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MEET THE HORSES WHO DO THE HEALING.
Horses respond to what you're actually feeling — not what you're pretending to feel. That's not a metaphor. It's biology. And it's why every one of these animals is irreplaceable to the work we do.
SHELBY
♡ THE ONE WHO STARTED IT ALL
Shelby was the first horse Amanda ever worked with — a wild Mustang who couldn't be touched, couldn't be approached, and had every reason not to trust a human. Learning to work with her taught Amanda everything she now teaches others: that healing starts when you stop trying to control the outcome and start being honest about what you're carrying.
Shelby has been part of every H.O.O.V.E.S. intensive since the beginning. She has a way of walking directly toward the person in the group who needs her most. Nobody taught her that.
100+
Participants helped
15
Years in the program
HEMI
Clydesdale
After exercise-induced nosebleeds ended his career as a champion performance horse, Hemi found a new purpose at H.O.O.V.E.S. Now the herd's leader, he shows veterans how to transform past struggles into strength, proving that physical limits never define your impact.
PETEY
Spotted Draft
Rescued from a kill pen as a foal and missing his right eye, Petey joined H.O.O.V.E.S. after his owner downsized her herd. Today, as the farm's largest horse with a heart to match, his steady presence inspires veterans and participants with physical differences to recognize their own worth.
ELISE
Saddlebred/Quarter Horse
Surviving a severe leg injury and trauma, cross-country jumper Elise rebuilt her trust through dedicated rehabilitation at H.O.O.V.E.S. Now a symbol of resilience, she teaches veterans to look beyond initial appearances and embrace deep, true connection.
MAY
Shire
Labeled "dangerous" and isolated for a year due to aggression, May learned to trust again through herd socialization at H.O.O.V.E.S. Today, she thrives on human connection and specializes in helping veterans embrace vulnerability by authentically mirroring their emotions.
ELEANOR "ELLIE"
Mustang
Named after the classic 1967 Shelby GT, domestic Mustang Eleanor inherited her wild spirit from her parents, Shelby and Cobie, who are also part of the H.O.O.V.E.S. herd. Demonstrating her healing gift as a foal, she uses her bold, honest approach to help veterans break down defenses, face hidden truths, and find true healing.
TULIP
Percheron
Rescued from severe neglect, Tulip learned to trust through the patient care of Ron, the founder's father. Named for the tulip-shaped star on her forehead, she now helps veterans process trapped emotions and overcome addiction, proving light can emerge from the darkest places.
MOLLY MAE
Percheron
Arriving emotionally shut down after years as a broodmare, Molly learned to trust through patient connection work by the founder's father, Ron. Today, this 2,500-pound draft horse uses her wise, maternal energy to help veterans process grief, find grounding, and reconnect with themselves.
SAHYANN "SIGH-ANN"
Wild Mustang
A Utah Mustang whose name means "kind and gentle," Sahyann originally joined H.O.O.V.E.S. for the Extreme Mustang Makeover before returning to help launch its riding program. Living up to her name, her gentle nature helps veterans rebuild self-trust and reconnect with their hearts.
GRACIE
Wild Mustang
Rescued from a kill pen and adopted by Amanda, Gracie defied wild horse stereotypes by building confidence in children before joining H.O.O.V.E.S. Today, her unique ability to sense emotions helps veterans confront hidden trauma. By offering an honest, nonjudgmental reflection, Gracie proves that true strength lies in vulnerability, courage, and genuine connection.
PISTOL
Quarter Horse
A striking Quarter Horse with ice-blue eyes, Pistol joined H.O.O.V.E.S. after chronic injuries ended his reining career. After breaking down his own walls with help from herd mate Petey, Pistol revealed his playful spirit and now helps veterans do the same—guided by his journey of injury, recovery, and rebirth.
MILKSHAKE
Wild Mustang
After starting as a wild BLM Mustang in Colorado, Milkshake joined H.O.O.V.E.S. as an untrained yearling. Curious, goofy, and soft-hearted, his playful spirit and gentle presence draw people in—giving participants grounding, laughter, and a quiet reminder of the healing power of connection.
MONTANA
Wild Mustang
Confined and left without guidance, Montana developed aggressive survival instincts to protect himself from a world he didn't understand. Through patience and consistency at H.O.O.V.E.S., he unlearned those fears and found peace. Today, Montana mirrors the veteran experience, showing that with time and understanding, trauma can be overcome and trust rebuilt.
CASH
Wild Mustang
Rescued from a reservation roundup in Utah, Cash was brought to H.O.O.V.E.S. through miraculous community support. Possessing the steady heart of a true warrior pony, Cash brings a calm, grounding presence to the herd, showing veterans and caregivers that it is never too late for a second chance.
SEBASTIAN
Thoroughbred
An off-track Thoroughbred and descendant of Secretariat, Sebastian came to H.O.O.V.E.S. to heal from hidden injuries. Through proper care, his gentle spirit blossomed into a grounded partnership—showing veterans that healing is always possible and resilience is true strength.
SNICKERS
Wild Mustang Pony
Story coming soon!
NOVA
Wild Mustang
Story coming soon!
CINDER
Wild Mustang
Story coming soon!
MATEO
Haflinger
Rescued from auction and malnourished, Mateo once served on an Ohio mounted search-and-rescue team before joining H.O.O.V.E.S. Sweet, steady, and rarely far from his best friend Daisy, his calm confidence helps participants feel safe—proving second chances lead to extraordinary purpose.
DAISY
Haflinger
A former lesson and cart horse, Daisy arrived at H.O.O.V.E.S. as a temporary placement facing serious health challenges. After transforming through dedicated care, this wise Haflinger mare earned a permanent spot in the herd—using her calm energy and quiet strength to show participants the power of being seen, supported, and valued.
DONK
Miniature Donkey
Donated at 15 months by a military family after a twist of fate, Major ("Donk") is H.O.O.V.E.S.' resident "Shaman." Uncannily attuned to emotional barriers, he steps in with quiet comfort to help participants build boundaries, find clarity, and move forward.
KYRA
Wild Mustang
Story coming soon!
MARLEY
Mustang
Story coming soon!
RUMI
Wild Mustang
Story coming soon!
SEQUOIA
Wild Mustang
Story coming soon!
PATRIOT
Miniature
Born with dwarfism and Chiari Malformation, Patriot is a miniature horse who never lets physical obstacles hold him back. With his gentle nature and resilient spirit, he offers comfort and inspiration to adults and children alike—proving that true strength comes from within.
VALOR
Miniature
Story coming soon!
LIBERTY
Miniature
Story coming soon!
FREEDOM
Miniature
Born on the farm to Valor and Liberty, Freedom is a spirited horse with a seasonal creamy coat and a love for the spotlight. Her playful antics and high-energy presence bring pure joy, lightheartedness, and delight to the H.O.O.V.E.S. herd.
MIKE
Miniature
Former show horse Mike the Mini Horse brings massive energy to H.O.O.V.E.S. Sassy and eager for scratches alongside his pal Willie, he connects deeply with children in the Patriot Project—inspiring them to drop their guard, stand tall, and see that big impact comes in any size.
WILLIE
Miniature
Former show horse Willie came to H.O.O.V.E.S. missing one eye since birth, but his vision for connection remains crystal clear. Gentle, patient, and tiny but mighty, he forms instant bonds with children and families—proving the smallest horses often carry the biggest hearts.
CAPTAIN
Miniature
Photo & story coming soon!
STAT
Miniature
Photo & story coming soon!
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