Meet The HETRA Herd

Cheech is sponsored by Always in Our Hearts Barbara J Hergenrader & Dale & Christina Silvius

Breed: Hanoverian

Joined HETRA: 2024

Height: 16.3 Hands

Color: Sorrel

Gender: Gelding

Meet Cheech, a 19-year-old Warmblood who joined HETRA in 2024. With his gentle spirit, goofy personality, and expressive face, Cheech has a way of keeping everyone smiling.

Before coming to HETRA, Cheech competed nationally in jumping, building the athleticism, confidence, and work ethic he brings to lessons today. Now, he shines in adaptive riding and therapy services, where his steady rhythm helps participants build confidence and strength.

Around the barn, Cheech is known as “everybody’s buddy.” Whether he’s working in the arena or soaking up attention, he brings a little goofy gelding energy and a whole lot of heart to everything he does.

Chipper is sponsored by A Friend of HETRA

Breed: Quarter Horse

Joined HETRA: 2024

Color: Bay

Height: 15.1 hands

Gender: Mare

Meet Chipper, a 17-year-old American Quarter Horse mare who joined HETRA in 2024. Sweet, gentle, and easygoing, Chipper has a special way of making people feel welcome.

Before coming to HETRA, she was a broodmare and trained in AQHA western pleasure, experiences that helped shape her relaxed, dependable nature. Today, she works in adaptive riding and therapy services, where her calm, predictable movement helps participants build confidence and independence.

Chipper especially loves peaceful rides where she can settle into a smooth rhythm with her rider. Whether working in the arena or greeting friends at her stall, she’s always ready to brighten someone’s day.

Photo by A.R. Honeman Photography

Coby is currently sponsored by Edward Jones – Lori Blum

Breed: Quarter Horse

Joined HETRA: 2018

Color: Bay

Height: 15.2 hands

Gender: Gelding

Meet Coby, a 15.2-hand Quarter Horse who has been part of HETRA since 2018. Calm, steady, and dependable, Coby brings an “I’ve got this” attitude to every session.

Before coming to HETRA, Coby built a strong foundation in the AQHA all-around world. Today, he uses that experience to help participants build strength, confidence, and new skills.

Coby is especially supportive of riders who are nervous or trying something new. Smart and attentive, he quickly figures out what’s being asked of him and gets to work. Around here, “slow and steady” is definitely Coby’s style.

Photo by A.R. Honeman Photography

Diamond is sponsored by Joan Henninghausen

Breed: Quarter Horse

Joined HETRA: 2008

Color: Grey

Height: 16.0 hands

Gender: Mare

Meet Diamond, a 23-year-old Quarter Horse mare whose HETRA story began at birth. Born at the Valley Barn during a lesson, she arrived as a striking black foal before gradually turning gray over the years.

Diamond officially joined HETRA’s herd in 2008 at five years old and has grown alongside the program ever since. Today, she works in Independent Riding, where her patience and experience help riders build confidence and self-reliance.

Diamond especially enjoys working with riders she knows well and supporting their growth in the saddle. With her quiet confidence and signature “been there, done that” attitude, not much surprises this seasoned HETRA pro.

Dolly is sponsored by The Clemens Family

Breed: Quarter Horse 

Joined HETRA: 2025

Height: 15 Hands

Color: Palomino

Gender: Mare

Meet Dolly, affectionately known as “Parton Me Sunshine.” With her big personality, love of attention, and plenty of charm, Dolly brings a little extra sunshine wherever she goes.

She loves connecting with participants and helping them find their stride, bringing energy and personality to every lesson. And while Dolly takes her work seriously, she certainly doesn’t mind being the center of attention along the way.

Whether she’s working with participants or soaking up love from her friends, Dolly has a way of making the arena a little brighter.

Frank is sponsored by Darrell and Coe Leta Logemann

Breed: Haflinger

Joined HETRA: 2021

Color: Chestnut

Height: 13.2 hands

Gender: Gelding

Meet Frank, a 15-year-old Haflinger who joined HETRA in 2022 after working in Amish riding and driving programs. His background helped shape him into the dependable, hardworking horse he is today.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Frank works in adaptive riding and carriage driving, one of his favorite activities. His steady nature makes him a reliable partner, and he loves meeting new people and staying busy.

