Torben
Sponsored by the Handsel Foundation
Born in 1985, Torben is one of two Norwegian Fjords at EquiFriends. Although Torben is not the most graceful horse in the barn, he is one of the most reliable and loyal of the horses. Torben is a walk, trot, canter horse, but is not known for his trot and canter abilities. Torben is known for being a strong and sturdy horse to use with our larger riders because of his wide-set body structure: allowing riders to achieve a balanced ride.
While leading Torben in classes you should stay alert of his head. He has the tendency to butt with his head at times, but you should not be alarmed by this. He is really a big teddy bear and you just need to remind him that he should behave and pay attention.
Torben was the first horse I got tacked for a class at EquiFriends. He was so big and I was unfamiliar with being around horses and his size made me concerned, but my instructor assured me he was a gentlemen. Now looking back at that class I laugh because now as Torben’s horse mom I feel silly ever thinking he could hurt me or anyone. I now view him as the cutest, sweetest, most reliable horse I have ever had the privilege to work with. I am sure anyone would agree with that statement, except the other horse mom’s of course, because we are all partial to our babies like I am to Torben!
-by Jamie Thornton, volunteer since 2001 & Torben’s horse mom