Meet Our Horses
Every Horse Has a Story. Every Connection Has a Purpose.
At Hearts of Steele, our horses are more than animals. They are partners, teachers, and trusted companions. Each brings a unique personality, life experience, and set of strengths to the meaningful connections we create.
Penny
Although she isn’t the oldest, Penny is the matriarch of the herd. Always the lead investigator, she makes sure she knows what’s happening before the rest of the herd gets involved.
Penny enjoys Western and English riding, jumping, mounted archery, obstacles, and trail riding. Her versatility makes her a wonderful partner for those ready to broaden their riding skills.
In 2020, Penny even attended Mississippi State University as part of a university study!
With her adventurous spirit, love of people, and endless curiosity, Penny reminds us that every new experience is an opportunity to learn.
Juniper
Juniper is the newest, youngest, and wildest member of our equine family!
Her story began on the open range of Nevada, where she lived wild and free until she was gathered by helicopter in 2023 at approximately three years old.
Today, Juniper is beginning a new chapter at Hearts of Steele. Rather than changing who she is, our goal is to embrace her wild spirit while helping her discover that humans can be trusted.
Currently in training, Juniper reminds us that building trust requires patience, respect, and understanding.
You can recognize her by her government brand and gorgeous mane. She also loves apples—and if you ask the right way, she might even give you one of her famous smiles!
Carti B
Meet Cartier Raquelle, affectionately known as Carti B—a beautiful mare with a strong personality, commanding presence, and a story that continues to unfold.
For much of her life, Cartier was a broodmare, raising beautiful foals before beginning a new chapter at Hearts of Steele. Today, she helps people build confidence, develop trust, and recognize their own strength.
Cartier is gaited, capable, and full of personality. With a trusted human partner guiding her from the ground, she is willing to take on new challenges and experiences.
Following the loss of our beloved Sassy, Cartier stepped into the role of lead mare, helping carry forward the mission Sassy helped establish.
But Cartier is still learning, too. As she explores unfamiliar experiences with her riding partner, she is discovering that trust takes time, courage grows through experience, and stepping beyond the familiar can lead to wonderful possibilities.
Cartier is not here to replace Sassy. She is writing her own story while honoring a legacy of service, connection, and unconditional acceptance.
With every session and every new adventure, Carti B reminds us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. Sometimes, it’s about being willing to take the next step together.
Butters
Butters is a Certified Good Ol’ Boy, with the miles, experience, and personality to prove it! Originally hailing from Washington State, this seasoned gentleman brings a wealth of experience in everything from horsemanship and reining to sorting and roping. His years in the saddle have given him plenty of miles, wisdom, and patience to share, making him an excellent partner for riders who are just beginning their own journey.
Butters shines in Western trail and equitation and is particularly well-suited for beginners who need a confident, steady, and reliable ride. He has the experience to take things in stride and the temperament to help riders build confidence along the way.
As the only gentleman in the Hearts of Steele herd, Butters knows his place among the ladies. He is a true gentleman, never one to rock the boat or stir up trouble. He is perfectly content to be included and let the ladies have their way!
Butters has his priorities figured out. He is never late for dinner, always available for scratches and pats, and believes there is no such thing as too much attention. With his dependable nature, seasoned experience, and easygoing personality, Butters brings a little wisdom, a lot of heart, and just the right amount of gentlemanly charm to Hearts of Steele EFL.
Sassy 🌈
Since 2019, Sassy served as a devoted partner in equine-facilitated learning sessions, touching the lives of children, families, and individuals with special needs in ways words can never fully capture.
Once a barrel horse who had experienced significant challenges, Sassy found her true purpose through connection, compassion, and service.
From basketball games and frisbee golf to trail rides and imaginative learning sessions, Sassy approached every experience with patience, quiet strength, and an incredible willingness to connect.
She trained alongside the only Mississippi Special Olympics equine team to attend the 2022 USA Games, becoming part of an important chapter in the state’s equestrian history.
But her greatest accomplishments weren’t measured in ribbons, competitions, or recognition. They were found in the confidence she helped build, the trust she inspired, and the countless people who experienced her unconditional acceptance.
Hearts of Steele EFL would not exist as it does today without Sassy’s extraordinary service.
In June 2026, at the age of 25, Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Although she is no longer physically beside us, her spirit remains woven into every program, partnership, and connection we create.
As Penny, Juniper, Cartier, and future equine partners continue this work, they follow a trail that Sassy helped blaze.
Different Personalities. One Shared Purpose.
Every horse at Hearts of Steele brings something special to the experience. Together, they remind us that growth is about learning, building trust, embracing differences, and discovering strengths along the way.
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