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Meet Our Animal Team
Healing. Instinctive. Empowering.
Ways to Help Support Our Animal Community
Each animal on our farm has a unique personality and brings something special to our programs, fostering trust and facilitating emotional breakthroughs. You can support these incredible creatures by donating to sponsor a horse or contributing essential supplies through our Amazon Animal Wishlist. Your generosity directly impacts our ability to continue providing life-changing experiences. Join us in making a difference in a veteran's life today!
Meet Shelby, a Mustang
Shelby, the horse who started it all, was the first wild horse Amanda gentled and trained while living at the Air Force Academy. At a Colorado rescue, Shelby stood out by following Amanda, choosing her in a moment that sparked a life-changing bond.
After leaving active duty, Amanda struggled to reintegrate, but training Shelby gave her purpose and emotional healing. This experience inspired Amanda to help others find similar transformation.
With her calm, loving spirit, Shelby has been a cornerstone of H.O.O.V.E.S., providing comfort and healing to veterans since its beginning and continuing to change lives.
After leaving active duty, Amanda struggled to reintegrate, but training Shelby gave her purpose and emotional healing. This experience inspired Amanda to help others find similar transformation.
With her calm, loving spirit, Shelby has been a cornerstone of H.O.O.V.E.S., providing comfort and healing to veterans since its beginning and continuing to change lives.
Meet Hemi, a
Clydesdale
Hemi joined H.O.O.V.E.S. in 2017 after retiring as a champion performance horse due to Epistaxis, a condition causing nosebleeds during heavy exercise. His owner, recognizing Hemi’s potential, sought a meaningful next chapter for him.
As herd leader, Hemi channels his power for the greater good, inspiring veterans to transform their own powerful experiences—often destructive or guilt-laden—into positive forces. He also demonstrates that physical limitations don’t diminish one’s impact; they simply shape it in new ways, offering hope and purpose to those who serve.
As herd leader, Hemi channels his power for the greater good, inspiring veterans to transform their own powerful experiences—often destructive or guilt-laden—into positive forces. He also demonstrates that physical limitations don’t diminish one’s impact; they simply shape it in new ways, offering hope and purpose to those who serve.
Meet Elise, a Saddlebred/Quarter Horse
Elise joined H.O.O.V.E.S. in 2009. Bred for cross-country jumping, she suffered a severe leg injury at three years old, leading to physical and mental trauma. Isolated for months, Elise became aggressive until Amanda rehabilitated her, allowing her to regain trust and thrive as a loving, affectionate horse.
Elise faced another setback in 2018 when her bonded companion, Boss, passed away, triggering anxiety and erratic behavior. Through time and connection work, she healed, forming new bonds and becoming a symbol of resilience for those struggling with grief and anxiety.
Elise also challenges perceptions. Often judged as “high-maintenance” due to her beauty, interactions reveal her deep need for connection. Her story teaches veterans and caregivers to move from judgment to understanding, inspiring hope and transformation.
Elise faced another setback in 2018 when her bonded companion, Boss, passed away, triggering anxiety and erratic behavior. Through time and connection work, she healed, forming new bonds and becoming a symbol of resilience for those struggling with grief and anxiety.
Elise also challenges perceptions. Often judged as “high-maintenance” due to her beauty, interactions reveal her deep need for connection. Her story teaches veterans and caregivers to move from judgment to understanding, inspiring hope and transformation.
Meet Petey, a Spotted Draft Horse
Petey joined H.O.O.V.E.S. in 2020 after his owner had to reduce her herd. Missing his right eye, Petey was rescued as a foal from a kill pen where his eye had been severely damaged.
Now the largest horse on the farm, Petey has a heart as big as his size. He offers a steady shoulder to lean on and inspires those with physical differences to embrace their value. Over the past two years, his healing presence has been truly magical, showing that being yourself can make a profound impact.
Now the largest horse on the farm, Petey has a heart as big as his size. He offers a steady shoulder to lean on and inspires those with physical differences to embrace their value. Over the past two years, his healing presence has been truly magical, showing that being yourself can make a profound impact.