Frank also has a mischievous side, especially when snacks are involved. He’s been known to test a gate latch or investigate an unsecured grain bin, just to make sure everything is in order, of course. Hardworking, friendly, and just sneaky enough to keep staff on their toes, Frank brings plenty of personality to the barn.

Photo by A.R. Honeman Photography

Georgie is sponsored by a Friend of HETRA

Breed: Quarter Horse

Joined HETRA: 2017

Color: Buckskin

Height: 15.1 hands

Gender: Gelding

Meet Georgie, a golden buckskin Quarter Horse registered as “Showdown Roper Boy.” A member of the HETRA herd for nearly a decade, Georgie is now on the Senior List, although he still has the looks to turn plenty of heads.

Before coming to HETRA, Georgie worked as a trail horse, building the confidence and independence he brings to sessions today. Now one of HETRA’s dependable “go-to” horses, his calm, patient nature helps riders feel safe and supported.

Georgie is especially steady during wheelchair transitions and takes his time helping participants find success. Off duty, this seasoned professional happily trades work for playtime with his horse buddies and a chance to show off his goofy side.

Photo by A.R. Honeman Photography

Honey is sponsored by the William R. Patrick Foundation

Breed: Draft 

Joined HETRA: 2017

Color: Bay & White

Height: 15.0 hands

Gender: Mare

Meet Honey, a 22-year-old spotted draft/Haflinger cross who joined HETRA in 2017. Sweet, confident, and a natural leader, Honey has a way of making it clear that she knows what she’s doing.

Before HETRA, Honey was the lead horse in a three-horse pyramid hitch and also worked as a broodmare and driving horse. Today, she supports participants in adaptive riding, therapy services, and ground programming.

Honey especially shines during quiet mounted work, where her steady presence helps riders feel safe and supported. She is also fully trained for wheelchair ramp and lift mounting. Named HETRA Horse of the Year in 2025, Honey brings years of experience, a caring nature, and just enough bossiness to keep everyone organized.

Breed: Quarter Horse 

Joined HETRA: 2025 

Color: Grey 

Height: 15.0 hands 

Gender: Gelding

Click here to sponsor Hoppy

Meet Hoppy, a 24-year-old American Quarter Horse who joined HETRA in 2025. With his handsome gray coat and “steady-as-he-goes” personality, he quickly found his place in the herd.

Before coming to HETRA, Hoppy spent years in dressage, developing the balance, precision, and communication skills he brings to sessions today. He especially enjoys structured rides where he can stay focused and in sync with his rider.

His smooth stride and thoughtful nature make him a dependable partner in therapy services. Hoppy has a special way of showing riders how small adjustments can lead to meaningful progress, all while keeping his calm, polished style.

Jewel is sponsored by Barb C.

Breed: Quarter Horse

Joined HETRA: 2016

Color: Bay 

Height: 15.0 hands

Gender: Mare

Meet Jewel, a 26-year-old mare who has been part of HETRA since 2016. Her calm, gentle nature has a special way of helping people feel safe and welcome.

Before coming to HETRA, Jewel spent many years as a broodmare. She later became a trusted partner in HETRA’s riding program before retiring from under-saddle lessons in 2025. But retirement from riding didn’t mean Jewel was finished with her work!

Today, she helps participants develop horsemanship skills through ground programming and especially enjoys quiet grooming sessions and in-hand activities. With years of experience and plenty of patient “teacher energy,” Jewel still has a lot to share.

JJ is sponsored by Colleen Potts and Family

Breed: Quarter Horse

Joined HETRA: 2024

Color: Bay

Height: 15.1 hands

Gender: Mare

Meet JJ, a sweet Quarter Horse mare who joined HETRA in 2024. Before coming to HETRA, she trained for the American Quarter Horse show world, developing the responsiveness and athletic skills she brings to sessions today.

JJ started in HETRA’s ground program, where her gentle eyes and patient personality quickly won people over. As her confidence grew, she transitioned into the riding program and now supports participants both in the saddle and at the wheelchair ramp.

With her steady, caring nature, JJ helps riders feel safe while building confidence and independence. She brings an “I’ve got you” attitude to every lesson and always shows up ready to give her best.

Breed: Quarter Horse 

Joined HETRA: 2025 

Color: Sorrel

Height: 15.1 hands
 
Gender: Mare

Click here to sponsor Joy

Meet Joy, a 19-year-old Quarter Horse mare who joined HETRA in 2026 after years of competing in showmanship and western pleasure. Her experience developed the smooth movement, polished manners, and responsiveness she brings to sessions today.

