Our Herd
Get to know the special horses who make up Hearts & Horses!
Our lesson program is supported by a herd of 17 wonderful horses, each with their own background, personality, and story. From retired show horses to seasoned trail partners and horses who’ve found new purpose, every member of our herd plays an important role. We are deeply committed to their care and well-being, ensuring they stay happy, healthy, and ready to do the meaningful work they love.
Nenaagh
Gypsy Vanner
Nenaagh is our wise, wonderful 28-year-old Irish import and one of the longest-standing members of our herd, with a past that includes cross-country jumping and years of trusted service. She is our most valued therapy horse who brings calm, joy, and laughter to every rider. Nenaagh will happily work for apples anytime!
Strawberry
Pony
Strawberry may be the smallest and youngest member of the herd at just 8 years old, but don’t let her cute name fool you.. she’s every bit a pony with plenty of personality. She loves visiting the geldings through the fence, adores her favorite kid Sally, asks for all the snacks, excels with advanced child riders, and proudly visits nursing homes to share her charm.
Macaroni (Biggie Mac)
Paint Horse
Macaroni may give off classic Eeyore vibes, but don’t be fooled he truly loves his job, especially the snacks that come after. This steady, chill, and endlessly lovable gelding is a therapy favorite for all ages, teaches new riders with patience, rocks a Halloween costume, and will absolutely steal your heart (and demand bananas) during grooming.
Mazie
Belgian/Quarter Horse
Mazie found her way to Hearts & Horses four years ago and is one of our tallest mares. She's endlessly kind and deeply intuitive, always observing and caring for those around her. Exceptionally smart, she connects through energy and movement, loves her longtime leaser JenniJune and a juicy slice of watermelon more than anything.
Smudge
Holsteiner
Smudge is 8 years young and absolutely adores her teen rider, Emmy, to the moon and back. With a show background and a brand-new lease on life since arriving at Hearts & Horses. She’s still learning how to be a horse, making big strides along the way and keeping us laughing with her quirky, lovable ways.
Ranger
Appendix
Ranger is a 24-year-old gentle soul, blind in one eye and endlessly kind, with a résumé that includes showing, jumping, and therapeutic work.
Now semi-retired, he still loves therapy lessons, occasional advanced riders, long peaceful trail walks, and carrots above all always. His best friends are Blaze and Karen.
Foxy
Haflinger
Foxy is our sassy 30-year-old queen and the oldest member of the herd, calling Hearts & Horses home for eight years. She is often found sneaking into Smudge’s paddock. Foxy has helped many beginner riders learn the ropes and now prefers therapy lessons, carrots, and supporting riders with wisdom and attitude.
Violet
Clydesdale Pony Cross
Violet is a 22-year-old homegrown girl, born at the farm, raised in Scarborough, and has been back here for six years. She is happiest our on the trails on a sunny day. Watch out, she's allergic to molasses but obsessed with the grain room, she excels in therapy with riders and loves a pre-ride nap.
Blue
Paint Horse
Blue is our beloved Special Olympics show horse and one of the trusted lead mares in the pasture Calm to her core, nothing seems to phase her, she adores therapy rides with children of all abilities, and in the summer, this perfectly mellow mare just asks for a little extra sunscreen.
Batman
Pony
Batman is our spunky former show pony and the second smallest member of the herd, now learning to slow down and share his skills with our youngest riders. The teens say he may not save Gotham, but he’s a hero at the barn, protecting his paddock mate Tricky, teaching kids the ropes, and swooping in for treats like the Dark Knight himself.
Savannah
Quarter Horse
Savannah is tried and true, worth her weight in gold, and one of the best all-around lesson and therapy horses you’ll ever meet. In her twenties and a total barn favorite, she’s often mistaken for Violet... until you check her feet (no feathers!) and was unanimously voted onto the barn’s Nice List in 2025 by everyone.
Blaze
Quarter Horse
Blaze has classic little-brother energy and always wants to be included in the fun, happily following the herd wherever they go. He loves his adult riders and connects deeply with them, is great with kids despite his big trot, and proudly rocks tail braids in winter, especially if purple carrots are involved and Karen is nearby.
Dreamy
Gypsy Cross
Dreamy is one of our newest mares, arriving with her best friend Eloise from their former barn and they’re rarely spotted apart. At 11 years young and one of our tallest horses, she’s gentle, teen-approved, grooming-obsessed, and has happily discovered that trail riding is where she truly shines.
Eloise
Norwegian Fjord
Eloise is spunky, sassy, and proudly a broad girlie with queen energy, keeping things lively wherever she goes. At 16 years young, she loves her teen riders, secretly adores kids, is growing into a well-rounded lesson pony, and has fully embraced barn life at Hearts & Horses, especially when cookies are involved.
Dallas
Paint Horse
Dallas is a sensitive, soulful boy who reads your energy and thrives in calm, slow moments as he settles into life as the newest member of our lesson herd. A striking black-and-white Paint Horse with beautifully balanced leg markings, he’s undeniably handsome, mesmerizing to watch trot, and happiest spending time with his buddy Kermit.
Kermit
Norwegian Fjord
Kermit rocks a dinosaur mane in the summer and a mohawk in the winter and despite his shorter stature, he’s no Lord Farquaad. A camp favorite who loves adult riders, grazing green fields, and being the perfect paint-and-decorate canvas during kids summer camp, this handsome guy is guaranteed to make you smile.
Pilot
Appendix
Pilot is the quiet, steady type who’s quick to welcome new geldings but slow to give his trust and that’s part of his charm. Best suited for advanced riders, his loyalty runs deep, and once you earn it, you’ll have the kind of riding partner who sticks with you through anything. His favorite season is summer.
Horse Leasing Opportunities
Leasing is a wonderful way to enjoy more time in the saddle without the full commitment of horse ownership. On occasion, a few of our special lesson horses are available for lease.
2026 Lease Pricing:
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Full Lease: $700 per month
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Half Lease: $375 per month
A minimum of two lessons per month is required and is not included in the lease fee. Availability is limited and depends on the horse.
Please contact us to learn which horses may be available for lease.
Donate a Horse
Thank you for your interest in donating a horse to the Hearts & Horses therapeutic riding program. General guidelines for horse donations include: geldings or mares, sound and in good physical condition with a consistent exercise routine, a calm and willing temperament, and the ability to get along well with other horses. Horses must be fully saddle-broke and appropriately trained.
If you feel your horse may be a good fit for our program, please contact us at hnhtrc@myottmail.com to begin the conversation.
Become a Horse Sponsor
Our horses are at the heart of everything we do, and caring for them requires significant resources. The average cost to care for one Hearts & Horses horse is approximately $15,000 per year, covering feed, bedding, farrier services, routine veterinary care, tack, and daily barn management. Horse sponsorships help keep our horses healthy, happy, and ready to support riders of all ages and abilities through lessons and therapeutic programs.