MEET THE ANIMALS

Billy

Billy arrived at Freedom Ride in December 2016 from Florida TRAC, Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care located in South Florida, an organization that helps to place off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Billy adapted beautifully to the life of a therapeutic horse. He is most comfortable interacting with his riders and volunteers, he truly is a “people” horse! He’s very handsome, has a playful personality, and loves to challenge all of us with his adorable kind face.

Billy is looking for his new sponsor!

Cherokee

Cherokee arrived at Freedom Ride in August 2011. Those looking at him would never guess he is a registered paint by his solid color. His gentle eyes and friendly personality have quickly made him a favorite with our riders. He has a steady, smooth trot that is great for teaching our students how to post in the saddle.

Cherokee is generously sponsored by Jane Prue

Elliott

Elliott is an off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) who was generously donated to Freedom Ride by Linda and Kendra Harnch. Elliott is a gentle giant and extremely handsome. Though young, he is a gentle soul and is very wise, making him the ideal therapeutic horse. He has settled into his new role and riders love his childish curiosity.

Elliott is looking for his new sponsor!

Gravity

Gravity is an adorable Gypsy Vanner gelding gifted to Freedom Ride by LexLin Gypsy Ranch. Gravity arrived in September 2015 and quickly settled in to his new home. He stands out wherever he goes due to his stunning good looks, including his long mane and tail. Gravity is a quick learner and earned the title of equine therapist very quickly. With his calm and gentle temperament he is a superstar who is loved by all! We are forever grateful for this amazing gift—thank you Lexlin Gypsy Ranch!

Gravity is looking for his new sponsor!

Halo

Halo is a 16.3 hand, 1,340 lb., Percheron/Thoroughbred. She competed in hunter/jumper horse shows for many years and was generously donated to Freedom Ride by the Bjerkestrand family. They wanted Halo to be a therapeutic horse due to her sweet nurturing nature and beautiful smooth ride. Due to her large size she is able to carry veterans as well as larger riders. She can be found frolicking in the pasture with her friends.

Halo is looking for her new sponsor!

Huck

Huck is a Paint pony even though he has a solid chestnut coat with a big white blaze on his face. He has showed in a variety of riding disciplines, but is most comfortable as an English pleasure horse. He is our only pony and is perfect for our smaller riders due to his 14.1 hand size. We fondly refer to him as our “nugget” and he has become a volunteer favorite due to his playful personality.

Huck is looking for his new sponsor!

Emilio

Emilio is a Belgian Warmblood who was born in 2003, he  is the newest member of the Freedom Ride herd, arriving in February 2025. Standing at 16.2hh he is one of our tallest horses, but he truly is a gentle giant. Emilio’s previous job was a hunter/jumper, where he had a long and successful career. Emilio absolutely loves people and he shows it, always looking to greet people, say hello, and see what is going on. He loves attention and is definitely a fan favorite due to his endearing habit of tilting his head sideways to say hello. He is a member of our non-riding mental wellness program.

Emilio is generously sponsored by Bette-Jo Foster

Jasper

Jasper is a Quarter Horse gelding who came to Freedom Ride in July 2014. Jasper was generously donated to us by a kind-hearted family who had rescued him a couple of years prior. We are thankful that this caring family gave us the opportunity to add this amazing horse to our program! Whether the rider is in a bareback pad or saddle, Jasper teaches them all basic riding skills and helps build their confidence.

Jasper is looking for his new sponsor!

Rusty

Rusty arrived in May 2015 and immediately fit right in! Rusty is a handsome 15.3 hand thoroughbred gelding with a big teddy bear personality. He is willing to do whatever we ask of him and we have yet to find anything that fazes him, which makes him a great equine therapeutic partner! He is calm and steady, and his commanding size is perfect for our adult riders. He is easy to find in the pasture as he is frequently stretched out napping.

Rusty is generously sponsored by John Hronek

Wilson

Wilson is a registered paint gelding who arrived in January 2015. Standing at 14.3 hands he is the ‘just right’ size and his temperament is truly unflappable. He settled in quickly and doesn’t seem to mind us placing colored rings on his ears, balls tossed over his head, or any of the other silly things that we do with our equine partners in a lesson. He LOVES the attention volunteers bestow on him and is a great addition to our equine team.