Joy works in adaptive riding and therapy services, where she seems to have a special sense for when someone needs a little extra patience or reassurance. Her calm, sensitive nature helps participants feel safe while building confidence and connection.

A longtime HETRA neighbor before officially joining the herd, becoming part of the team felt a bit like moving in with old friends. True to her name, Joy brings a peaceful presence and plenty of smiles wherever she goes.

Breed: Appaloosa

Joined HETRA: 2023

Color: Bay

Height: 16.1 hands

Gender: Gelding

Click Here to Sponsor Koko

Meet Koko, a 15-year-old Appaloosa who joined HETRA in 2023. Smart, expressive, and full of opinions, Koko’s face usually tells you exactly what he’s thinking.

Before coming to HETRA, Koko competed in eventing, including dressage, jumping, and cross-country. Today, he puts that athleticism and versatility to work helping participants build strength, confidence, and connection.

Koko is happiest when a lesson keeps both his mind and body busy. His clever nature encourages riders to think, communicate clearly, and try new things. Whether he’s working hard or proudly showing everyone that he figured it out first, Koko makes learning meaningful and fun.

Levi is sponsored by A Friend of HETRA

Breed: Quarter Horse

Joined HETRA: 2024

Color: Palomino

Height: 16.0 hands

Gender: Gelding

Meet Levi, a 14-year-old Quarter Horse who joined HETRA in 2024. Standing 16 hands tall and weighing 1,310 pounds, Levi is basically a gentle skyscraper with excellent hair.

Before coming to HETRA, Levi competed in all-around events and earned National-level Western Pleasure Top 10 titles. His show experience developed the smooth movement, responsiveness, and versatility he brings to sessions today.

Levi thrives when he has a job to do and takes his work seriously. His calm, steady rhythm and attentive nature help riders feel safe and supported, making him a dependable partner in therapy services.

Built like a tank but moving with quiet grace, Levi has a way of making difficult things look easy. Focused, adaptable, and always ready to work, he brings plenty of experience and just the right amount of star power to the arena.

Lunchbox is sponsored by Horsemen’s Park

Breed: Thoroughbred 

Joined HETRA: 2025

Color: Sorrel

Height: 16.3 hands

Gender: Gelding 

Meet Lunchbox, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred who once lived life with one speed setting: zoom. Before coming to HETRA, he competed in 16 professional races and spent time in the jumping arena, building the athleticism, focus, and determination he brings to training today.

Now a therapy horse in training, Lunchbox is learning that not every job requires maximum speed, and he’s still processing that information. He approaches new skills with plenty of curiosity and classic Thoroughbred enthusiasm.

From groundwork to investigating arena cones, poles, and the occasional unattended snack bucket, Lunchbox loves staying busy and figuring things out. As he builds the foundation for future adaptive riding and therapy services, he’s learning about patience and connection one step at a time.

Spirited, eager, and always ready for his next assignment, Lunchbox is showing just how much a retired racehorse can learn in a whole new career.

Breed: Quarter Horse

Joined HETRA: 2023

Color: Sorrel

Height: 15 hands

Gender: Mare

Click Here to Sponsor Megs

Meet Megs, a 20-year-old sorrel Quarter Horse mare who joined HETRA in 2023 and quickly decided she should probably be in charge. At 15 hands tall, Megs leads with charm, confidence, and the occasional well-timed side-eye.

Before coming to HETRA, Megs was a dependable 4-H horse, where she learned to patiently teach riders and stay calm when things got busy. After all, somebody in the arena has to act like an adult.

Today, Megs works in adaptive riding, helping participants feel safe and confident in the saddle. She especially enjoys structured lessons and is trained for both wheelchair ramp and lift mounting.

Steady, patient, and always professional, Megs takes great care of her riders while keeping an eye out for any extra treats that may come her way.

Mike is sponsored by The Damkroger Family, “Love is the Reason”

Breed: Quarter Horse

Joined HETRA: 2024

Color: Bay

Height: 16 hands

Gender: Gelding

Meet Mike, a 13-year-old Quarter Horse who traded the wide-open Nebraska Sandhills for a new career at HETRA. Before joining the herd, Mike worked as a cow horse, building the dependable “been there, done that” attitude he brings to sessions today.

Not much rattles Mike. He meets new people, places, and challenges with a relaxed attitude and steady stride that helps riders feel safe and supported.

