Welcome Nala

Who is Nala?
Nala is our new program horse! Nala was purchased by KTRA from Asher Lorette (one of our weekend Community Riding Lessons Instructor). Nala is a 3yr old registered Haflinger mare.
She is the first horse that KTRA has purchased! (KTRA mostly uses donated horses and “free-leased” horses) 

What is a Haflinger?
A Haflinger is a breed of horse developed in Austria and Northern Italy in the late 19th century. They are relatively small horses that are always chestnut in color with flaxen mane and tails (facial markings may vary). They have distinctive gaits described as energetic but smooth, and are well-muscled yet elegant. Haflinger horses are sturdy and built to last!

Why a 3yr Old?
KTRA has made the decision to purchase a younger horse to bring-up in the program opposed to purchasing an older horse that has already had a career. Our hope is that Nala will have great longevity in our program and “pave the way” for future potential Therapy Horses. KTRA has often been offered older/retired horses for our Therapeutic Riding Program, but we have found that they have a higher “burnout” and “turn-over” rate because they have already spent most of their life working hard in another career such as jumping, dressage, rodeo or
ranching. Having Nala in our care from such a young age will ensure that we know her history and will be able to help her have a promising future!

What is our Plan for Nala?
Nala has been put on a light training schedule with 3 of our trained staff members to properly prepare her for a Career as a Therapeutic Riding Horse! She will be exposed to our many props we use in our lessons such as: colorful cones, ground poles, mounting blocks, jump standards, barrels, poles, beanbags, hula hoops, game balls and our wheelchair lift! Our plan is to integrate Nala into our program by the time she is 4yrs old and have her in our program full time once she is 5yrs old. Follow #nalasjourney to track her progress with us!

The Story Behind Nala’s Name:
KTRA has named Nala after one of Disney’s favorite cubs in “The Lion King”! Nala’s Character is Described as: “A rambunctious lioness cub ready to go wherever and whenever with her best friend Simba. As Nala grows up, her spunky cuteness ripens into sleek, tawny
beauty, and her childlike bravado becomes true courage.” Nala’s Name Meaning: In Swahili and other languages spoken in countries of Africa, Nala means Queen, Lion and Successful Woman.