Our Miracle Horses
All of our horses came to us with a special story. Some could no longer be cared for and some unfortunately came from sets of not so good circumstances. To protect integrity of human and horse we do not disclose how we received some of our horses. We have chosen not to include a few of the full stories or pictures when they arrived. Our focus is on the positive and our mission is to get them well and get them to trust again through natural horsemanship. We then rehab and train so that they can have a purpose and loving family, whether it is with our program or elsewhere. We also have those that donated their amazing horses to so that they could serve a greater purpose with our program. We are incredibly grateful to all owners who made the decision for Sarajevo to be home for their horses. We all know that this was the best gift that they could give to their horses and to our program.
Ash
Ash was adopted in 2022 as a project for our trainers in our “Leader-In-Training” program. The plan was to later put him up for adoption after a little TLC and natural horsemanship training. However, the kids at the farm quickly fell in love with this goofy gelding, and Ash became a part of Sarajevo. Today he loves trail rides, hanging out with his leaser, and teaching intermediate-beginner lessons.
Blondie
Blondie was provided to us by her thoughtful and caring owner, who wanted this mare to be used to teach new riders. Blondie loves our lesson kids! She teaches confidence and timing to our students. This gentle mare is also good for beginners on trail rides.
Buddy
Buddy is a western reining Quarter Horse with a need for speed! This sweet boy came to our farm as a training project, and he quickly proved his intelligence and eagerness to please. Buddy loves trail rides, lessons, and galloping through open fields.
Chance
Chance was adopted in 2022 as a project for our trainers in our “Leader-In-Training” program. The original goal was to later put him up for adoption after a little training. During his months on the farm, Chance became a part of our lesson and leasing program. The lesson kids fell in love with him, and Chance found his new home at Sarajevo.
Chip
Chip is a gentle, loving American Saddlebred who was rescued by Saddlebred Rescue. Sarajevo Stables adopted him in 2020, and he has been a special part of our leasing and lesson program ever since. He has a heart for anxious lesson kids and has taught many beginner saddleseat lessons. Chip loves hanging out with his leaser and going for rides around the Sarajevo property.
Cielo
Cielo is a Quarter Horse who came to Sarajevo Stables as a rescue in 2015. His previous owner had abandoned Cielo and his ‘brother’ Pablo after moving and leaving them behind. Cielo has a cool and calm demeanor. Before retiring from riding, he loved going for trail rides and teaching intermediate-beginner western and hunt lessons. Now, he plays with the baby horses, gets groomed and loved on by volunteers, and spends his days grazing in the fields.
Daisy
In 2018, one of Sarajevo’s kind-hearted employees rescued two horses—a mother and daughter duo. Daisy, the younger of the two, is a sassy yet easy-going Quarter Horse. With consistent training, Daisy quickly became an excellent lesson horse and teaches hunt, western, and trail lessons.
Dale
Dale was adopted in 2020 from Saddlebred Rescue, who had rescued him from a kill pen. When he was first rescued, he was too weak to stand up. Dale is blind in his right eye but he doesn't let that slow him down. He is now healthy and thriving at Sarajevo, introducing new riders to saddle seat riding. Dale has even made appearances in the show ring!
Declan
Declan was donated by a loving owner when he was a baby in hopes that he could become a well-trained trail horse to add to our program. Within a few months, this smart and goofy boy was ready to ride! Today, he is part of our leasing and lesson programs.
Delilah
Delilah is a gentle and sensitive Paso Fino who was rescued in 2021. Previously abused, she was slow to trust, but she is now thriving at Sarajevo. She is a high-energy breed with a love for sharp maneuvering and quick speeds. Now part of our lesson program, she challenges intermediate riders to further their riding abilities as she requires quick timing and good balance.
Dillon
“Rowdy Mr. Dillon” is his registered name, and doesn't disappoint. Dillon is a gorgeous Quarter Horse who came to us at the age of four in 2012. He was sent here by a loving owner in Florida after Dillion struggled with debilitating allergies. His owners had tried special feed, constant medication and steroids, and he still wasn't improving. When Dillon came to Ohio, he was underweight and had severe breathing problems after short workouts. Now, he is healthy, happy, and strong. These days, he enjoys going over jumps and showing off his fancy footwork.
Georgia
Georgia, our beloved stunning Paint horse who has captured our hearts since she was generously donated to our program in 2024. With her striking coat and gentle demeanor, Georgia embodies the beauty and spirit of the equine world. Georgia is a great addition to our lesson program as well as a go to horse for trail rides.
Gold
Gold is a handsome Haflinger provided to us by his loving owner. This gentle giant quickly became a crowd favorite when he became part of our lessons and leasing program. His dressage training and patient demeanor make him the perfect teacher for any level of rider.
Gus
Gus came to Sarajevo in 2020 as a trail horse looking for a place to retire. Within his first few weeks of being at his new home, he taught new riders at a summer camp and joined the lesson program. Gus is a Tennesee Walker who loves to teach timid students basic steering and balance lessons. While he may be retired, he still loves to go on the occasional trail ride around the property. Gus is a lovable guy and is always seeking attention.
Hunter
Hunter is a unique but loveable American Saddlebred, who was rescued in 2020. When he first came to Sarajevo, Hunter had a few quirks that made riding him difficult. With the guidance of our natural horsemanship trainers, Hunter overcame his obstacles and is now part of our lesson and lease program.
