Banbury Cross Tec

12/25/2025

12/23/2025

🎄Today we would like to announce the newest gift under our Christmas tree: Ruby!🎄

Ruby joined our herd a few months ago for her trial as a program horse. Instructors Kelly & Bri got right to work showing her different aspects of a therapy horse life. With a start as a Western pleasure horse, Ruby was trail ridden and even had a baby, we were told she was a perfect mama.

When asked about Ruby, instructor Kelly Barry said: “From the moment I walked up to her in the pasture for the first time I knew she was going to be awesome. She has a super kind eye and an expression saying "I’m so easy going".
Bri and I took her in the indoor for the first time and we couldn't find anything she didn't say yes to. Her willingness was so refreshing. Her manners were top notch. I could tell she had a great head on her shoulders and was started with a great foundation of training. Being only 6 years old she has tons of long term potential for our program. We are very lucky to have Miss Ruby on the team!”

If you would like to sponsor Ruby or another one of our amazing program horses, please follow this link: https://www.banburycrossriding.org/general-9

12/22/2025

🎄Today we want to feature: Our buddy Sherman! 🎄

This tall, dark, and handsome guy joined our herd in 2020.Sherman proudly served our friends at Amazing Wings for many years, spending the majority of his life in the therapeutic setting.

When asked about Sherman our instructor Kim Martus said: "Sherman takes care of a wide variety of riders and we are so grateful to have him! Plus he is a staff favorite to ride. If Sherman was a human he would be a little bit of a grumpy old man, but when you love him, he loves you back with all of his heart!" Sherman is also known for being extremely playful. You can find him most days in the field relaxing or playing with his friends over the fence.

So happy to have you in classes Sherm❤️

If you would like to sponsor Sherman or another one of our amazing program horses, please follow this link: https://www.banburycrossriding.org/general-9

12/21/2025

🎄On the first day of Winter it is only right to celebrate our sweet snow angel: Corey!🎄

This beautiful Percheron cross has been a member of our herd since 2014. Donated by Tom & Marcia Turner, Corey was a hunt horse prior to starting her career at Banbury. Corey is the largest member of our herd which makes her a go-to choice for our adult students. Instructor Kelly Barry said this about Corey:

"I just love this big wonderful lady! She is a perfect independant ride for one of my superstar students. Her motion makes him sing to her with the biggest smile on his face, her contribution is truly uplifting!!! On the hottest and coldest days she blows me away with her willingness to make it all happen for the rider! Thank you beautiful girl!!!"

We couldn't agree more Kelly ☺️

If you would like to sponsor Corey or another one of our amazing program horses, please follow this link: https://www.banburycrossriding.org/general-9

12/20/2025

🎄Today we would like to feature one of our program’s newer horses: Chickpea!🎄

Chickpea joined our herd in early 2025 and quickly showed us all how much she enjoyed having a job. Chickpea comes to us with driving experience as well as being a lesson horse. She has seen a lot and shows her confidence in the arena.

When asked about Chickpea, instructor Jessica Leroux said: “Sweet little Chickie has been such a lovely addition to our farm. When she was quite new to our herd we used her for our instructor certification we hosted, and this girl didn’t bat an eye- she hopped right in, so happy to try. She has a wonderful movement that keeps our students engaged, and a personality that the volunteers love. She is kind, gentle, willing, and very smart- a winning combination in therapeutic riding.”

We love having you on our team, Chickpea!

If you would like to sponsor Chickpea or another one of our amazing program horses, please follow this link: https://www.banburycrossriding.org/general-9

12/19/2025

🎄Today we celebrate: Cody! 🎄

Cody joined our team in 2020 settling in to our program while we were in the midst of our covid shutdown. With a ton of experience as a eventer, he walked on the property pretty unflappable. With his calm demeanor and kind nature, Cody immediately made himself a valuable member of the team.

When asked about Cody, our instructor Jessica Leroux said this: “Sweet Cody makes me smile whenever I see his gentle eye and cute little muzzle. This guy has been such a confidence boost to so many of my students- allowing several to come off the lead for the first time, canter a pattern, or simply swing their leg over a horse for the first time. I love using Cody for my more timid riders, or riders that are ready to increase their independence- his easy going attitude makes everyone in the arena feel at ease.

I adore this guy, and I am so proud to have him in our program.”

We love you Cody! ❤️

If you would like to sponsor Cody or another one of our amazing program horses, please follow this link: https://www.banburycrossriding.org/general-9

12/18/2025

🎄Today we bring you: Chip! 🎄

Chip has been a staple of our herd since 2017, joining the team after a successful career as a working cattle horse. He quickly became the go to horse for any and all students. Are they nervous? Chip. Are their muscles tight and they need a smooth ride? Chip. Are they ready to trot off the lead? Chip. He can really do it all.

