Nestldown Therapeutic Riding Center

Happy Holidays from the festive Nestldown herd who really got into the spirit this year

Happy Holidays from the Nestldown herd We are grateful for our wonderful community and hope you have a safe holiday while staying a horse-length apart . . . #holiday #happyholidays #nestldownridingcenter #animaltherapies #animallovers #horsebackridinglessons #horserherapy #equinesofinstagram #horsesofinstagram @dianabeinfalt

We are raising money this #GivingTuesday for our Nestldown horses! It has been a challenging year to safely continue our programs amidst Covid-19. Your donation will be used to buy hay and feed for our nine horses and two goats!

It is with profound sadness that I share with you the passing of our precious Moonlight last Friday October 16 at 2:22pm under the large oak tree in pasture where she lived for 15 years. I can’t seem to find any words that will properly sum up the impact and love she gave our family and community. This is going to be difficult, as we still look to her stall to see her bright eyes or reach for the paint bucket to paint our very own magical unicorn. Moonlight joined us when sh...e was 8 years old as a spunky and sweet young horse. Over the years she carried me as I learned to use the reins, balance in the saddle, and eventually learn to canter by running up the hill in pasture. I watched Moonlight do the same for so many young girls and boys over the past five years help then find their center, their confidence, and their smile. Each and every time, I watched fondly as she took care of each and every student, loving them and guiding them. She was fully of love, each and every day. Moonlight was diagnosed with Cushings Disease about 6 years ago and has recently battled poor circulation and painful feet, a symptom of the disease. The horse team worked incredibly hard to keep her as comfortable as possible, but when she stopped eating last week, we listened to her and helped her pass peacefully, surrounded by love. I want to turn to you and your children as we navigate this difficult time together, we are here for you too. Maddie and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and comforted by your stories of days at the barn with Moonlight. We would love to see and share your memories of Moonlight when you are ready and visit her where she was layed to rest. I have started a Google Photo album where you can share any pictures you have of her and our herd, we would love to see them and smile. Share Photos Here- https://drive.google.com//12ojnU3b7cUSjDt4m1-rwKy0YQt4Nt5x If you have any questions or need help navigating this difficult time, please let us know. Thank you for your understanding as we grieve together and miss the physical presence of our faithful friend. We do believe that she is in a happier place eating all the green grass she can get to and watching over us. With Love, Alex and Maddie

If you shop at Amazon, a small portion of your purchase gets donated to us simply by using this link, and it only needs to be selected once to work for all your future purchases. Thank you for love and support!

Willow’s lucky that she is cute & only 35lbs... or else Kiwi would not have been so keen on sharing her grain . . . #goat #love #unlikelyanimalfriends #horse #horsesofinstagram #horseandgoat

We have all returned home as of Monday and are settling back in/catching up on rest. Our hearts go out to the first responders who kept us safe and those who cannot return home This community is strong, we are here for you. . . . #equinetherapy #equestrians #nestldownridingcenter

Our herd is safe and settling in at their new spot in Almaden Valley while brave first responders battle Santa Cruz wildfires. We will be with the horses daily and continue to give them all the love and food the expect from their humans. Our heart aches for everyone displaced and fighting the terrifying fires in California. Please be safe . .... . #equinetherapy #cafire #evacuation #horses #horserheraoy #nestldownridingcenter See more

This evening we evacuated our 9 horses to a friend’s boarding facility in Almaden. It was not an easy decision, but with the threat and unpredictability of fires, we would rather be safe than too late. Thank you to the amazing friends who jumped in to help and loaned us their trailers, trucks, and time...in about four hours we had all our horses loaded and relocated. Thank you to our family friend for taking our horses in without any hesitation We will continue to send updates, thank you for all the check ins, Maddie and I will get some sleep knowing that our horses are out of immediate danger We will continue to monitor the fire closely and pray for all those fighting on the frontlines to protect us.

Thank you, CAL Fire and all first responders battling the fires started from a rare summer lightning storm. The Bonny Doon fire is about far enough away to keep us out of imminent danger, but we know many families that are being evacuated and we can see the smoke/ashes. We are keeping you all in our prayers @ Nestldown Therapeutic Riding Center

Good afternoon and welcome to week two of our Riding through Life with Books Fundraiser! Last week we raised $50 of our $5000 goal and saw many posts and previews made by me about the resources available through Usborne Books & More. It's not too late to still donate or order those items you need to help make this distance learning school year a success with continued learning and less screen time! Please don't hesitate to reach out to me (https://m.me/stephanie.hodges.3576...) or Alex with any questions or order requests! Donate here! PayPal.me/Nestldownriding Order here! https://x7868.myubam.com/1705305 Thank you for your continued support! -Alexandra and Stephanie

Hi All! Please help us fill the bookshelf by buying books for your kids as school gets started or simply donating to the horses!

It is HOT, HOT, HOT outside!!! Liliani and Angeli helped give all the horses baths today and the herd is feeling much better! . . . #heatwave #norcal #nestldowntherapeuticriding #horses #horsesofinstagram #love #equinetherapy

Join us for our Virtual Fundraiser and Book Drive to fill your child’s home library and raise $5,000 to fill our hay barn!

Ocean helps remind all of us to wear a mask, but he needs a bigger size for sure!