Izzy
Izzy came to our barn from a loving owner who wanted this spunky pony to be part of our lesson program. With the expertise and patience of our trainers, Izzy quickly found her place in our lesson and leasing programs. She is eager to please, and her endless energy makes for a fun ride!
Jake
Jake, a well-trained western reining Quarter Horse, was rescued and brought to Sarajevo Stables in 2016. He came to us locally from just north of Dayton. Jake is a highly intelligent and agile horse who can cut barrels or cows, but he also loves going on trail rides and teaching advanced lessons.
Larry
Larry, a champion jumping Shetland pony, is usually the first horse to greet visitors at the barn. This lovable guy came to Sarajevo in 2013 all the way from Chicago, IL. Larry is very affectionate and loves traveling to visit nursing homes, preschools, and community events. He can be found playing with his pals in the field, hanging out with lesson students, and helping timid kids build their self-confidence!
Luna
In 2018, one of Sarajevo’s employees rescued two mares, a mother and daughter pair, and asked the barn to give these girls a forever home. The mother, Luna, is stubborn yet patient—a perfect combo for teaching new riders patience and understanding.
Mowgli
Mowgli was brought to Sarajevo Stables in 2013 after being purchased from SaddleBred Rescue in New Jersey. Before finding his home at Sarajevo, Mowgli worked countless years as a buggy horse in an Amish community. After his rescue, he quickly became a huge asset to our lesson and has taught our beginner saddleseat riders for many years. For many of our show program students, he was the first horse they showed and the reason they fell in love with showing. Now retired, he is still a fan favorite. These days, Mowgli spends his time running around during play time, hanging out with his leaser, and being groomed by our wonderful volunteers and lesson students!
Mr. Banks
Mr. Banks came to Sarajevo from SaddleBred Rescue in 2020, and he immediately found his home. Since being on the farm, Banks has gained his confidence and has joined the leasing and lesson programs, teaching beginner saddleseat lessons to new intermediate riders. This friendly boy loves asking for attention by sticking his nose out of his stall and nuzzling anyone nearby.
Pablo
Pablo was rescued in 2015 with his best friend, Cielo, after they were abandoned by their previous owner. Pablo has always had a kind and gentle temperament and is known for his incredible patience with all riders. Because of this he is often the horse we call on for timid, nervous, or beginner riders. He loves to help us teach our lesson students and go on trail rides. Pablo is a very special part of Sarajevo. Some even call him the "heart of the barn" because of the heart-shaped white mark on the top of his hindquarters!
Penn
Penn is a fun-loving Paso Fino with a unique shuffle. His smooth gait is perfect for teaching novice riders balance and introductory cantering lessons. Penn was brought to Sarajevo Stables in 2016 at twenty-one years old and had previously been a trail horse his whole life. He still loves going on trail rides and teaching beginner lessons.
Precious
Precious came to us from a loving family in 2017 at the age of fifteen. Her original owners had purchased her mother without knowing she was in foal. Precious is a Quarter Horse/Tennessee Walker cross, who was trained but not regularly worked with. With a little training and consistency, Precious is thriving. She has joined the leasing and lesson programs and teaches advanced western lessons.
Prince
Prince is a former dressage horse with lots of talent and an eagerness to appease. He is a friendly and loving boy with a slightly sensitive personality. He currently rides hunter under saddle and pushes lesson students to the next level! Prince loves to be ridden and always shows off his stuff.
Ripley
Ripley is an original here at Sarajevo Stables. In 2011 when our founder, Bobbie, purchased the barn, the previous owners continued to board their horses on the property, including two-year-old Ripley. He ended up staying with Sarajevo and becoming part of the program. Ripley is a Quarter Horse who was trained in both western pleasure and hunt seat. Since overcoming some of his insecurities, he is excellent as a beginner lesson horse.
Rosebud
Rescued in 2017, Rosebud came to Sarajevo with extreme wariness of humans after years of neglect. Today Rosebud is healthy and happy! While she is still slow to trust, she is a changed horse. Sarajevo is proud of the progress Rosy has made. She has gained patience with the kids who come to the barn and has even joined our lesson program.
Romeo
Romeo, a handsome miniature horse, became part of the Sarajevo family in 2020. This outgoing mini stallion wants to be friends with everyone, especially the little kids. He loves to entertain and never passes up an opportunity to play in the dirt!
Sophie
Sophie, a beautiful Saddlebred, was brought to Sarajevo in 2016 for healing after she struggled with lameness. Finding her new home at our farm, Sophie became a favorite with the kids. Her sweet demeanor and amity make her a patient teacher, and she has regained her sparkle since being at Sarajevo.
Tucker
Tucker is a talented Quarter Horse who joined the Sarajevo herd in 2015 when he was six years old. He has an alpha personality and performs best with a self-assured rider. Tucker loves to be ridden hunt seat and western. He is a big part of our lesson program and teaches students quick timing and softness with his bridle.
Zoey
Zoey is a stunning Fresian who came to Sarajevo in 2015 from a local, loving owner. This gorgeous girl is a favorite with the kids. Zoey was born with a club foot, which required surgery when she first came to us. With steady, gentle work and a confident rider, Zoey loosens up and shows off.