Rider Coordinator and President of Windsong
Christina became a certified therapeutic riding instructor in 1999. She has her undergraduate from Kansas State University in Animal Science and a Masters in Natural and Applied Science with an emphasis in Equine Reproduction and In Vitro Fertilization from Southwest Missouri State University doing her research at the Henry Doorly Zoo. As a grad student, she taught classes in beginning horseback riding, introduction to horses, and taught sections of seminars dealing with Equine Reproduction and management. She currently works at Methodist Hospital as an Embryologist Specialist and is the rider contact person for Windsong.
Rascal is a registered Quarter Horse. Rascal came from a working cattle ranch in western Nebraska in 2018 and the very next day was competing with riders at the Special Olympics like a champ! While Rascal sounds like he would be a challenge, he is extremely level headed, easy going, and willing to help the rider in any way he can.
Tonto is an American Miniature Horse. Tonto is the smallest face of Windsong but has the biggest personality! When Tonto isn’t pulling a cart for our assisted driving program, you can see him at our many fundraisers and public appearances getting into everything and being very obnoxious.
Nelly is a registered Quarter Horse. Nelly has successfully shown in Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship and English classes which makes her a great overall fit for our riders! Nelly was donated by Margaret & Randy Harre in memory of their daughter Shanan Keagle who participated in our program when we were known as Dream Catchers. Nelly’s registered name is Nellies Investment.
Artistic Bandileo “Bandit”
1996-2018
Bandit was purchased by Christina Gottschall in 2004 after Windsong had passed away so she could continue to give lessons to riders as well as for her own enjoyment. Bandit quickly showed himself to be very savvy to the needs of the rider being the type of horse that they needed at any time. If a rider was unsure, he made sure to go slow and steady. If a rider wanted more speed, he would oblige, but only if he thought they were ready. Bandit was the go-to horse of the program for public outings that landed him in some interesting situations such as standing on major city streets promoting fundraisers, being videoed while going through a drive-through, and hamming it up for the 6pm news. Bandit passed away unexpectedly December 1, 2018. His passing has left a huge hole in the hearts of many in our community and at Windsong. His love and compassion for the riders he served will never be forgotten.
PATH Certified Instructor
Julia Kappenman
Mary Phillips
Bruce Stahr