Equine Love Stories
What Makes Our Bonds So Special?
In life, some connections are extraordinary. But none can match the uniqueness of the bond between horses and riders. It’s a magical link that goes beyond time, creating a deep partnership and understanding. In the quiet hours of grooming, on a trail ride, in the arena with all the eyes on you and your horse, every moment in and off the saddle... It's not just about the time spent competing or in the saddle, it's about the timeless moments that become a part of who we are as equestrians. We understand the deep love and connection every equestrian feels when they look at their heart horse and feel their heart flutter like the first time they started bonding.
While we cherish the uniqueness of our bonds with our horses, we wanted to explore the unbreakable bonds of different riders and their heart horses. So the Equestroom Team took on the mission to ask our community about equine love and bond. Here are 7 equine love and bond stories from our community in their own words:
- Naomi & Fuego
Fuego came into my life almost 7 years ago. I adopted him from a foundation where he was a rescue. During his life, Fuego had been neglected and was already 13 years old at the time. I didn’t know anything. So we (my boyfriend and I) had to teach our spotted new friend everything. And that is how we bonded…
He had to learn how to walk with me, what being in a stable meant (he used to get very nervous but not anymore), getting washed and even going to the farrier was new. Fuego had to grow stronger and needed to get fit. Eventually after a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears, we started doing everything together. Going out on trail rides on our own, horseball games, showjumping, cross country and even hunting (well ok, the last one Fuego did with my boyfriend).
About a year ago Fuego lost his eye due to moonblindness… The eye got very sick and I had to choose to keep Fuego from being in pain. Luckily our bond was very strong and we have a good base with trust. So we gave up horseball and jumping but got very serious about our dressage career. Which Fuego is doing amazing.
I could go on for hours... Our story is one from a fairytale. We have been through so much together and we really grew so much. Fuego went from the horse that everyone told me to give up to the horse that everyone wanted. He really is the best boy.
- Emily & Olaf
I’ve had Olaf for 2.5 years now, and we bonded immediately, for me it was love at first sight...
I actually messaged 3 months before I was in a position to get the ride through owners, asking if they’d consider a loan (and fairly got no reply). Then when I messaged he was sold but they pulled out, felt like fate!
He chucked me off a fair few times in the first couple of months. On the third ride, I think, I hit the floor with real umph! He used to be cold-backed, but this has changed with my fantastic osteopath and as we’ve grown together. He’s the kindest horse on the ground, and so sensitive onboard. He’s got a fantastic work ethic, it’s just been learning how to harness the power and take it forward!
He’s so special to me I think because our journey started with eliminations, lots of bolt upright rearing and he didn’t trust what I was asking of him. We now go XC, or galloping and our current rides are so far from that.
He’s always been my dream horse - I adore him!
Follow their journey on Instagram at @millydressage
- Eva & Badger
I met Badger a little over two years ago on Halloween.
When we first got him, I was actually a bit scared of horses due to a bad fall earlier in the year, but when I tell you he was worth his weight in gold…
He was confident and calm and was just what I needed in a horse to be able to start building that trust again. Outside of his working personality, he is also so sweet and loves his snacks, so a lot of our bonding was when we just sat together and shared snacks like graham crackers or listened to music during grooming and downtime.
I think the bond we have from all of our time and experiences together is definitely a special one because we have been through so many different situations and tried so many new things together. We really know each other and can prepare for any situation thrown our way knowing the other has our back.
Follow their journey on Instagram at @badgerthepaint
- Renske & Duena
I have had Duena for over 7 years now.
I was looking for a new horse and then Duena came my way. I was allowed to take her home on a trial basis, but after a few days, I knew she would never leave again.
With Duena I have found happiness and pleasure in horses again. We do everything together, we go to the forest together, to the beach, to lessons and clinics and enjoy outdoor rides together. She really is my heart horse.
Follow their journey on Instagram at @duenasdiary
- Clarissa & Whiskey
I met Whiskey when I was looking to buy my first horse. I saw his ad on Facebook and immediately contacted the owner for more information. He fits many of the qualities I was looking for.
Once I saw him in person and rode him, I was smitten, and he came home with me on July 31, 2017. I spent every minute I could at the barn to be with him. When I couldn't ride due to bad weather, I would still drive the 30 minutes to and spend time with him.
There was one day I drove out there after it had snowed, and got stuck in the farm's driveway on the way up. I was the only one who came out that day. I probably should have stayed home too, but I wanted to be with him.... Just remember, riding your horse isn't everything! Just spending a little time with them whenever you can is so important to build a good relationship.
I think what makes our relationship so special, is that he was my first horse.
Follow their journey on Instagram at @whiskeythepaint
- Dani & Macareno
I met Macareno a little more than 3 years ago.
I was looking for my own horse and Macareno immediately captured my heart
The first year we only played on the ground, I think this has made our bond very strong. Everything else went naturally with Macareno. I have never had such a bond with a horse as with him.
I think our bond is very special because I really consider Macareno my very best friend, he does everything for me and I do everything for him too! He came to me as a 2-year-old (almost 3), I think he is very lucky to have found his forever home at this age. And I love him very much.
Follow their journey on Instagram at @nadydressage
- Enaya & Sylvie
Sylvie and I met for the first time in North Carolina, on September 4th 2021. Since then it has been about two and a half years!
When we bought Sylvie, she was very scared of all humans. And she had a massive rear that was intimidating! I think what made us bond was the fact that we slowly learned to trust each other and work together. Even though it was scary and very hard!
In my opinion, what makes our bond so strong, is that we trust each other! No matter what, when we go in that arena we trust that no matter what happens we will take care of each other! She honestly is not just my partner but also my best friend!
Follow their journey on Instagram at @enaya.rose
- Heather & Alamo
I met Alamo for the first time in 2014. He came from a summer camp to my family's farm. I ended up taking him on my own in 2018.
He was initially a companion horse to my horse in training at the time. His being around me helped him come out of his shell and show character. I started taking him on outings, and he was so good and took everything in stride.
I started working with him in the arena and his try is just so incredible, even with his conformation limitations. He has turned into a heart horse who continues to enrich my life daily!
Follow their journey on Instagram at @shiny.disco.balls
These heartfelt stories remind us that the love between a rider and their horse is built through shared moments, mutual trust, and the unspoken language that only equestrians understand. What makes these connections so extraordinary is the journey each pair has undertaken. From love at first sight to conquering fears, from companionship to facing challenges together, these riders and their horses have created bonds that are resilient, enduring, and filled with countless cherished moments.
May your equestrian journeys continue to be filled with joy, trust, and the hoof beats.
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading about everyone’s heart horse! Like Fuego my heart horse Coeur De LIon had to have an eye removed due to a melanoma in his right eye. We went on to show up to FEI Intermediare1… He earned me two Dover medals, my USEF bronze, silver, and 1/2 my gold medal. I wanted to encourage Naomi that she and her heart horse can do well at dressage with one eye. It’s the trust that Enaya already recognized, at such a young age, with her heart horse Sylvie. I only wish I had learned that sooner, it’s truly what makes a great partnership with your horse showing or trail riding!
horse Sylvie.
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