision to retire him to his wonderful new home was the right one.

• Date of Birth: 1975
• Breed: Appaloosa
• Height: 15.3 Hands High
• Color: Chestnut
• Markings: Blaze, 2 Socks
• Former Owner: Leanne Hake (Donation)
• Arrived at Three Gaits: August 1992
• School Horse Specialty: Snuffy doesn't have one specialty because he is a jack of all trades. He does everything that we ask of him and more. He is always happy to do his job and teach a new rider or volunteer about life at Three Gaits.
• Previous Life: Snuffy was shown up to 2nd level dressage. He was also used in 4-H by the Brown Family (Three Gaits' founders.)
• Did you know?: Snuffy used to drink orange soda after shows. Snuffy is a spotless appaloosa. Snuffy has been at Three Gaits longer than any other horse, cat, volunteer, and most of the staff