Mike especially enjoys grooming, leading exercises, and any activity where he gets to slow down and connect with people. He may have left ranch life behind, but he still brings a practical, hardworking cowboy spirit to every job.

Calm, kind, and reliable, Mike shows that sometimes the best teachers really have “been there, done that.”

Breed: Thoroughbred 

Joined HETRA: 2025

Color: Sorrel 

Height: 16.3 hands 

Gender: Gelding

Click Here to Sponsor Romeo

Meet Romeo, also known by his very dramatic official name, “Capulet’s Casanova.” This 15-year-old, 17-hand Warmblood knows he’s tall, handsome, and pretty hard to ignore.

Before joining HETRA in 2025, Romeo competed in hunter/jumper events, developing the balance and smooth movement he brings to sessions today.

At HETRA, his calm rhythm and steady nature help participants feel confident and supported, while his sneaky sense of humor keeps things fun. One minute he’s moving through the arena like a true professional, and the next he’s striking a pose because someone happens to be watching.

Despite his impressive size, Romeo is really a soft-hearted goofball who loves connecting with people, soaking up attention, and bringing a little fun to every session.

Ruger is sponsored in honor of our friend Debbie, The Sherman Family

Breed: Quarter Horse 

Joined HETRA: 2022

Height: 14.3 hands

Color: Bay

Gender: Gelding

Meet Ruger, a 20-year-old Quarter Horse who may not have a therapist badge, but honestly, he probably could.

Before joining HETRA in 2023, Ruger spent years in AQHA western pleasure and 4-H, developing softness, precision, and an ability to notice even the smallest cues.

Today, Ruger shines in ground programming, helping participants build trust, confidence, communication, and emotional awareness. He especially enjoys in-hand horsemanship, where he can work closely with people and build connection through partnership.

Ruger notices everything, from body language and energy shifts to whether someone might have snacks in their pocket. Sensitive and thoughtful, he has a quiet way of helping participants feel supported as they take on new challenges together.

Smarty is sponsored by Nebraska Equine Veterinary Clinic

Breed: Appaloosa

Joined HETRA: 2023

Color: Sorrel

Height: 14 hands

Gender: Mare

Meet Smarty, a 17-year-old Appaloosa mare who absolutely lives up to her name and prefers jobs with a little challenge and a lot less nonsense.

Before joining HETRA in 2023, Smarty competed in ranch events and dressage, so she can go from “cowgirl tough” to “fancy arena professional” without missing a beat. Her versatile background developed the athleticism, balance, and adaptability she brings to sessions today.

Smarty shines in Independent Riding, helping participants build confidence, clear communication, and self-reliance. She loves focused work that keeps her sharp mind busy and appreciates riders who communicate clearly. Come prepared and she’s all in. If not, she might politely suggest you try again.

Smart, sweet, and just opinionated enough to keep things interesting, Smarty encourages her riders to think, communicate, and work together as a team.

Thunder is sponsored In Fond Memory of Hope and Fritz Brockman

Breed: Draft Cross

Joined HETRA: 2020

Height: 16.0 hands

Color: Bay

Gender: Gelding

Meet Thunder, a 14-year-old Draft Cross with giant hooves, a giant heart, and a personality to match.

Before joining HETRA in 2022, Thunder gained experience in both riding and driving. Today, he puts those skills to work carrying riders and pulling carriages with patience and confidence.

Whether he’s carefully navigating cones in harness or working under saddle, Thunder’s steady movement helps participants feel safe and supported. He loves having a job to do and especially enjoys calm, structured sessions where he can help participants build confidence.

Despite his impressive size, Thunder is one of the softest and kindest horses in the barn. Dependable, patient, and always happy to receive a little extra attention, he’s earned his reputation as HETRA’s gentle giant.

Vern is sponsored in honor of Mason Fern Potts

Breed: Clydesdale 

Joined HETRA: 2025

Height: 15.3 Hands

Color: Bay paint

Gender: Gelding

Meet Vern, a five-year-old Clydesdale with an impressive beard, a big heart, and absolutely no problem posing for a picture.

Vern came all the way from Missouri to join HETRA and is currently training in both riding and driving. He approaches new experiences with plenty of curiosity and “young horse learning mode” energy.

Still early in his journey, Vern is building confidence and learning new skills with each training session. His calm nature, willingness to try new things, and eagerness to connect with people make him an exciting addition to the herd.