Meet May, a Shire Horse
May joined H.O.O.V.E.S. in 2022 after being labeled “dangerous” and isolated for a year due to aggression. Our founder, Amanda, paired her with Hemi, whose calm confidence helped May let down her guard. She later joined Percherons Tulip and Molly, where proper socialization allowed her to safely integrate into the herd.
Though once seen as challenging, May now thrives on human connection. Her specialty is vulnerability—a key to her healing and a gift she shares with veterans. One veteran, struggling to lower his emotional defenses, felt an instant bond when May mirrored his vulnerability by lying down beside him, helping him embrace his authentic self.
Though once seen as challenging, May now thrives on human connection. Her specialty is vulnerability—a key to her healing and a gift she shares with veterans. One veteran, struggling to lower his emotional defenses, felt an instant bond when May mirrored his vulnerability by lying down beside him, helping him embrace his authentic self.
Meet Ellie, a Mustang
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Meet Sahyann (Sigh-ann), a Mustang
Sahyann, a wild horse from Utah, joined H.O.O.V.E.S. in 2010 as Amanda’s Extreme Mustang Makeover (EMM) horse. Amanda had just 100 days to train her for the competition in Ocala, Florida. Sahyann, whose name means "kind and gentle" in Native American language, was saddled effortlessly within four hours of arriving. Though she progressed well, Amanda felt Sahyann needed more training before being ready for another rider.
At the EMM, a wealthy family expressed interest in bidding on Sahyann, leaving Amanda worried about affording to buy her back. During the final obstacle course, Sahyann reared unexpectedly and was disqualified. Amanda’s friend, an equine dentist, later found an abscessed tooth, explaining the behavior. The family decided on another horse, allowing Amanda to bring Sahyann home to complete her training.
After Amanda’s father passed away, Sahyann was sold to a loving home. In 2018, life changes brought her back to H.O.O.V.E.S., where she became instrumental in starting a riding program. With her kind and gentle nature, Sahyann helps veterans rebuild trust in themselves, guiding them back to their hearts.
At the EMM, a wealthy family expressed interest in bidding on Sahyann, leaving Amanda worried about affording to buy her back. During the final obstacle course, Sahyann reared unexpectedly and was disqualified. Amanda’s friend, an equine dentist, later found an abscessed tooth, explaining the behavior. The family decided on another horse, allowing Amanda to bring Sahyann home to complete her training.
After Amanda’s father passed away, Sahyann was sold to a loving home. In 2018, life changes brought her back to H.O.O.V.E.S., where she became instrumental in starting a riding program. With her kind and gentle nature, Sahyann helps veterans rebuild trust in themselves, guiding them back to their hearts.
Meet Tulip, a Percheron
Tulip got her name because she has a star in the middle of her forehead that looks like an abstract tulip flower.
When Tulip was young, she belonged to a traveling salesman who went out of town frequently. When he would leave for several days, he would lock the horses, including Tulip in a stall with a few bales of hay and buckets of water. Naturally, Tulip did not like being penned up for days on end while running out of food, so she learned how to get out of her stall and help her friends get out of their stalls. This made the salesman angry, so he began to screw plywood on her stall front. She was trapped in the dark for days on end, and as you can imagine, this made Tulip very claustrophobic and anxious.
Fortunately, or amazing veterinarian found out and was able to rescue Tulip from this horrific situation, but she still needed a forever home. That's when she came to H.O.O.V.E.S., Tulip was originally purchased by our founder's father Ron. Ron was incredibly patient and caring towards Tulip and she returned the favor by helping him learn to drive a carriage. They had a very special bond and healing was restored in both of their souls. After Ron unexpectedly passed away in 2013, Tulip was entered into the veteran's program where she continues to transform the hearts and minds of those facing challenges in life.
Tulip often takes on the "shadow" side of our participants. She helps them reflect on and release the trapped emotions inside. She had also been our most successful horse in helping veterans overcome addiction. One participant said in his session "Even though she is almost all darkness (referring to her sleek black coat), there is still a little light in her" (the white star in the middle of her forehead). He said this helped him transform his perspective about himself and find his own light within.
When Tulip was young, she belonged to a traveling salesman who went out of town frequently. When he would leave for several days, he would lock the horses, including Tulip in a stall with a few bales of hay and buckets of water. Naturally, Tulip did not like being penned up for days on end while running out of food, so she learned how to get out of her stall and help her friends get out of their stalls. This made the salesman angry, so he began to screw plywood on her stall front. She was trapped in the dark for days on end, and as you can imagine, this made Tulip very claustrophobic and anxious.