Wilson is generously sponsored by Regina Falconer 

Zip Cochise

Zip Cochise joined our herd in April 2023. He is a three-year-old appaloosa miniature horse. Even though he is small in stature, he bosses around the rest of the herd. What he lacks in height, he makes up for in attitude! He is already a valued member of our Equine Facilitated Learning program and is a favorite of many of our clients. He stands patiently as they slather him with paint and brush his unruly mane and forelock!

Zip Cochise is generously sponsored by Larine Frahm and Susanne & Clarke Lemons

More horses coming soon…

I’d like to learn more about the capital campaign

    Joanne Grant

    Mills 50 District

    Joanne has a Master of Arts in Speech & Journalism from Marshall University in Huntington, WV.
    She has experience in venue management, at Orange County Convention Center, Ocean Center in Daytona Beach and Orlando Centroplex and in entertainment management as Director of Entertainment for Universal CityWalk and Director of Entertainment Production for Universal Orlando.
    Currently, she is Executive Director of Mills 50, one of the City of Orlando’s ten Main Street Districts, and has overseen its growth since 2010. Mills 50 is known as the “foodie” district due to its abundance of locally owned restaurants and the “artsy” district because of its focus on public art including murals, painted utility cabinets, storm drains and dumpsters.
    Joanne is Secretary of the Board of Directors of The Center Orlando, Secretary of the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation Board of Directors, past President of the Board of Directors of Freedom Ride and a former member of the Board of Directors of Harbor House.
    In 2017, Joanne was a recipient of the Summit Award, presented by the Women’s Resource Center of Central Florida. She has won two Telly Awards for the videos she produced for Primrose Center and Harbor House.

    Jan Coudriet

    Jan is working at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Results Realty. She has specialized in the Orlando vicinity helping buyers and sellers for over 30 years. Jan has vounteered at the National MS Society, Girl Scouts of America, and Canine Companions For Independence. She is a proud Mom and Grandmother. As a lifetime equestrian herself, Jan believes in the bond between horses and humans that is healing in so many ways. In Jan's words, 'it is an honor to be on the board and give back to this community'.

    Amy Daly

    Secretary

    Amy Daly is Vice President, Principle Scientist and Director of Environmental Services for CPH, Inc., a full service A&E firm. She assists clients with navigating the regulatory world to obtain approvals for residential, commercial, institutional, recreational, water & wastewater treatment plant projects with state, federal and local governments. Mrs. Daly develops and implements permitting strategies to address wetlands, threatened and endangered species, water quality and industrial discharges. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences and a Master of Business Administration. Amy is always interested in volunteering her time to worthwhile non-profit endeavors and Freedom Ride has provided an excellent opportunity to give back to others. When not working and volunteering, Amy enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family and friends.

    “I believe that Freedom Ride provides a wonderful opportunity to help someone improve their physical and mental well-being and provide them with a sense of accomplishment. I take great pride in knowing I can be a part of that experience.”

    TJ Houmes

    Treasurer

    TJ Houmes, CPA is an audit manager for Withum, Smith and Brown, PC, an accounting firm located in Orlando, FL. He manages financial statement audits for clients in the not-for-profit, government, hospitality, and agriculture industries. He attended the University of Central Florida and holds Bachelors of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance, and a Master of Business Administration. He has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Florida since 2014, and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Florida Institute of CPAs. He believes in the importance of helping those in need, and is proud to be a part of an organization that the provides services to individuals with disabilities in our community and help enrich their lives. When he is not working and volunteering his time to Freedom Ride, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing softball with his firm’s softball team, and attending UCF football games.

    Chris Nemethy

    Vice President

    Christopher Nemethy is a Project Manager – Senior Architect II for HuntonBrady Architects. He has been with the firm for over 28 years with a total of 33 years in the practice. He holds a Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Architecture from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. He leads his team of architects, designers, project coordinators and consultants for various types of projects from design all the way through construction. His specialty is Medical Office Buildings, Outpatient Surgical Centers and Physician Interiors although he has experience in working on Commercial Buildings, Commercial Interiors and Convention Centers. He is currently a member of the American Institute of Architects and a past member of the Executive Committee for the local AIA chapter.

    As a professional and long-time resident in the local community he feels it is our obligation to give back to the community as much as possible. By engaging in Freedom Ride, Inc. and reaching out to local organizations as volunteers, we can help shape the community and help out those in need so that they can all feel like they are a part of the community.