Tag: Therapeutic Riding

Since her birth in 1990, Tricky Deal N has traveled across the world from New Zealand to the United States. In addition to having a solid race record, Tricky produced several foals including notables Deal Em, Wastin Time and Cordealia. Her most remarkable achievement though has nothing to do with the track…she has given a child a reason to speak.

Harmony Haven Therapeutic Riding & Horse Rescue in California reports that Tricky’s young rider (name withheld for privacy) is autistic and only talks when riding Tricky. The pair have been working together for about a year. The youngster recently asked Tricky to “walk on,” small words that made everyone involved estatic as they mark significant progress in his language skills.

Tricky is an experienced equine therapy partner. She has worked with stroke victims, aided in the recovery from broken bones and other health issues. Occasionally Tricky also steps in to help do fundraising.

Harmony Haven tells the 2014 story of Skyla, a young rider at the farm who decided to do a ride-a-thon to raise funds for therapy horses. “Skyla’s goal was that everyone donate $2.02 for each horse she rode today. I don’t know how she came up with this amount but she’s 5 ….. So only she knows.”

Skyla rode ten horses that day, including Tricky.

At 26, Tricky is still going strong, continuing to change lives, one ride at a time.

Update- Tricky passed away in her pasture on Nov. 10, 2016.