For over two decades, Noble has been teaching, healing, and nurturing the islanders of Martha's Vineyard, first at Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center, and since 2018, at Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center in West Tisbury, Massachusetts. Throughout his long career, Noble has proven time and again that he loves every aspect of his job, whether he is offering a toddler their first ride or greeting an elderly resident in a wheelchair. In recognition of his lifetime of service, Noble was recognized by PATH International as its 2023 Equine of the Year.

But when he first arrived at Misty Meadows, Noble was 28 and had been out of work for quite some time; twice previously, he had torn the meniscus in his right hind leg, and he was so lame, staff seriously considered euthanasia. After careful professional and veterinary evaluation, they decided to find him a retirement home instead-and for exactly four nights, Noble was (un)happily retired.

"Then he left in the middle of the night and traveled six and a half miles across the island back to his old barn-not our barn, his old barn," says Sarah McKay, Misty Meadows executive director. "So he came back here, and we decided to see if he slowly wanted to rehab."

As it turns out, he did, and Noble soon became one of the most versatile horses in the Misty Meadows herd.

The presumed Irish Draft/Percheron is a stocky 15.1 hands, making him the perfect size and shape for the organization's diverse programming-- Misty Meadows offers both conventional horsemanship instruction as well as equine-assisted services for all ages, with most programs being fully integrated.

"We believe that everyone who comes to us receives a therapeutic benefit," explains Liz Adams, Misty Meadows program manager. "What's unique to Noble, because not a lot of horses can do this, is that he excels in every aspect of our programming.

"He can work with someone who has to use a mechanical lift to mount," she continues. "He can go to an event or a school and be comfortable and social. He can teach a kid how to canter, and he also is really wonderful in our unmounted programs. He is a guiding light for our staff, as well. He is just the mentor on our property, in any way that could be possible."

Now 34 years old, these days, Noble "doesn't do a lot, but he does do a lot," according to McKay. In a typical week, he teaches a beginner adult in a mounted group lesson, does sessions with Island Autism, participates in a mounted archery lesson, and assists in several unmounted classes. Because of his positive interactions with other horses, Noble is also a top choice for "herd observation" sessions.

"He is wise and grounded," explains Adams. "But he does have a sense of humor."

The staff admits it is not all that unusual to arrive for work in the morning, only to find Noble somewhere he's not supposed to be. As it turns out, Noble's cross-island escapade during his retirement attempt was not a one-time event; instead, it seems the sturdy gelding has a penchant for escaping his paddock at will and wandering around the neighborhood.

One time, McKay received a 6 AM call from a neighbor walking his dog. He reported "suddenly, this big white horse appeared through the fog-I'm wondering if it might be yours." It was Noble, of course, and he galloped away before McKay could retrieve him. On a different occasion, Noble led two of his equine friends-one 17 hands, one a miniature, all three white-gray-to another neighbor's property; based on the hoof prints, the trio spent the night peering into the downstairs windows.

"We just say, 'oh, Noble's on a break-out bender again'," says McKay with a laugh.

But everyone is more than willing to tolerate Noble's escapades, thanks to his many positive impacts. One young rider on the autism spectrum was asked what Noble meant to him, and he replied:

"Walk on Noble, my trusty steed! That is what I say every time when I leave the mounting block. I've been riding Noble for almost a year now. My really favorite trait about Noble is that he is so kind. He cares about me."

Kasha Ritter, a volunteer and participant, agrees.

"All creatures are good, but Noble has an indefinable quality that draws people to him," says Ritter. "I especially marveled at his interaction with a group of campers, all with significant challenges...somehow, he brought out the joy in every single one of them. I, too, am so very grateful for his impact on me."

"He is majestic," adds McKay. "He is Noble-his name, to me, just sums it up."