When asked about Chip our instructor Kim Martus said this: “Chip is our drop-dead gorgeous buttermilk buckskin boy that all the girls swoon over (both human and horse girls)! He is the safest and most reliable horse anyone could ask for. Chip's riders are able to maximize their independence while riding him and he has helped so many people soar to their best!”

If you would like to sponsor Chip or another one of our amazing program horses, please follow this link: https://www.banburycrossriding.org/general-9

12/17/2025

🎄Today we want to celebrate: Desi! 🎄

This sweet thoroughbred mare joined our herd in 2020, helping our more advanced students continue their learning. Desi had a lot of lesson horse experience before coming to us, which has helped her cement her place in our program.

When asked about Desi, instructor Bri Reis said: “When Desi first came to Banbury Cross, I instantly knew she was something special. Even though she was recovering from a slight rough patch in her life, she still had so much love and try inside of her. She has shared that love and try with us every day since she’s been here and it has been such a joy watching her find her place in our herd!
Desi has been very instrumental in allowing our more independent riders to flourish. Because of her previous knowledge and training, she teaches her riders that less is more and allows them to learn a softer, more correct way of riding. It makes my job so fun to work with her and watch our riders set, and achieve goals, because of her help! Love ya, Desi girl 💕”

If you would like to sponsor Desi or another one of our amazing program horses, please follow this link: https://www.banburycrossriding.org/general-9

12/17/2025

🎄As we continue our horse spotlight, today we want to showcase: Doe Doe!🎄

This good looking guy joined our herd and has been helping out with many of our riders who need more movement from their horse. Before being hired at Banbury, Doe Doe was a working cattle horse. His “been there, done that” attitude makes him a great addition to our program.

When asked about Doe Doe our Executive Director Jessica Moore said: “This big hunk was a shoe in as a program horse. Doe Doe happened to come to us from the same loving family as another program favorite, and his “brother”, Chip. While Doe may be one of our tallest program horses, his quiet demeanor & laid back attitude welcome all his riders. Doe has been a tremendous asset to our program and has quickly become a lesson staple. He has already stolen many hearts, and we look forward to watching him continue to form bonds with his students.”

We think you’re pretty great, Doe 🩵

If you would like to sponsor Doe Doe or another one of our amazing program horses, please follow this link: https://www.banburycrossriding.org/general-9

12/16/2025

Would you like to help people with disabilities and work with horses? Volunteer with us! Banbury Cross TEC’s next volunteer orientation will be held on Saturday, January 3 at 10AM. Please join us and help make more smiles just like this.

To sign up email us at info@banburycrossriding.org

We hope to see you there ☺️

12/16/2025

🎄Today we bring you: Piggy! 🎄

When Piggy joined our herd he quickly stepped in to his role. His size and previous experience as a show pony, lesson horse, and therapy horse made him an easy choice! Piggy has made himself right at home into the hearts of many students and all of the instructors.

When asked about Piggy, instructor Lisa McCormack said this: “This guy has been a joy to have on our team since day 1! He connects so easily with his riders and is well behaved with the volunteers, plus he is so handsome. He is a real solid citizen and a great addition to our Banbury herd.”

If you would like to sponsor Piggy or another one of our amazing program horses, please follow this link:
https://www.banburycrossriding.org/general-9

12/15/2025

🎄As we continue to celebrate the Christmas season, we would like to feature: Gracie! 🎄

This little girl fit right in to our program like your comfiest Christmas mitten.

Gracie had a wonderful life prior to joining our team with her mom Kelly Boonstra who trail rode and loved on Grace for a majority of her life. When asked about Gracie, our instructor Jessica Leroux said this: “Sweet Gracie hopped right into our program ready to work! When I met Gracie it was my first day visiting the barn after giving birth to my son. I finally worked up the nerve for my first solo trip out with the baby and naturally went to my happy place. I had heard all about Gracie but she had arrived during my maternity leave, so had not met her. Gracie approached the stroller with a wiggling, cooing baby with the upmost care, she stuck her nose gently into his blanket, nickering and nuzzling, making my son’s first horse experience at 6 weeks old a very happy memory. It was that moment she won me over.

“I have had the honor of working with Gracie quite a bit over the years, she was trusted to carry a few student’s on their first ride ever, give several students more confidence off lead, and to carry riders who need a bit more support from their team- Gracie has done it all.

“I have so loved working with this girlie, I can’t wait to work with her again in the new year!”

We love you too, Gracie!

Gracie has been generously sponsored for a portion of 2026. If you would like to sponsor one of our amazing program horses, please follow this link: https://www.banburycrossriding.org/general-9