Meet the herd

Commander

Our first therapy horse

Tall, gentle and endlessly patient

Commander was the first therapy horse to join Heartland Heals, and in many ways he set the tone for everything since. He is big, dark and impressive from across the arena, and soft as a pillow up close.

He stands like a statue while kids paint hearts and flags on his side, lowers his head for a hug, and has a way of waiting for nervous people that makes them brave. If you visit, there’s a good chance he’ll be the first to come over and say hello.

Sponsor Commander

Sojen

Therapy horse

Affectionate, curious, a natural cuddler

Sojen is the one who leans in. Ask the team and they’ll tell you he seems to know who needs a quiet moment, and he’s happy to rest his head on a shoulder for as long as it takes.

He works closely with Alyssa, who says getting a front row seat to his healing touch is “such a blessing.”

Sponsor Sojen

A horse grazing beside a lake among tall red and green grasses

What makes a therapy horse

Not every horse is cut out for this work. Therapy horses need to be calm around wheelchairs, sudden noises and big emotions; tolerant of clumsy brushing and nervous hands; and willing to stand still while a five-year-old paints a heart on their shoulder.

We look after them in return: good feed, turnout with friends, regular hoof and vet care, and plenty of days off. A happy horse is a better teacher.

Help keep the herd healthy

Hay, hooves, vet visits and a lot of carrots. Sponsoring a horse makes sessions possible.

Sponsor a horse Come meet them