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In anticipation of the Salute to Horse Heroes, Breyer is featuring real Horse Heroes. This week we are getting to know Nipper! Make sure you order your BreyerFest Tickets today. Click here!
Nipper retired from the mounted patrol unit in Richmond, Indiana because of her cataracts interfering with her eyesight. Luckily, Nipper has found a second career at the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center.
When Nipper first arrived she was used in 4-H barrel racing and other competitions and turning in spectacular performances consistently. People at Sunrise had not noticed she had trouble seeing, it was only when she started bumping into things around the barn that her eyes were checked. After an eye exam, vets reported that Nipper had lost 75% of her vision in both eyes.
As of today, Nipper is almost completely blind and is only able to see some movements and shadows. Despite not being able to see, Nipper is still used in Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center's program, ridden by Sarah. Sarah has autism and has developed a special relationship with Nipper.
Nipper with Sarah
"Having a regular rider seems to have helped her [Nipper] with more confidence in the herd and by herself. Due to her blindness, she is constantly bumping into things or getting picked on by the other herd members, but she has started to defend herself" Sarah explained.
Although Sarah is Nipper's regular rider, she is also used in group lessons where volunteers or staff members lead the horses. One unique characteristic of Nipper is she often whinnies to other horses in the ring while being ridden, causing her riders to laugh.
To learn more about Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center, located in Richmond, IN, people can check out our Facebook page, Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center or visit our website,www.sunriseinc.org.
If you have a horse hero you would like to share, please leave a comment of message the Breyer Facebook Page
February 20, 2019
Aww this is so cool. I grew up in richmond indiana
February 20, 2019
War Horse l would love for Bryer to make Joey (War Horse) fame, I would like to have the First One! 🐎
February 20, 2019
Nippers story is so sweet and a bit sad ~ I wonder if Nipper will be at Breyer Fest or maybe a model ?
February 20, 2019
I also have a horse hero to let you know about. I purchased a 15 year old Haflinger gelding in October. He had originally been sent to a slaughter house auction in Pennsylvania as a used up, disposable horse who no longer had a purpose. He is also now a therapy horse at Sunrise Inc. in Richmond. Indiana. I don’t know how anyone could send a beautiful, intelligent horse like Buddy (known as Everybody’s Buddy) as he is a delight in the barn and with the younger children who take therapy lessons there. His personality is hilarious, he is so gentle and kind to the children and could not be a better fit for them. My hopes are that many will learn about these rescue horses that still have a long life and usefulness. I would be happy to send additional information and photos. Thanks.
February 20, 2019
Sweet mare ♥️♥️♥️
February 20, 2019
She is so cute! She kinda looks like Justify.
February 20, 2019
Love this horse!!!!!!❤️
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Bunn
April 13, 2021
This is such a beauty I wish I had that horse I have my horse hero Beauty she is a female she rescued me from a river that was going fast I was so cold I could not walk so she lifted me up on her back and galloped as fast as she that night their was a fire I took a halter and a lead rope and got her out of their. If you want to see pictures I will. Thank you!