The Alatheia Herd
Our Equine Partners
Alatheia features only Norwegian Fjord horses that are registered with the NFHR (Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry). Aside from their unique and beautiful appearance, Norwegian Fjords are noted for their calm and easygoing nature. They are sure-footed and “honest”, meaning they are what they seem. Quiet, friendly, and trustworthy. Each of our horses has a unique personality and endear themselves to riders very quickly.
Frid
"Beautiful Beloved"
The Matriarch. Frid is our kind and benevolent queen of the herd. She develops incredible connections with our most challenged riders. When introduced to an individual in a wheelchair, she will quietly drop her head in their laps and nuzzle them softly – seemingly “reading” their special needs and making the necessary adjustments in her behavior to meet those needs. Frid and her siblings, Blakken and Sindre, make up the Alatheia Founding Three. She is quiet, steady, and unexcitable. She can be recognized by her long, often-braided forelock and thick, wavy tail. She also has a “Nike” cowlick on her neck.
Sindre
"Spark Sprayer"
Sindre is one of Alatheia’s Founding Three. Born in 1997, he grew up with the Grette family along with his siblings Blakken and Frid. He is Alatheia’s “big boy” with a BIG body, broad chest, and thick, strong legs, a lighter forelock and short, rounder-shaped ears. He has an alert and attentive personality. His expressive gaits make him an excellent therapy horse.
Marta
"Mistress of the House"
Marta is one of Alatheia’s best trained Fjords and is perfect for those riders ready for more challenges. She is a small, quick, and athletic mare that sports a fuzzy forelock with a red tint and usually sports a fancy haircut in her mane. She has a big personal bubble and likes her space!
Vesla
"Little Girl"
Vesla is one of our most athletic Fjords. Vesla works well with both independent riders and riders who need physical support. She has super sweet personality and thinks she is a human!
Julle
"Youthful"
Julle has a uniquely sweet disposition and steady stride which makes per perfect for our youngest and more challenged riders.
Andor
"Thor’s Eagle"
Andor is a curious, outgoing gelding. Andor is very playful with the other horses, and is very tolerant in the arena. He is graciously leased to Alatheia Riding Center by Judy Phelps
Lita
"Little One"
Lita joined the Alatheia herd in the Fall of 2018 after a long career of trail riding in Stehekin. She is our most petite Fjord, who loves to be around other horses and on the move.
Odde
"Inspiration"
Odde, short of Odden, is the tallest member of our herd. Odde is curious, affectionate and tries very hard to please his riders. Odde was generously donated by Jon and Deb Keevy in 2020.
Kjeks
"Biscuit" or "Cookie"
Kjeks is the youngest of the Alatheia Fjords. He joined the herd in Fall 2019 and as a youngster is undergoing training for therapy work with hopes to start in the program in the fall of 2022. He was generously donated to Alatheia by the Clark and Jean Van Der Linden family in Winter 2020.
Sølvi
"Silver Queen"
Sølvi is easily recognized by her striking grey dun color. She joined the herd in Summer 2019 and has a very laid back, relaxed personality and is smart and atheletic.
Blakken - In Memoriam
"Helper"
In Loving Memory of Blakken.
The quality of therapeutic riding is largely determined by horses that we are privileged to work with. Alatheia is incredibly fortunate to have been founded on and sustained by the beautiful and gentle Norwegian Fjord horse. In early September, 2020 we said goodbye to one of our three original fjords. Blakken. Sure, patient, steady, gentle, and oh, so kind, this horse carried our most fragile riders with dignity, grace, and compassion. He was trusted - our "Steady-Eddy". Blakken was twenty years as the Grette family’s horse with ten of them as a therapist in the Alatheia program. He carefully carried hundreds of precious riders with special needs. A conservative estimate is Blakken gave at least 3,000 therapy rides and countless moments of joy to his riders over his career. He willingly gave his riders independence, strength, balance, and coordination. He built confidence, gave courage, and so much more. We will miss you, Mister B, - thank you for teaching us about purpose and passion. Always in our hearts and never forgotten.
Rikky - In Memoriam
"Noble Leader"
There was none more noble or willing than this sweet boy. He gave his riders everything he had to give and we will ever be thankful for the gift he was. Up until the end he was was happy and healthy. He especially loved to ride on the hills above Alatheia outpacing the younger horses and loving every minute. There will never be another like our "Rickster"!
Johann Newboy Grette
"God is Gracious"
Johan is fondly named by his handler after the founders and a benefactor of Alatheia. Johan is quiet, steady, and sweet. He is just learning his job at Alatheia after joining the herd in May 2022.
