Frequently Asked Questions

The origin of these breeds can be traced far back in time to the Americas. There are various theories, but most likely horses dropped by the Spanish conquerors were bred in the steppes of America. Gradually settlers and farmers noticed these wonderful animals. They domesticated and used them for their own needs. With time, they began to breed the horses and currently the Quarter Horse Association has the largest register of horses in the world. In the breeding process a variety of colors appeared that Americans liked very much. They deepened the selection of these colorful horses and the Paint Horse breed appeared. Paint Horse later became a favorite breed of many in the United States and around the world.

Typical of both breeds is their exceptional susceptibility to socialization. Their calm temperament and ability to work. In addition, the highest speed in a race was registered with a Quarter horse - 88km/h. What is specific about Paint Horse is that it is not just a horse with colorful fur. Unlike ordinary colorful horses, Paint's coat color matches the color of the skin beneath it. The connection between the colored spots resembling a "zipper" is typical. Paint Horse was highly prized by cowboys moving huge herds of cattle over long distances. Specific for the breeds are their calmness, strength and courage.

Therapeutic riding a type of rehabilitation. The future rider learns to ride, while improving his general physical, mental and emotional state.

Hippotherapy is a medical procedure prescribed and performed by a medical professional. It focuses on achieving specific medical results. Therapeutic riding is learning how to ride and interact with horses that also carry its positive effects.

Therapeutic riding is recommended for many types of disabilities, but the most common are: cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder with a deficit of attention, hypotension, hypertension and others. The best results are observed in children and young people. It is recommended that children be at least 4 years old.

The therapeutic riding offered by the Paint and Quarter Horse Foundation Bulgaria is free for all children with special needs from the "Free Therapeutic Riding Program for Children with Special Needs" . Currently, the Foundation does not offer therapeutic riding for other age groups.

The Foundation takes care of raising funds to cover the costs related to therapeutic riding. The foundation is supported by private and corporate donors, as well as implements projects and programs. It relies on the team, volunteers and supporters for the activities it offers.

Upon arrival in child and the parent/guardian is in need of some time to adapt to the new environment and prepare for the adventure. After the child and instructor make warm-up together with the horse, in a suitable way for the upcoming exercises. The next step is walking with the horse to the place designated for riding . There the child gets on the horse from special platform, if it is necessary, and enters into the arena with the horse. For safety, from the moment the child is on the horse, he/she is assisted by at least two instructors - one leading the session and one assistant. The session includes not only physical exercise, but also development of important social and emotional skills. Instructors include an educational element, such as providing information in various forms about nature. While the child is in session, the parent/guardian is not allowed to be in the arena. After session of therapeutic riding , filled with exercises and games, the child dismounts from the horse and is responsible for returning the horse to the pasture . Finally , the child and parent/guardian are able to spend some time in preparation to go back to their everyday life. The visit at the ranch is not just another procedure where the child with disabilities has to go to. This is a new adventure, which we are hoping to leave a lasting positive impression on the child.

It is recommended that therapeutic sessions be attended at least once a week.

The sessions are individual.

Sessions are conducted by at least one qualified instructor.

The sessions are held in the ranch 4OUR RANCH , 50 km from the city of Sofia.

Program for free therapeutic riding for children with special needs is implemented in cycles of 3 months and can serve a certain number of children. Please contact us to see if you can be included.

The soft method is a way to communicate with a horse in a natural way for him. Natural horsemanship is an approach to the horse as a partner, as a friend. The method is mainly focuses on respect for personal space. The horse follows us because he wants this and this brings him pleasure and peace. We help each other only with a gentle rope halter and a soft rope, or at best with nothing, only with an impact on a mental level. Yes, it is a very slow way of learning, but the results are like a long and fruitful collaboration.

In 4OUR RANCH the horses are raised in the closest to their natural way of life. They live outside in large pastures in a herd. They graze freely every day, and for the night they have a sufficient amount of hay. Near the pastures they have a small river from which they drink water. The horses are divided into two groups. One is composed of mares and castrates, and the other of stallions. In both groups, it is interesting to observe the hierarchy in the herd and how it changes. It is also interesting how the animals communicate with each other.

In 4OUR RANCH the horses are trained by the soft methods borrowed from the Natural horsemanship system. Socialization and training start from the birth of the little horses. We do not use bits, spurs, chains, straps or other rough tools to force training. The hooves of our horses are not shod. We take care of their maintenance by using the Mustang roll method, which shapes the hoof in a way closest to that of wild horses.

