Illusion Stables
The Horses & Farm Animals
Noche
Noche was a trail horse out in Colorado where Laura had been working for the past four years. He is a black Morgan with a driving background, as well as trail riding. He was a little too speedy on the trails for the beginner riders at the ranch and had some health issues so he followed Laura back to Maine where he has been amazing, taking everything new in stride and being a great lesson horse. Laura and Noche look forward to building their relationship, showing someday and, of course, continuing to go out on the trails that he enjoys so much.
Cora
Cora is a Thoroughbred mare in her twenties. She has been classically trained in dressage, and now loves to gallop in the open fields and enjoy life as a semi-retired horse. She has tricks which she is happy to show off for treats as much as possible. Cora has grown up in Maine, started in Dover-Foxcroft and now calls Illusion Stables her home away from home. Her owner, Emma, recently moved to Florida and appreciates that Cora and her other horse, Duncan, (see his bio next) are well taken care of while she is away. We enjoy her spunk and personality and are so glad she is here at Illusion Stables.
Duncan
Duncan is Emma's other horse at Illusion Stables. He is a big teddy bear who loves attention once he gets to know you. He will do just about anything for a treat, including strike, smile and bow. He has settled in at Illusion Stables so nicely and enjoys running up and down the field. He has shown more of his personality the longer he stays and the more comfortable he gets. He is a great addition to the farm.
Bodhi
Bodhi is now part of the Illusion Stables team. He is a pro at teaching students of all ages. No matter the weather or what is happening on the farm he is the same steady horse every time. He has helped so many students build confidence in their riding. He loves his trail rides and being out in the fields. You can usually find him eating his hay, sleeping or snuggling with Cora. Bodhi has made an amazing addition and can't wait to teach more students in the coming years.
Galileo
Galileo arrived in May from South Carolina right before the huge snowstorm we got here in Maine. To say he was a little shocked about the change would be an understatement. After the storm passed he adjusted really well. He has more opinions about where he lives and when you ride him than the other horses but at the end of the day he is a great horse. We have a fairly long history together so that helps on the days that he can test my patience. I rode him when I was fifteen and he was about 5 years old. My friend Morgan and I rode him and trained him a lot when he was younger. He was ridden at dressage shows and in Equestrian Theater performances. When I left for college I found out that he had actually gone to live with my friend Deanna in South Carolina. I was able to stay connected with Galileo throuhgout the years when I would go and visit. I never expected to be able to call him my own but I truly believe all things happen for a reason and I am very glad that he is back in my life permanently. We will have a great time bonding and creating new memories together here.
King
Mr. King was a somewhat surprise new addition. We have wanted a mini horse ever since getting the farm and had come across plenty that would be a great fit but we just weren't ready to take them on yet. Then came King, he started off as a boarder but when it didn't work out with the owner it seemed like it was meant to be that King stayed with us. So now King is truly the King of Illusion Stables. He rides and drives and shows in hand and has already won over the hearts of everyone here. He will be part of the lesson program next year so bring your young kiddos to come ride this handsome boy!
Clementine
For those of you that don't know the story behind this fiesty, cuddly and sassy mini donkey here it is. Gary is new to the horse/farm life, but he has embraced it fully and with that has also come him wanting as many animals as possible (which I am not complaining about). The animal on the top of his list was a donkey. Starting a new business and having goats and little dogs around I wasn't so sure about getting a donkey, so he was not expecting one to come a long anytime soon. Gary is a merchant marine which means he is on a ship for months at a time. This particular trip was supposed to be short two months. I figured this would give me enough time to look around and see if there was a unicorn donkey that would fit in with our family. If I found a donkey that fit the bill I could surprise him, if not he would never know. Clementine was the unicorn donkey, she was good around kids and dogs, she was a mini and was super cuddly. Now to keep her a secret until Gary gets home, which had now turned in to 6 months! Not only did I have to make sure Clementine wasn't in any pictures but when we facetimed I had to make sure she wasn't braying in the background for food. Finally he came home and met his donkey (there is a video on instagram and facebook) He had no idea!! He loves Clementine and Clementine is defintely his, everytime he comes outside she brays for him., They have a lot of fun together running around the property or more times than not Gary being dragged around the property by her. She is only 4 and we will keep training her through the years. It is so nice to know that she will be here for the rest of our lives and grow up with us and our family.
