09/22/2025
🌟 NEPA Bodyworks Featured Horse of the Month 🌟
September – Southern Callback “Belle”
This month, we are thrilled to spotlight a very special mare who has been a cornerstone of her barn family and lesson program. Meet Southern Callback, better known as Belle—though her long list of nicknames includes Ballerina, Baby Belle Cheese, and Ballerine.
🐴 About Belle
Belle is a 7-year-old registered solid paint mare with a truly remarkable background. Owner and trainer Amber Gorton has had Belle since she was just two years old. From the very beginning, Belle proved to be wise beyond her years—on her very first ride, she carried herself like a seasoned 20-year-old mare. One thing in particular sold Amber on Belle right away: her dreamy trot.
💕 Personality & Quirks
If Amber had to describe Belle in three words, they’d be innocent, sweet, and cuddly. Belle is always bright-eyed with her ears perked, and she even blinks back at you when you talk to her. She’s also a little food-motivated—she refuses to take the bit without first being bribed with a treat. Her all-time favorite snack? Animal crackers!
Her best barn buddy is Clarity.
🌟 Memories & Accomplishments
One of Amber’s favorite memories with Belle came when another rider’s horse came up lame at a show. Without hesitation, Belle stepped in as a 3-year-old, walked off the trailer, and went on to win the Baby Greens—earning that rider her very first champion ribbon!
Belle also boasts an impressive show record of her own—she is undefeated in the local pleasure classes.
🎓 Belle’s Job
Belle plays a vital role in Amber’s lesson program at Bewitching Avenue Equine in Clifford, PA. She’s a true “jack of all trades,” happily giving a child their very first ride one moment and then carrying an advanced rider over 2’6” fences the next.
Amber has been teaching for 7 years, and she credits Belle with carrying much of her program during that time. At Bewitching Avenue Equine, the focus goes beyond just learning to ride. Riders are also taught the importance of horse care, body language, and the deeper connection that develops when you truly listen to horses.
🐎 If Belle Could Talk…
Belle’s advice for her riders would be simple:
“Shut up and listen. Horses talk, and if you take a moment, you’ll hear what we have to say. Oh—and please, more animal crackers.”
💆♀️ The Role of Bodywork
Belle’s health and comfort are supported greatly by regular bodywork. Diagnosed with EPM two years ago, she relies on treatments and bodywork to keep doing the job she loves. Thanks to the care she receives, Belle continues to thrive in her role—bringing joy, confidence, and cuddles to every rider she meets.
Belle truly embodies the heart of NEPA Bodyworks’ Featured Horse of the Month—a shining example of resilience, kindness, and the unbreakable bond between horse and rider.