The origin of these breeds can be traced far back in time to the Americas. There are various theories, but most likely horses dropped by the Spanish conquerors were bred in the steppes of America. Gradually settlers and farmers noticed these wonderful animals. They domesticated and used them for their own needs. With time, they began to breed the horses and currently the Quarter Horse Association has the largest register of horses in the world. In the breeding process a variety of colors appeared that Americans liked very much. They deepened the selection of these colorful horses and the Paint Horse breed appeared. Paint Horse later became a favorite breed of many in the United States and around the world.

Typical of both breeds is their exceptional susceptibility to socialization. Their calm temperament and ability to work. In addition, the highest speed in a race was registered with a Quarter horse - 88km/h. What is specific about Paint Horse is that it is not just a horse with colorful fur. Unlike ordinary colorful horses, Paint's coat color matches the color of the skin beneath it. The connection between the colored spots resembling a "zipper" is typical. Paint Horse was highly prized by cowboys moving huge herds of cattle over long distances. Specific for the breeds are their calmness, strength and courage.

Therapeutic riding a type of rehabilitation. The future rider learns to ride, while improving his general physical, mental and emotional state.

Hippotherapy is a medical procedure prescribed and performed by a medical professional. It focuses on achieving specific medical results. Therapeutic riding is learning how to ride and interact with horses that also carry its positive effects.

Therapeutic riding is recommended for many types of disabilities, but the most common are: cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder with a deficit of attention, hypotension, hypertension and others. The best results are observed in children and young people. It is recommended that children be at least 4 years old.

The therapeutic riding offered by the Paint and Quarter Horse Foundation Bulgaria is free for all children with special needs from the "Free Therapeutic Riding Program for Children with Special Needs" . Currently, the Foundation does not offer therapeutic riding for other age groups.

The Foundation takes care of raising funds to cover the costs related to therapeutic riding. The foundation is supported by private and corporate donors, as well as implements projects and programs. It relies on the team, volunteers and supporters for the activities it offers.

Upon arrival in child and the parent/guardian is in need of some time to adapt to the new environment and prepare for the adventure. After the child and instructor make warm-up together with the horse, in a suitable way for the upcoming exercises. The next step is walking with the horse to the place designated for riding . There the child gets on the horse from special platform, if it is necessary, and enters into the arena with the horse. For safety, from the moment the child is on the horse, he/she is assisted by at least two instructors - one leading the session and one assistant. The session includes not only physical exercise, but also development of important social and emotional skills. Instructors include an educational element, such as providing information in various forms about nature. While the child is in session, the parent/guardian is not allowed to be in the arena. After session of therapeutic riding , filled with exercises and games, the child dismounts from the horse and is responsible for returning the horse to the pasture . Finally , the child and parent/guardian are able to spend some time in preparation to go back to their everyday life. The visit at the ranch is not just another procedure where the child with disabilities has to go to. This is a new adventure, which we are hoping to leave a lasting positive impression on the child.

It is recommended that therapeutic sessions be attended at least once a week.

The sessions are individual.

Sessions are conducted by at least one qualified instructor.

The sessions are held in the ranch 4OUR RANCH , 50 km from the city of Sofia.

Program for free therapeutic riding for children with special needs is implemented in cycles of 3 months and can serve a certain number of children. Please contact us to see if you can be included.

The soft method is a way to communicate with a horse in a natural way for him. Natural horsemanship is an approach to the horse as a partner, as a friend. The method is mainly focuses on respect for personal space. The horse follows us because he wants this and this brings him pleasure and peace. We help each other only with a gentle rope halter and a soft rope, or at best with nothing, only with an impact on a mental level. Yes, it is a very slow way of learning, but the results are like a long and fruitful collaboration.

In 4OUR RANCH the horses are raised in the closest to their natural way of life. They live outside in large pastures in a herd. They graze freely every day, and for the night they have a sufficient amount of hay. Near the pastures they have a small river from which they drink water. The horses are divided into two groups. One is composed of mares and castrates, and the other of stallions. In both groups, it is interesting to observe the hierarchy in the herd and how it changes. It is also interesting how the animals communicate with each other.

In 4OUR RANCH the horses are trained by the soft methods borrowed from the Natural horsemanship system. Socialization and training start from the birth of the little horses. We do not use bits, spurs, chains, straps or other rough tools to force training. The hooves of our horses are not shod. We take care of their maintenance by using the Mustang roll method, which shapes the hoof in a way closest to that of wild horses.