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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.
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.
COBRA "COBIE"
Wild Mustang
Adopted by founder Amanda Held’s father, Ron, this wild Sulphur Springs Mustang initially stayed guarded toward everyone else. After learning to trust through his connection with a retreat participant, Cobie now serves in Healing Intensives—showing participants how self-trust builds lasting connections.
SNICKERS
Shetland–Hackney Pony Cross
Snickers is living with Cushing’s disease, and is naturally stand-offish. He tends to keep his distance from the herd. Despite his reserved nature, he is remarkably gentle—and when he chooses to connect with a person, that quiet, selective trust creates a truly special bond.
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.
NOVA
Wild Mustang
Arriving at H.O.O.V.E.S. in 2023 from a California prison training program, Nova carries a powerful story of transformation. Patient and resilient, her presence helps participants discover their own inner strength and learn the value of trust and second chances.
CINDER
Wild Mustang
Arriving from the California prison program alongside Nova, Cinder brings a steady, grounded presence to H.O.O.V.E.S. Her own transformation makes her an intuitive teacher, helping participants process their pasts, build trust, and discover inner strength.
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
Rescued from Colorado in 2022 by founder Amanda Held, Kyra brought a wild spirit and deep resilience to H.O.O.V.E.S. Her journey shows participants how patience, safety, and understanding can transform uncertainty into profound trust and connection.
MARLEY
Mustang Filly
Born at the sanctuary to her mother Kyra, Marley is incredibly loving but still learning personal space and lead manners. As a young horse in training, her journey helps participants practice patience, set clear boundaries, and build trust step by step.
RUMI
Wild Mustang
Rumi was rescued after Kyra from the same wild Mustang herd. Extremely friendly, lower in the hierarchy, and inseparable from Marley, his journey teaches participants how clear cues and gentle guidance build healthy connections.
SEQUOIA
Wild Mustang
Arriving as a yearling following the Mustang Gentling Summit in New Mexico, Sequoia has been boarded at H.O.O.V.E.S. ever since his young owner adopted him there. Watching him grow and thrive alongside the herd shows participants the power of early commitment, patience, and community support in nurturing potential.
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
Originally owned by a man entering a nursing home, Valor arrived as a stallion and became the very first miniature horse in the H.O.O.V.E.S. program. As the father of both Freedom and Patriot, his gentle transition and lasting legacy highlight the power of second chances and family roots within the sanctuary.
LIBERTY
Miniature
As the mother of Freedom, Liberty brings a sweet, quiet, and peaceful presence to the herd. Her gentle, serene nature offers a soothing atmosphere for participants, proving that calm, steady energy can be a powerful force for healing and connection.
FREEDOM
Miniature
Born at the sanctuary 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—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.
STAT
Miniature
Arriving from founder Amanda Held’s aunt after she entered a nursing home, Stat made a stellar debut at the 13th Annual H.O.O.V.E.S. Golf Outing. His calm, adaptable nature and star performance on his very first outing show participants how resilience and grace can shine through new chapters and life transitions.
CAPTAIN
Miniature
Also arriving from Amanda’s aunt, Captain is high-energy and actively learning personal space. His steady progress in setting limits and self-regulation directly mirrors our participants' own journeys toward self-awareness and healthy boundaries.
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