Meet the Crew

Bullet

Proudly sponsored by:  Doug & Pam Deterding, Deterdings Pool & Spas

I am the newest member of the four-legged teachers at LyonHeart Equine Assisted Learning.   Although I been a Nebraskan for many years, my birthplace was Centralia, Missouri. My previous job was at a feedlot in Erickson, Nebraska. In my spare time, I was teaching a little girl to ride.

My registered name is NM Baker Man (#5012012); however, I prefer to be called Bullet.  As a registered quarter horse, my daddy's name is Whisky Otoe (#2250542), and my mama is Pattys Lil Classic (#3387723). My birthday is May 24, 2007!

The coolest thing is that I am a cousin to a horse (Meg) that my farrier (Bill Potter) once owned.  Unfortunately, she has gone on to greener pastures.

I am liking my new life and new friends at LyonHeart EAL. They have this cool food they call treats.  I cannot decide if my favorite is carrots, watermelon or the homemade molasses cookies. My best friend is Mango.

In Memory of Frosty

Born: March 17, 1998

Died: June 23, 2018

Frosty was one of the original members of the four-legged Teaching Team.  His journey to us was one with its own challenges.  As a young colt, his ears were frost-bitten during a spring snowstorm.  His unique history earned him the name “Frosty.”  While he was part of our continued success, he also tested the limits.  He loved to be the feisty one, challenging everyone around him. However, he will always be remembered as part of our story’s beginning as a non-profit.  We will always miss his presence!  May he enjoy greener pastures in heaven.

JB

The Official Greeter

I’m the first one to welcome you to our amazing nonprofit!  I’m eleven years old. 60% of me is black lab, 25% is Border Collie and 15% in Rat Terrier. I am named after JB Mauney who is a two-time world championship winning professional bull rider.  Mauney won the World Championship in 2013 and 2015.  He was also quoted as saying, “I love what I do, so it’s not really work for me.”  I feel like this sums up my attitude about LyonHeart!

Heart of Bleau

Equine Teacher

In loving memory of Heart of Bleau

Our hearts are broken as our beloved Heart of Bleau passed away in July of 2025.

"He wasn't just a horse. He was a gentle soul who carried so many kids through fear, uncertainty, and healing. His strength and quiet patience made such a difference in so many lives. Bleau gave us all a kind of comfort that is hard to put into words. Watching him work the kids was nothing short of magic. He always knew what they needed, and he gave it without hesitation.  The imprint he left on our hearts and the hearts of so many children will never fade." (Written by Emily Eschliman, volunteer)

We want to thank Chantey Walker for donating this magnificent horse to LyonHeart in 2018.  A special thank-you to Pat & Jayce Lux and Richard McInturf for sponsoring Bleau for so many years.

Mango

Equine Teacher

Proudly sponsored by:  Shelton Dental Clinic 

I come in a small package but have a big personality!  I’m 15 years old.   Although I can be shy and a bit reserved, I really do love being around children and making new friends. At first glance you may mistake me for a mini horse, but I’m actually a pony. Prior to coming to LyonHeart, my former career was being a rodeo pony! Here at the ranch, my best friend is Bullet.

Since no one knew for sure what my breed is, my DNA was sent to Texas. And now we know.  I am a mixture of three unique breeds -Hanoverian - Lipizzaner - Caspian

Star

Equine Teacher

Proudly sponsored by: Dan & Alice Buser - Dandee Construction

I’m the other resident pony here at LyonHeart EAL and I am 16 years old.  I have some advantages over my equine cousins.  Ponies like me are usually stockier and stronger than horses.  We also have thicker manes and coats to help protect us from the cold.  This comes in handy during our cold Nebraska winters!

Like my fellow equine therapists, I’m also considered highly intelligent.  Although, at times, my owners have confused this with stubbornness.  I just had to go on record to correct them! My best friend is Misty.  I like to think I’m a miniature version of her.  Nuzzling and hugs are my favorite hobby!

Misty

Equine Teacher

Proudly sponsored by: Drew & Brittany Blessing

I am the lead mare in charge here at LyonHeart EAL.  When you come to visit, you’ll find me spending my days keeping everyone safe.  I’m also one of the original four-legged teachers - a donation from Mick Nelson & Angie Nelson.

At 23 years old, I have a lifetime of accumulated horse wisdom and innate leader instincts.  My natural color is black, but my mama was registered as a Paint.  Although I didn’t get the Paint coloring, I did inherit some great characteristics.  The Paint breed is known for its pleasant temperament and ability to adapt to owners of all experience levels.  This makes me a natural at the whole nurturing and empathy thing!

Heart of Bleau is my best buddy.