Fortunately, or amazing veterinarian found out and was able to rescue Tulip from this horrific situation, but she still needed a forever home. That's when she came to H.O.O.V.E.S., Tulip was originally purchased by our founder's father Ron. Ron was incredibly patient and caring towards Tulip and she returned the favor by helping him learn to drive a carriage. They had a very special bond and healing was restored in both of their souls. After Ron unexpectedly passed away in 2013, Tulip was entered into the veteran's program where she continues to transform the hearts and minds of those facing challenges in life.
Tulip often takes on the "shadow" side of our participants. She helps them reflect on and release the trapped emotions inside. She had also been our most successful horse in helping veterans overcome addiction. One participant said in his session "Even though she is almost all darkness (referring to her sleek black coat), there is still a little light in her" (the white star in the middle of her forehead). He said this helped him transform his perspective about himself and find his own light within.
Meet Molly Mae, a Percheron
Molly was the second horse purchased by our founder Amanda Held’s father Ron and pulled in a team with Tulip.
When Ron attended an Amish driving school in Cleveland, Amanda specifically told him not to come back with any more horses. 2 weeks later as she was doing the dishes, she saw her father had returned from the school and was hooking up the trailer. She went outside and asked him what he was doing. He replied “You told me not to come home with any horses, so I didn’t. Now I’m driving back to get her”.
He purchased Molly at an auction held after the training. When I heard her story, I was SO thankful he did! She was 6 years old and had already had 4 babies! She still had milk when she arrived at the farm. While my dad was told that she was trained to ride and drive, Amanda discovered the first time that she got on Molly, she was stuck in freeze mode. The more pressure you would apply, the more shut down she became. And there’s no making a 2,500lb horse do anything it doesn’t want to do.
Amanda and Ron quickly realized a lot of emotional rehabilitation was needed and they got straight to work building trust and connection will Molly. Over a short time, Molly became the most solid driving horse on the farm. She did many parades, weddings, and events, and even had people come to visit her every year at the holiday carriage rides at Levis Commons.
After the passing of Amanda’s father, Molly was entered into the veterans program. She has a special gift in helping people with grief and loss. She also often plays a complimentary role to Tulip in retreats.
During one event, while Tulip was displaying chaos and anxiety, Molly went over and stood in front of the arena mirror as still as a statue for about 20 minutes. One veteran said, “That horses is me! Just staring in the mirror like who am I? While my addiction destroys everything around me. Amanda then gave the group the task to harness both the dark and light horses and take them through a pathway together in the arena. It was a moment that changed his life forever. He said that something in his brain balanced out and he was able to let go of his addiction that day.
Molly has a loving maternal energy and that of a wise sage. She never disappoints when someone needs grounding or to return to their authentic self.
When Ron attended an Amish driving school in Cleveland, Amanda specifically told him not to come back with any more horses. 2 weeks later as she was doing the dishes, she saw her father had returned from the school and was hooking up the trailer. She went outside and asked him what he was doing. He replied “You told me not to come home with any horses, so I didn’t. Now I’m driving back to get her”.
He purchased Molly at an auction held after the training. When I heard her story, I was SO thankful he did! She was 6 years old and had already had 4 babies! She still had milk when she arrived at the farm. While my dad was told that she was trained to ride and drive, Amanda discovered the first time that she got on Molly, she was stuck in freeze mode. The more pressure you would apply, the more shut down she became. And there’s no making a 2,500lb horse do anything it doesn’t want to do.
Amanda and Ron quickly realized a lot of emotional rehabilitation was needed and they got straight to work building trust and connection will Molly. Over a short time, Molly became the most solid driving horse on the farm. She did many parades, weddings, and events, and even had people come to visit her every year at the holiday carriage rides at Levis Commons.
After the passing of Amanda’s father, Molly was entered into the veterans program. She has a special gift in helping people with grief and loss. She also often plays a complimentary role to Tulip in retreats.