Vern’s favorite days include training, snacks, and plenty of attention. With his giant draft horse charm and lovable personality, this young guy has a way of making everyone smile.

Breed: Warmblood

Joined HETRA: 2026

Height: 16.2 hands

Color: Bay

Gender: Gelding

Click Here to Sponsor Wellie

Meet Wellie, a worldly Warmblood who came to HETRA with quite the travel history. This 16.2-hand bay was trained in dressage in Denmark before crossing the ocean and joining HETRA in 2026.

His dressage background developed the balance, precision, and graceful movement he brings to sessions today. In the arena, Wellie is steady, attentive, and ready to work with his rider.

Despite his fancy résumé, Wellie is a kind, easygoing guy who enjoys helping participants build confidence and connection. Whether he’s working on circles, carrying a rider with care, or quietly soaking up a few well-earned compliments, Wellie brings plenty of experience and charm to the herd.

From Denmark to HETRA, this handsome gentleman seems to be settling into his newest adventure just fine.

LaLa is sponsored by The Wolfson Family

Breed: Miniature Horse

Joined HETRA: 2021

Height: 29″

Color: Sorrel & White

Gender: Mare

Meet LaLa, a miniature horse mare who proves that a small package can hold a very big personality. Mighty, opinionated, and always ready for attention, LaLa joined HETRA in 2021.

As a community outreach ambassador, LaLa travels to camps, schools, and events, helping introduce people to horses. She especially loves meeting kids and helping them learn to be gentle, respectful, and confident around her.

Curious by nature, LaLa likes to be wherever the action is, usually with her ears perked and nose ready to investigate. Around the barn, she’s also known for loudly announcing when she believes lunchtime should begin.

She may be one of the smallest members of the herd, but LaLa brings plenty of heart, personality, and just the right amount of sass wherever her tiny hooves take her.

Merry is sponsored In Honor of Brody Barger

Breed: Miniature Horse

Joined HETRA: 2021

Height: 29″

Color: Black & White Pinto

Gender: Mare

Meet Merry, a 19-year-old Miniature Horse who may be tiny in size but has absolutely no idea she’s small.

Merry loves making friends, soaking up attention, and spending sunny days sunbathing in the paddock. Alongside her best buddy LaLa, she represents HETRA at community visits, camps, and educational programs.

Her friendly, social nature helps first-time horse visitors feel comfortable and excited to connect. Whether she’s greeting children, posing for pictures, or requesting a grooming session in exchange for one of her own, Merry makes every interaction memorable.

Merry may be one of HETRA’s smallest horses, but she’s pretty convinced she’s the biggest horse on the property. With her sweet spirit and larger-than-life personality, we’re not going to be the ones to tell her otherwise.

Stormy is sponsored by Madi Storm

Photo by A.R. Honeman Photography

Breed: Miniature Horse

Joined HETRA: 2014

Height: 30″

Color: Sorrel & White

Gender: Mare

Meet Stormy, a 16-year-old Miniature Horse mare who has been part of HETRA since she was just a youngster. Small in size but big in personality, Stormy has a way of walking into a room like she owns the place.

Alongside her partner Blue, Stormy serves as a HETRA outreach ambassador, visiting schools, community events, and mini camps. Her friendly, gentle nature helps people of all ages feel comfortable and excited to connect with horses.

Stormy loves attention, new adventures, and meeting new people. Whether she’s charming a crowd or helping someone experience a horse for the first time, this tiny extrovert is always ready to be part of the action.

After years of representing HETRA in the community, Stormy continues to prove that you don’t have to be big to make a big impression.

Blue is sponsored by Madi Storm

Photo by A.R. Honeman Photography

Breed: Miniature Horse

Joined HETRA: 2016

Height: 36″

Color: Blue Roan & White

Gender: Mare

Meet Blue, the wise grandmother of HETRA’s Miniature Horse herd. At 24 years young, this sweet mare has been quietly winning hearts at HETRA since 2016.

Before coming to HETRA, Blue was a broodmare, an experience that helped shape her patient, nurturing nature. Today, she participates in community mini visits, camps, and ground programming.

Blue has a special way of helping new or nervous participants feel comfortable. Whether she’s being groomed, led, or meeting new friends in the community, she adapts easily and is always happy to be where the people are.

She may be one of HETRA’s smallest horses, but with her gentle spirit, years of experience, and quiet confidence, Blue plays a big role in helping people connect with horses.