“Thor!” Thunder, lightning, storms and strength! The short-tempered protector of mankind.

Oh, wait. We’re not talking about the fictional comic book superhero or the hammer-wielding god of Norse mythology. We’re talking about the 16-year-old Halflinger pony that just moved to Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club’s Equestrian Center. Thor joins Golden Ocala to help with riding lessons.

Born in Kentucky, the 4-foot 5 pony worked as an Amish plow horse for five years. He later moved to Maine to live with Alaina Oleson, who became Golden Ocala’s equestrian manager in July 2015. In Maine, Thor gained a sense of calm and steadiness, more fitting of his ancestral heritage of strength, nobility and robustness. Haflingers are small, muscular and chestnut in color.

Thor recently arrived at Golden Ocala to begin helping with English riding lessons. Trained in the classical art of Dressage, Thor is able to do small jumps. He has already helped teach several young riders.

Always the gentle horse, Thor has even allowed riders to ride backwards after lengthy training sessions. Thor specializes in helping teach children and smaller adults of various abilities.

Golden Ocala is a gated community set in the heart of Central’s horse country. Marion County is designated a “Horse Capital of the World.” We at Golden Ocala are dedicated to preserving, enhancing and celebrating the beauty and elegance of the equestrian lifestyle.Trails weave through this luxury community’s rolling hills and mighty oaks to establish a state-of-the-art equestrian center.

The Equestrian Center provides private barn suites with four stalls and office space. Entire barns can also be rented for use.

Other amenities include:

• A 20-stall horse barn
• Covered round pen
• Large jumping arena with new footing and separate dressage arena
• Large grass paddocks
• Climate-controlled tack room
• Kitchen
• Lounge

Golden Ocala members will find this the perfect place to board and care for their horses. The experienced staff at Golden Ocala’s Equestrian Center provides excellent care and expert services. For full-board options or terms and services, call 650-773-1812.