Lucky Strike

(1996 – )
Owned by Gleneayre Equestrian Program
Inducted: 2020

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Lucky Strike is a 1994 Dutch Warmblood gelding that has had an impact on the equestrian community from winning top ribbons in the hunter ring to helping individuals in Equine Facilitated Learning programs. In his prime, Lucky Strike, also known as Glen, campaigned as a Small Junior Working Hunter and was piloted to many championships with Brianne and Clementine Goutal.

Following his days in the show ring, Glen began a new career at Gleneayre Farm in 2007 as a part of their working student program, which provides young riders the opportunity to work and gain valuable character skills in exchange for lessons. Glen was an integral part of the program for many years, as his calm demeanor and forgiving attitude made him suitable for teaching timid and anxious riders the basics of jumping.

During this time at Gleneayre, Glen was a project horse for five children, taking them from cross rails to the 2'6" divisions. When the time came for Glen to retire from jumping, he spent several years working with beginner riders teaching them basic flatwork.

Glen continued to impact lives after he retired from Gleneayre's working student program. His approachable temperament allowed him to smoothly transition into the Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) and Equine Facilitated Mental Health (EFMH) non-riding programs at Gleneayre. Most of the clients who participate in the EFL and EFMH programs have little to no horse experience. Glen has worked with over 200 clients, most of which were at-risk youth, first offenders, and veterans, each of whom he helped to grow and heal.

Glen is a pillar of the Gleneayre Equestrian Program, as he adapts to all kinds of clients and patiently does his job. He is small in stature, which makes him very approachable to all levels of students and clients. Glen has a steadfast temperament and is known to be alert and accommodating when presented with challenges. He has a very tender, nurturing side to him as well, offering comfort and providing support for clients in need.

Glen has the ability to help build confidence and reassure any child or adult who is struggling with emotional, mental, and social anxieties. His personality and temperament allow him to make genuine connections with all who come in contact with him.

Glen has touched the lives of hundreds of individuals. This incredible horse has helped young teens struggling with addiction learn how to find a new path to wellness, has given hope to grieving mothers, has walked alongside our country's heroes, and has taught adjudicated youth how to find solutions that will lead them to success.

Glen never tires of his job and seems to relish in the connection he makes with people. One young man who completed a 10-week mentoring program Gleneayre commented, "Before I started working with Glen, I didn't think I was going to be able to go to rehab. Now, I know I can."