Lexington, Ky.  - The 2026 Heart Horse Award will be presented during the 2026 USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner on Thursday, January 14, 2027, in Lexington, Ky., as a part of the 2026 US Equestrian Annual Meeting. 

The Heart Horse Award finalists were selected from applications submitted by organizations in our Community Outreach Program. These horses have had a profound impact on their communities, from giving someone their first experience with horses to providing a steady, calming presence to those who need it most.  
 
The Heart Horse Award recipient is determined by member voting. Voting is open now through 11:59 p.m. ET on October 14, 2026. Click here to vote now.
 
Please note that you must be logged in to your USEF account to vote. After submitting your selections, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your vote. You must confirm your ballot in order for your votes to count!  

 
Angel 

13-year-old Miniature horse 

Gleneayre Equestrian Program 

Lumberton Township, N.J. 

 

Angel was rescued by Gleneayre Equestrian Program’s founder Ellen Healey after surviving unthinkable abuse as pit bull bait, which left her blind in one eye. She’s found a forever home at GEP, where she’s learned people could be safe. She’s transformed from a fearful survivor to an equine-assisted learning partner whose courage inspires everyone she meets. Angel is the lead miniature equine-assisted learning horse at GEP, and has helped participants overcome trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem.  

She has taught children that being afraid doesn’t mean you can’t be brave, veterans that trust can be rebuilt, and teenagers that your past doesn’t have to determine your future. Once too frightened to trust anyone, she now exemplifies resilience simply by being herself. Angel reminds everyone at GEP that sometimes all it takes is one safe place, one patient heart, and one spark of curiosity, and when that spark is given the chance to grow, even the smallest horse can change the world. 

 

Half Diamond Styvi (Stevie) 

29-year-old Norwegian Fjord 

The Shane Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship Inc. 

Centerburg, Ohio 

 

For the past 16 years, Stevie has been the gentle, steady heartbeat of The Shane Center. With his signature Fjord look, warm eyes, and unshakeable patience, Stevie provided safety, confidence and strength to countless therapeutic riding participants. Over the years, this incredible senior gelding showed an innate, magical intuition, expertly carrying riders of all abilities with a quiet grace and a heart as big as his legacy. 

Stevie’s greatest legacy is the blueprint of gentleness left on The Shane Center before his death this summer. He was the ultimate teacher—not only helping riders find their strength but showing the entire team at The Shane Center what true trust looks like. As the gold standard of therapy horses, Stevie wove himself into The Shane Center community. He was known for giving his famous hugs to riders from 4 to 88 and serving in every program offered at The Shane Center. He leaves an indelible imprint of love and confidence on everyone he meets. 

 

 
Inky 

23-year-old Spotted Draft 

Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center Inc. 

Lancaster, Ky. 

 

Raised in an Amish community, Inky was sold at 3 years old and spent three years showing in pleasure driving. His current owner, Dana Batiste, purchased him when he was 6six, and they spent many years competing in dressage through First Level. They also enjoyed low-level cross-country, trail riding, and camping trips. When a friend’s daughter later began showing Inky, Batiste saw how much he loved children, which ultimately led him to join Hooves of Hope in 2022.  

Inky’s extraordinary legacy is the countless riders who gained confidence, independence, and success because of him. Because he is calm, careful, and responsive to his riders’ needs, they trust him fully. His wide stature provides a secure base for riders and physical therapy patients with low muscle tone. Inky has proudly carried riders through Special Olympics competitions, including helping Will Gathro, who connected Hooves of Hope with USEF, earn a gold medal. 

 

Jettsetter (Jett) 

28-year-old Pony of Americas 

Grace Therapeutic Riding  

Pella, Iowa 

 

Jett spent his early years as a show pony, competing in everything from English and western to showmanship and speed events until he was purchased by Lois Vermeer for her grandchildren in 2013. Four years later he became the inspiration for developing Grace TR due to his incredible disposition and skills. As a therapy horse, Jett found his true calling, and he has participated in nearly every program Grace TR offers, helping participants build confidence, develop skills, experience accomplishment, and discover they are capable of more than they ever thought possible. 

Jett’s legacy is measured in lives changed, and his impact reaches far beyond the arena. He has served 99 participants and counting from ages 3 to 82, as a teacher, partner, confidence builder and faithful friend. Jett teaches that patience, reliability, and wholehearted service changes lives. He has patiently stood through tears, tantrums, fears, and moments that opened the door to meaningful conversation.  

 

Off Broadway (Lulu) 

 39-year-old Welsh 

Horses N Heroes of Marion County Inc. 

Citra, Fla. 

 

At 39 years old, Lulu still rules the barn. She is the definition of a heart horse, offering endless cuddles, wisdom, and comfort to everyone she meets. Throughout her long life, she has been a gentle, steadfast partner and has brought endless joy to countless riders. Lulu’s enduring spirit, unwavering patience, and loving nature make her truly special. 

Her legacy is woven into the heart of Horses N Heros, and as a patient anchor, she breaks barriers for kids facing trauma, teaching trust when the world felt unsafe. Her small size makes her approachable, yet her massive spirit shows youth how to stand tall against adversity. Lulu doesn’t just teach riding,riding; she heals hearts, builds confidence, and models unconditional love. She is a blueprint of resilience, and her spirit lives in every child who found their strength through her. 

 

Teddy 

20-year-old Haflinger 

Speaking of Horses Inc. 

Stanardsville, Va. 

Before becoming the heart of Speaking of Horses, where he partners with children in speech therapy, Teddy was rescued after more than a year of starvation. Despite aggressive veterinary care, his condition was critical and his fate uncertain, but he recovered and became an invaluable member of the Speaking of Horses program. Though not expected to become a therapy team member, Teddy’s love for children revealed a barn favorite for the kids in the program.

Teddy transformed from a horse fighting for his life into one who helps children find confidence, joy, and even their first words. His greatest legacy is the lifelong bonds he creates with children, many of whom proudly speak one unforgettable word first: “Teddy.” When a small child walks up to him, Teddy lowers his head, goes cement-still, and the words start to come. A horse who once had no voice now helps children find theirs.