Casper
Casper arrived in the spring of 2024. He takes such great care of all the riders that ride him. He has some eye issues because they are bright blue but we have made sure that they are as protected as possible and are looking in to further care this coming year in 2026. Casper is slowly showing more and more personality. He loves a good neck scratch. He would stand and be groomed by the students all day if he could. He finds lots of comfort and peace in humans that he does not always find in other horses. We hope to make Casper comfortable so that he can help with lessons and keep teaching students how to ride.
Barney
Barney is the newest addition to the lesson program (2025). He has been a saint since day one. You would think he has been here is whole life. All the students love him and he is game for just about anything. Hardest part is finding a saddle for his little body! His arrival also means that Casper now has a friend that does not beat him up, yay! Barney will be spoiled for the rest of his life, especially because he takes such great care of new riders.
Zack
Zach arrived end of May of 2022. He and Duncan have been best buds since day 1. I have never seen Duncan play and have fun with another horse like I do with Zach. It is a joy to watch. His owner Rose enjoys a more laid back atmosphere where her and Zach can wander the proprty and just enjoy their time together. We all have busy lives so being able to just hop on your horse at anytime and have them be great is a blessing. Zach is also a great lesson horse and Rose has generously offered him to be used in the lesson program. So keep your eye out for him in the lessons this summer
Kola
Kola arrived in October with his owner Amy. He is a mustang and has been trained really well by Amy. They have a beautiful partnership that is a joy to watch. Kola loves to do his tricks, such as high five or laying down. Most weekends you can find Amy, Kola and their dog Gupi exploring the farm and just enjoying each others company. Hopefully when summer comes they will be able to do more together. Kola and Galileo can be found sleeping in the back field together. It has been hard to find a buddy for Galileo but Kola fits the bill. Kola is an easy going guy that is a joy to have here.
Emma and Penny
Sweet bonded mares Emma and Penny bring so much life to Illusion Stables. They love attention and will always be the first to the fence to greet someone. Penny wants to always be the center of attention, while Emma might hang in the background she will never say no to scratches. They have both settled in so well with Cora and Bodhi. Makes for the perfect little herd.
Gideon
Gideon is King's new mini buddy! He is owned by Olivia. Olivia has a very busy life but loves to have a horse that she can come relax with. A mini horse is the perfect option! Gideon has so much personality, despite the pictures looking like he is always sleeping. He keeps king moving around. They play together all the time. Gideon also likes to antagonize Kola and Galileo over the fence. He has been such a fun addition to the farm.
Scout
Scout is owned by Jen. This is Jen's first horse and she has been doing amazing with Scout. He is younger so not an ideal teacher for a new horse owner but Jen has put in the work and it shows. Scout did not arrive in the best shape health wise, but with Jen's patience and understanding he is healthy and ready for whatever the next year may bring. Scout is a busy body, he likes to be engaged with people and learn new things, but he is not afraid to tell you when he is done with work. I have never met a horse with such clear signals as to what he likes and dislikes. It makes training and teaching fun but also challenging. We think he will love a lot of ground work and obstacle courses, keeping his mind busy while also building his muscles. I am so excited to see where Scout and Jen's journey takes them.
Brownie, CeCe (Cookies and Cream), Cookie Dough and Tiramisu, Dolly Mocha and Ollie
The Goats! Brownie and Cece are a joy to have on the farm. They are so friendly, want to be around people and love when friends come and bring them treats. They act like we never feed them but looking at them you know they are very well fed. Brownie is the shy one, Cece loves the attention and tries to get it as much as possible. They have their own playground in their pen and get spoiled as much as the rest of the animals here. They share their pen with King and thankfully they all get along great. King of course runs the show but the goats don't seem to mind, as long as there is plenty of food! In 2021 we added cookie dough and Tiramisu to the goat herd! They were just little babies when we brought them to the farm and they have added so much fun around here. They adventure all over the farm and nothing is off limits. They are super friendly and love coming up to people looking for treats. Both are very vocal especially when they have to be left inside for too long. Dolly and Mocha arrived January 2023. Mostly because we can't resist a cute little face and we do everything in pairs! Dolly is already a trouble maker and completely fearless. She goes right under the fences, horses etc and explores everywhere. Her favorite thing is being around people though. Mocha is going to take some time to warm up, but we are working on bringing him out of his shell and getting more comfortable with us. Ollie arrived in 2024 because he no longer had a buddy to hang out with. Since he has been here is ha grown to be the biggest goat of them all! He is the gentle giant and loves attention and lots of cookies when he can get them