During one event, while Tulip was displaying chaos and anxiety, Molly went over and stood in front of the arena mirror as still as a statue for about 20 minutes. One veteran said, “That horses is me! Just staring in the mirror like who am I? While my addiction destroys everything around me. Amanda then gave the group the task to harness both the dark and light horses and take them through a pathway together in the arena. It was a moment that changed his life forever. He said that something in his brain balanced out and he was able to let go of his addiction that day.
Molly has a loving maternal energy and that of a wise sage. She never disappoints when someone needs grounding or to return to their authentic self.
Meet Pistol, a Quarter Horse
Pistol, a Quarter Horse, came to H.O.O.V.E.S. in the fall of 2021, so he is a relative newcomer to the H.O.O.V.E.S. Healing Herd family.
When Pistol arrived, he had been retired from his short reining career due to chronic, incurable injuries. Pistol had to learn to be a horse again. His personality was very shut down and walled off, not wanting to expose his vulnerabilities. He was buddied up with Petey and they soon became inseparable. During his time with Petey, Pistol’s true self began to shine through.
The first thing that people notice about Pistol is how strikingly beautiful he is with his ice blue eyes, golden coat, and white legs. He quickly becomes a favorite because of how friendly and goofy he can be during sessions. But once the hard work begins, Pistol always has so much to share.
Many of the veterans, as well as other retreat and workshop participants, young and old, see themselves, and their military careers reflected in Pistol’s story of injury, reintegration, and rebirth with their true selves shining through in the end.
When Pistol arrived, he had been retired from his short reining career due to chronic, incurable injuries. Pistol had to learn to be a horse again. His personality was very shut down and walled off, not wanting to expose his vulnerabilities. He was buddied up with Petey and they soon became inseparable. During his time with Petey, Pistol’s true self began to shine through.
The first thing that people notice about Pistol is how strikingly beautiful he is with his ice blue eyes, golden coat, and white legs. He quickly becomes a favorite because of how friendly and goofy he can be during sessions. But once the hard work begins, Pistol always has so much to share.
Many of the veterans, as well as other retreat and workshop participants, young and old, see themselves, and their military careers reflected in Pistol’s story of injury, reintegration, and rebirth with their true selves shining through in the end.
Meet Sebastian, a Thoroughbred
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Meet Gracie, a Mustang
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Meet Zoey
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Cobie, a Mustang
Meet Cobra “Cobie”
Cobie, a wild horse from the Sulpher Springs herd in Utah, came to H.O.O.V.E.S. in 2009. Our founder Amanda was called by a gentleman on his way to give mustang gentling demonstrations at the Cincinnati fair grounds, who asked her to pick him up and put 30 day’s training on him. At the time the gentleman came to visit, Amanda was strictly boarding and training horses and didn’t even know what equine-assisted therapy was.
When the man came to see Cobie at the farm, he introduced Amanda to EAGALA: Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and in that moment she knew it was her destiny! Unfortunately, the man got sick and was unable to take Cobie, so Amanda’s dad adopted him, and they formed a special bond. Ron could handle him with no problem, but he didn’t trust anyone else.
After Ron passed away, Cobie didn’t receive much training and was just left to be a horse. While he was manageable (if you could catch him), he was still somewhat wild. That is until Adam came along.
At Adam’s first Healing Intensive, he was drawn to Cobie, but he admittedly wasn’t “all in.” On Sunday, he picked Cobie for his round pen session, where Cobie saw that he wasn’t all in and would not interact with Adam.
Well, for Adam, it started out as frustration and hurt ego, but after a few months of consistent work, he had Cobie easy to halter and engaged with humans. He even resurrected the bow trick taught to him by Ron.
Cobie now fully participates in H.O.O.V.E.S. Healing Intensives, and as Adam learned to trust himself, he helped Cobie learn to trust humans.
Cobie, a wild horse from the Sulpher Springs herd in Utah, came to H.O.O.V.E.S. in 2009. Our founder Amanda was called by a gentleman on his way to give mustang gentling demonstrations at the Cincinnati fair grounds, who asked her to pick him up and put 30 day’s training on him. At the time the gentleman came to visit, Amanda was strictly boarding and training horses and didn’t even know what equine-assisted therapy was.
