Submitted by Amanda Braun: Commando is a horse like no other. He has so much heart and truly the best partner. I have had him since 3 from the breeder and we have had some major highs and lows. We have accomplished so many things together that I never dreamed were possible - multiple year end champions, dressage finals, Dressage at Devon, bronze medal , bronze bar, and only 1 score left for my silver. Last April he was diagnosed with wobblers and the recommendation was to euthanize him since he was ataxic. I was gutted and asked what options I had. We started a program for him that targets the inflammation and he has improved and is doing so well. I know I am on borrowed time, and that makes every single ride and every single success more touching. I didn't give up on him, and I feel like he's not giving up on me. He is the true definition of a heart horse. He owes me nothing, and I have made a promise to keep him happy and comfortable until he says it is time. ❤️🐎Captured at Devon on 2 10, 2022 by Bethany P Photography
We asked our social media followers to help us celebrate Valentine’s Day by sharing their Heart Horses with us, and we got so many great responses that we couldn’t fit them all in one gallery!
Sophie aka Big Mama – Roberta G.My Stetson. My entire Heart, Soul and Inspiration. RIP 12/5/22 HE was once in a lifetime! Beat death three times…stood proudly by my side as we conquered it all together. Him and I….What Love Does – Pura Vida Chiropractic Ltd.My daughter Kay and her pony Chocolate Chip Waffles are the epitome of best friends and horses of a lifetime. ❤️ – Kerry L.My beautiful lipizzan Maestoso II Imperea II; backed and developed to FEI by his amateur rider who has never been higher than First level before–and we live 15 hours from the nearest show. This picture after winning the AM I1 championship in Region 6 last September. – Kristen G.RH Jericho. Lost him almost two years ago after 16 years together – he was 25. This was our first Arabian national centerline in 13 years. He went on to win Reserve National Champ in hand, and 5 other top tens. – Suzi H.Aztec, quite simply and objectively, the BEST HORSE ON EARTH. – Sandra S.I don’t believe I’ve found one yet! But i do love riding this girl. – Viv E.Megas Four Onthefloor 🦄❤️ – Amy P.This March will be 10 years of being blessed with my big mare, Rhiannon! She’s taught me everything I know horse wise – From driving to a 2nd level school master and 1st level HOY with NCDCTA, to the staff horse I know whip-in off of. – Jessa M.My ❤️ GV James Blond – Darci B.The whole family. Myself, my husband, son and our Havana CCW 💖 – Ashley B.Eljomar Gai Reyna ++++// A little grey mare with the biggest heart and attitude you have ever seen. National Champion in Sport Horse in Hand 2021 – Gabi S.My Elliott. 💖 – Krista H.Get It In Ink 2006 OTTB and my heart horse 💜 – Lottie C.JAG Lady Pegasus+/ – 27 years together yesterday! 🦄💕 Rode her dam growing up as well. Her son is my next riding and show partner! – Megan T.BFF Miss Riss ❤️ cheeese 🧀😬 – Britni S.❤️❤️❤️Carlito❤️❤️❤️ – Rita Brown DressageThe one and only Zippity – Nancy A.My heart horse (and first horse) Kennebec Ladyhawke, 23 yr old Morgan I’ve had since she was 2. – Margaret B.Breezing Leader aka Breeze ♥️ Thankful I had 12+ wonderful years with this boy. Forever in my heart. He is the reason I continue to love this sport with everything I have. – Mackenzie S.My best good gal, 19 years together now ❤️❤️❤️. GV Phar Better Than Most – Serah R.Kodiak as a 5yr old ready for a hunter pace! – Noelle H.My dear sweet Garth💜 Photo by Barbara O’Brien Photo – April G.Imperio do Castanheiro- 10 year old Lusitano stallion. My best partner and all around horse. My ❤️ horse. – Tania R.my heart horse and war horse “true colors” he is the epitome of the perfect horse; loyal, brave, talented and honest. we have been together for 18 years, competed through 4th level with the PSG in our sights. – Deanna H.Submitted by Megan M. USDF strongly recommends all riders wear protective headgear when mounted.My heart , Trijntje 💕❤️ – Julie S.Submitted by Renay ColbyHeart B Porter Creek! – Audrey G.My Arabian gelding, Shalom. Pictured here at age 10. He lived into his 30s. I had him from 5 months old until the day I had to have him put down: we literally grew up together. Losing him was like losing a child. I don’t know that I’ll ever have a connection with another horse like I did with him. I was HIS human, he was MY horse, and there was no doubt about it. It’s been several years now, but I still hear him calling me and I still miss him dearly. He was truly one of a kind. Everyone who met him has stories. – Nicole M.Submitted by Emily S.Nefarious, now retired, we’ve been together 20 years. – Laura K.GHOST 26 years young 💙 – Denise G.Marit van Black Pearl, baby girl, Mar, little mare, dynamo, my love, sweet pea, etc. This horse blessed my life on April 10, 2016. I was fighting for my life with stage 4 Lymphoma. Black Pearl Friesians and the Make-A-Wish Foundation worked together and made my dreams come true. I was 13 years old, and she was 4. We are now 20 and 10 pursuing our dressage goals. 7 years in remission this year, and she continues to make me smile every day with her little antics. We have been through hell and back together. She brings me back on my feet when I am on my knees. I love this mare with every ounce of my being. Photo by Franke Photo Design LLC – Jacqueline G.
