When Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Centers was established in Los Angeles, California in 2009, for the first year, their only equine employee was a flea-bitten gray Thoroughbred named Tristan. Registered with The Jockey Club as "Tap Til Dawn", the then 18-year-old son of Tap the Mint inherited his sire's calm demeanor and pleasant temperament; before becoming a therapeutic riding specialist, Tristan had already been a racehorse, a hunter/jumper, and a dressage mount. Despite these qualities, many were still skeptical that relying on an off-track Thoroughbred for equine-assisted services was a good idea.

But for the next fourteen years, Tristan proved that the heart of a Thoroughbred is capable of more than just athletic performance. Tristan's inherent sensitivity meant that he seemed to know intuitively what the people around him needed, whether they were working with him on the ground or in the saddle. More than once, Tristan would rest his head in the lap of a wheelchair-bound participant or offered a 'horsey hug'; he was a favorite of children and adults alike-veterans in particular enjoyed working with him-- and he thrived on attention, standing patiently for hours while students groomed him.

Dream Catcher's founder and executive director Joan Blank remembers that from the beginning, none of the unique aspects of therapeutic riding bothered "Tristan the Wonderhorse" (a nickname gifted by his many fans). Tristan's "been there, done that" attitude meant he simply accepted rings being thrown, balls being tossed, screaming children, and spastic riders. His 16.1 hand size, amenable temperament, and inquisitive nature made him a versatile participant in a range of Dream Catcher's equine-assisted programs, both mounted and unmounted; he even visited special needs schools and worked with one of the largest veterans' hospitals in the country.

But Tristan also enjoyed being ridden by able-bodied riders, although he had high expectations of them.

"He was a very thoughtful horse," says Blank. "We all called him an 'old soul'. He was a thinking guy, and he needed that stimulation of able-bodied riders, alongside those with special needs.

"I think whoever had him in the very beginning put some incredibly thoughtful, kind training on him," she continues. "I learned more about riding on him, because he was a true teacher. He knew exactly who was on his back-there was no rear, no buck, none of that-but if it was an experienced rider and you didn't ask him correctly, he'd almost shake his head and say, 'ask me again.'"

But with the differently-abled, Tristan was all heart. Kristen Spendlove, a program volunteer, says he carried the smallest of riders with the utmost care.

"He always knew when anyone needed him," says Spendlove. "No words can explain how. When he'd look at you, he'd bring out feelings you didn't know you needed to feel. He always made me feel safe."

Ayan McNab, a program volunteer and one of Tristan's riders, notes he was the perfect teacher for those new to horses.

"He was sweet, easy-going, and easy to handle," says McNab. "He was the 'go-to' choice for inexperienced volunteers, students, and veterans to practice leading with a lead rope and grooming. When their lessons were over, students would often visit Tristan in his stall to give him treats, pets, and just generally show him some love."

In between his sessions, Tristan loved to hang out with his favorite buddy, Blaze, who served as Tristan's constant companion and protector, particularly as he got older. He especially looked forward to chiropractic sessions with "Dr. Don," who worked with Tristan throughout his time at Dream Catcher, and also appreciated the compassionate care offered by his favorite veterinarian, Dr. Ruth Sobeck, DVM.

In appreciation of his work as a breed ambassador in the field of therapeutic riding, Tristan was recognized as a Thoroughbred Incentive Program Horse of the Year by The Jockey Club in 2015.

When Tristan passed away in early 2024 at the age of 33, hundreds of tributes poured in on social media.

"He started the center," says Blank simply. "It's a huge loss, but 33 years for a Thoroughbred-that's pretty amazing. He was one of those really special horses, and we are so honored he is being recognized by the EQUUS Foundation, because he is really deserving. He touched a lot of souls and hearts.

"When I received the notification he had won, he was still alive, and I told him-so he knew," Blank continues. "We've served a lot of people at the Center-probably thousands, if you include the volunteers who meet the horses and groom them and take them through lessons-and Tristan touched a lot of people. That's what really counts."