When the man came to see Cobie at the farm, he introduced Amanda to EAGALA: Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and in that moment she knew it was her destiny! Unfortunately, the man got sick and was unable to take Cobie, so Amanda’s dad adopted him, and they formed a special bond. Ron could handle him with no problem, but he didn’t trust anyone else.
After Ron passed away, Cobie didn’t receive much training and was just left to be a horse. While he was manageable (if you could catch him), he was still somewhat wild. That is until Adam came along.
At Adam’s first Healing Intensive, he was drawn to Cobie, but he admittedly wasn’t “all in.” On Sunday, he picked Cobie for his round pen session, where Cobie saw that he wasn’t all in and would not interact with Adam.
Well, for Adam, it started out as frustration and hurt ego, but after a few months of consistent work, he had Cobie easy to halter and engaged with humans. He even resurrected the bow trick taught to him by Ron.
Cobie now fully participates in H.O.O.V.E.S. Healing Intensives, and as Adam learned to trust himself, he helped Cobie learn to trust humans.
Meet Cash, a Mustang
Cash came to us in 2009. He was part of a roundup on the Paiute reservation in Utah. A group of 56 babies were rounded up and headed to slaughter in Mexico. Fortunately, Lifesavers horse rescue called in at the last minute and saved all 56 babies!
Our founder Amanda got an email from a mustang group, and it was put on her heart to rescue 5 of these babies, despite not having the financial resources at the time. Three days after making the commitment, she received a large envelope in the mail full of checks. A fellow horse woman, whom she had never met, unfortunately passed away of cancer and asked people to donate to HOOVES in lieu of flowers. The money in the envelope was TO THE DOLLAR what she needed to adopt and travel to Missouri to pick the babies up. The other 4 babies were adopted out. One is doing hippo therapy for children, another two help children in foster care, and another was a live saving emotional support animal for a young woman.
Cash stayed with the H.O.O.V.E.S. program. His energy is calm amidst chaos, and he has the heart of a true warrior pony. His specialty is showing our veterans and caregivers that it's NEVER too late for a second chance at life
Our founder Amanda got an email from a mustang group, and it was put on her heart to rescue 5 of these babies, despite not having the financial resources at the time. Three days after making the commitment, she received a large envelope in the mail full of checks. A fellow horse woman, whom she had never met, unfortunately passed away of cancer and asked people to donate to HOOVES in lieu of flowers. The money in the envelope was TO THE DOLLAR what she needed to adopt and travel to Missouri to pick the babies up. The other 4 babies were adopted out. One is doing hippo therapy for children, another two help children in foster care, and another was a live saving emotional support animal for a young woman.
Cash stayed with the H.O.O.V.E.S. program. His energy is calm amidst chaos, and he has the heart of a true warrior pony. His specialty is showing our veterans and caregivers that it's NEVER too late for a second chance at life
Meet Milkshake, a Mustang
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Meet Montana, a Mustang
Montana’s story is one of resilience, trust, and transformation. He was originally adopted by a girl who, unfortunately, didn’t have the experience to handle a wild mustang. Instead of proper training, he was confined to a round pen inside an indoor arena for four months while people moved all around him. With no guidance or understanding, he became fearful, defensive, and, eventually, violent.
When Montana first came to H.O.O.V.E.S, he wasn’t just untrusting—he was actively aggressive. Any approach was met with pinned ears, lunges, and a fight-or-flight response that leaned heavily toward fight. He had learned that humans were something to fear, and his survival instincts took over.
Through patience, consistency, and a commitment to earning his trust, Montana has come a long way. He no longer sees people as a threat, and he has found peace in his role here. He is happy, and that is what matters most.
Montana plays a critical role in veterans' healing because his story mirrors so many of theirs. He understands what it feels like to be thrown into a world you don’t recognize, to be expected to function without the right guidance, and to build walls to protect yourself from further harm. Veterans who have experienced trauma and struggle with trust find solace in Montana’s presence. He teaches patience, resilience, and the power of rebuilding at your own pace.
Montana doesn’t need to do anything beyond being himself to have purpose—his strength lies in simply existing as a living testament to the healing that comes with time, understanding, and second chances.
When Montana first came to H.O.O.V.E.S, he wasn’t just untrusting—he was actively aggressive. Any approach was met with pinned ears, lunges, and a fight-or-flight response that leaned heavily toward fight. He had learned that humans were something to fear, and his survival instincts took over.
