Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce that Kiss Me Blue, fondly known as “Chrissy,” is the 2025 USEF Heart Horse Award winner. Chrissy is a 2001 American Quarter Horse and is part of the herd at Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR) in Crownsville, Md. Chrissy was selected as the winner by the USEF membership and will be honored during the USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner at the USEF Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ky., on Jan. 15, 2026. 

For 17 years, Chrissy has been the heart of MTR, serving hundreds through Equine Assisted Services. Her intuition, versatility, and loving heart have created life-changing bonds, defining what it means to be a “heart horse” for so many people.  

“We are so pleased to name Chrissy the 2025 Heart Horse Award winner,” states US Equestrian Chief Marketing and Content Officer Vicki Lowell. “All of the 2025 Heart Horse Award nominees were outstanding. The stories of Chrissy’s impact on the community make her more than deserving of this honor.” 

“We could easily fill a book with the meaningful stories of Chrissy’s work at MTR—one that would surely make the bestseller list,” said MTR Executive Director Kelly Rodgers. “Among them, one story stands out: Her time with a ‘Reinbow Ride’ participant. Reinbow Rides are an MTR program for individuals who have received a terminal diagnosis, giving them the opportunity to ride or spend time with our horses. One participant, Tess, who had been diagnosed with brain cancer, came to meet and ride Chrissy. Through their partnership, Tess found confidence and strength, improving enough to begin weekly riding lessons with her.”  

“When Tess entered hospice care, she painted a picture for Chrissy’s stall as a way to stay connected. At Tess’s funeral, her family shared images and stories of how profoundly Chrissy had touched her life. To this day, Tess’s family returns each year on the anniversary of her passing to visit Chrissy and honor her memory.” 

The USEF Heart Horse Award was developed to bring recognition to the work horses do in the organizations that are a part of the USEF Community Outreach Program. These organizations share the US Equestrian’s goal of increasing access to horses, horse sports, and equine-based learning opportunities. Last year’s inaugural Heart Horse Award was given to Kilcarna French Fancy (“Arnie”), an Irish Sport Horse gelding who is part of Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs. 

“The Community Outreach Program’s horses are well deserving of recognition,” said Tom O’Mara, US Equestrian Board President. “What better way to highlight our Community Outreach horses' community impact than to celebrate them on the same stage as our national and international award winners?”  

In addition to Chrissy, the following horses were named 2025 USEF Heart Horse Award Finalists: 

• Cinder, 1997 Fjord cross mare from Cloverleaf Equine Center 

• Fearless Kitten, 2019 Thoroughbred mare from Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue 

• Valentino F, 2002 KWPN Warmblood gelding from Gleneayre Equestrian Program 

About the USEF Heart Horse Award 
At US Equestrian, we recognize that the sacred bond between horse and human changes lives well beyond the competition field. The Heart Horse Award is given annually to an outstanding horse or pony who serves their community in a US Equestrian Community Outreach Program. Organizations may nominate a horse who has had a special impact on their work, and a panel reviews nominations to create a list of finalists. The winner is chosen each year by USEF members and presented with the award at the USEF Annual Meeting alongside lifetime achievement and year-end competition award winners. 

About the US Equestrian Community Outreach Program 

The Community Outreach Program was established by US Equestrian in 2021 to support life-changing equine-based learning organizations across the United States. These organizations must meet certain standards of horse and human welfare, and offer their services for free or on a sliding scale based on financial need.