Dolly was a Belgian Draft Horse who was foaled in 1983. She was donated to Kline Creek Farm in 1989 by Edwin O. Hohman. After a few years at Kline Creek, she came to Danada Equestrian Center and lived out the rest of her life at Danada.
Dolly worked at Danada for many years pulling hayrides and sleigh rides with her teammate Doc. As she grew older and couldn't pull wagon rides anymore, she became the Danada greeter horse. When she was in the barn, she was in the stall nearest the front door of the barn, and she was always glad to see visitors, get a scratch on the neck, and pose for countless pictures with children of visitors. In later years Dolly was also used for group tours and summer camp because of her sweet and gentle disposition.
In recent years, tumors and respiratory problems plagued her, but never changed her outlook on life. Dolly passed away of natural causes during the very early morning hours of January 13, 2011.
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Danada Equestrian Center's Horses
The majority of Danada's horses are used in lessons and trail rides. Horses that live there full time and aren't involved much in lessons or trail rides are the draft horses, because they are utilized for hayrides and sleigh rides in the spring, fall and winter. Danada also has one retired horse.
In all, there are 28 horses at Danada. Included in that number are lesson and trail ride horses, draft horses, in-training horses and a retired horse. Of these, 8 are mustangs that are part of our wild horse project.
Equine & Visitor Safety While At Danada
Safety is very important at Danada. Visitors, volunteers and staff should always be aware of safe handling of the horses. While Danada horses are well trained and friendly under normal circumstances, the following tips will ensure a fun and safe visit with our horses.
Horses have two blind spots: directly in front of their faces and directly behind them. Don't approach a horse from either of these spots. Because the horse can't see you, it might get alarmed and spook. Always ask for permission from the horse handlers before you walk behind any horse. They will let you know when it is safe to pass behind the horses.
Horses, like people, don't appreciate hands all over their faces without warning. When you pet one of our horses, it is safest to stand to the side of the horse and pet its shoulder first. Then, if the horse appears comfortable, you can pet the side of its face. The bridge of a horse's nose is extremely sensitive because there is much delicate cartilege in that area; so, it is best if you don't pet the top of any horse's nose.
Horses can bite. They may bite because they are frightened, angry, testing their standing in the herd, or expecting food from an outstretched hand. We don't hand feed at Danada so that our horses won't expect food when you put your hand up to pet them. Many of our horses are on special diets, and it is important that you do not feed them anything without asking for permission first. Their health can depend on this. If you do bring a treat for your favorite horse, be sure to give it to staff or volunteers and they will put it in a feed bucket for the horse.
Horses can also kick. They may do this for the same reasons they might bite: fear, anger, standing in the herd, etc. Some clues a horse gives before biting or kicking are squealing or screaming, an open mouth, flared nostrils, flattened ears or swishing tails. The best thing to do is to move away from a horse when any of these indicators are present.
We want you to have fun and we want you to enjoy our horses; so, feel free to ask any questions regarding any horse behavior you see.
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