Through patience, consistency, and a commitment to earning his trust, Montana has come a long way. He no longer sees people as a threat, and he has found peace in his role here. He is happy, and that is what matters most.
Montana plays a critical role in veterans' healing because his story mirrors so many of theirs. He understands what it feels like to be thrown into a world you don’t recognize, to be expected to function without the right guidance, and to build walls to protect yourself from further harm. Veterans who have experienced trauma and struggle with trust find solace in Montana’s presence. He teaches patience, resilience, and the power of rebuilding at your own pace.
Montana doesn’t need to do anything beyond being himself to have purpose—his strength lies in simply existing as a living testament to the healing that comes with time, understanding, and second chances.
Meet Brigid, a Thoroughbred
Brigid’s story is one of resilience, heart, and the bittersweet reality of life after the track. She was a racehorse through and through, known in the racing world as 66 Rockets. A true competitor, she placed first or second in every race she ever won, proving her spirit and determination time and time again. She raced for many years, likely until she was 11 or 12—far longer than most in the industry. But when her racing career ended, her future became uncertain.
She was sold to a young rider with just 30 days of professional barrel racing training, expected to transition into a completely different discipline. But there was a problem—one that would define the rest of her life. Brigid suffers from a condition called Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), a chronic and progressive disease that weakens her ligaments over time. It’s a painful, irreversible condition that will ultimately take her life.
No longer able to perform at the level expected of her, she was left without options. That’s when we stepped in and took her into our sanctuary. Brigid deserves more than to be discarded simply because she can’t race or compete anymore. She has the sweetest, kindest personality, and she carries the wisdom of an athlete who gave everything she had, only to be cast aside when she was no longer useful.
Now, Brigid gets to live out her days in peace, surrounded by love, good care, and the dignity she has always deserved. Her story is a reminder that every animal, no matter their past, deserves compassion and a place to call home.
She was sold to a young rider with just 30 days of professional barrel racing training, expected to transition into a completely different discipline. But there was a problem—one that would define the rest of her life. Brigid suffers from a condition called Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), a chronic and progressive disease that weakens her ligaments over time. It’s a painful, irreversible condition that will ultimately take her life.
No longer able to perform at the level expected of her, she was left without options. That’s when we stepped in and took her into our sanctuary. Brigid deserves more than to be discarded simply because she can’t race or compete anymore. She has the sweetest, kindest personality, and she carries the wisdom of an athlete who gave everything she had, only to be cast aside when she was no longer useful.
Now, Brigid gets to live out her days in peace, surrounded by love, good care, and the dignity she has always deserved. Her story is a reminder that every animal, no matter their past, deserves compassion and a place to call home.
Meet Nova, a Mustang
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Meet Cinder, a Mustang
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Meet Snickers, a Mustang Pony
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Meet Rain
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Meet Kyra & Marley, both Mustangs
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Meet Major (Donk), a Miniature Donkey
Major, lovingly known as “Donk,” came to us in the most unexpected way. Our founder was supposed to get a different donkey, but the seller gave him away the day she was set to pick him up. Disappointed, she posted about it online—and that’s when a woman reached out. She had bought Major for her young sons, inspired by memories of her own childhood donkey. But the boys weren’t interested. Her father, a Colonel in the Air Force, had instilled in her a deep respect for veterans, so she donated Major to us. He was just 15 months old.
Since then, he’s become known as “The Shaman” of the farm. When someone is emotionally stuck in the arena, he somehow knows. He’ll quietly walk in, offer a moment of connection or comfort, and then head to the gate—his work done.
Major has a special gift for helping people create strong boundaries and find clarity. He may be small, but his heart and purpose are mighty.
We’re so grateful he found his way home to us.
Since then, he’s become known as “The Shaman” of the farm. When someone is emotionally stuck in the arena, he somehow knows. He’ll quietly walk in, offer a moment of connection or comfort, and then head to the gate—his work done.
Major has a special gift for helping people create strong boundaries and find clarity. He may be small, but his heart and purpose are mighty.
We’re so grateful he found his way home to us.
Meet Patriot, a Miniature Horse
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