Honoring Belle's Legacy
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved therapy horse, Belle.
For 4.5 years, Belle was a cherished member of the STEPS With Horses herd, bringing her gentle spirit, steady presence, and welcoming nature to everyone who had the privilege of meeting her. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen and accepted — often being one of the first horses to greet someone new entering the pasture.
Belle joined STEPS as an equine partner in our Equine Assisted Counseling program, where she quickly became a favorite among clients, staff, volunteers, and visitors. She had an incredible ability to connect with people exactly where they were, offering comfort, curiosity, and companionship without judgment.
Throughout her time with us, Belle touched the lives of more than 1,000 people. She stood alongside clients as they worked through difficult moments, celebrated milestones, found their voices, and experienced the healing power of the human-animal bond. Her quiet presence provided reassurance, connection, and moments of joy for so many people who needed it.
Belle’s kindness extended beyond her work with clients. She was a welcoming presence within our herd and our community, always ready to meet a new person, investigate a visitor, or simply stand nearby offering her calm and steady energy. She reminded us that healing does not always come through words — sometimes it comes through the simple experience of being accepted and understood.
We are incredibly grateful to Thomas Foundation Second Chance Horse Rescue for rescuing Belle and sharing her with us. Because of their compassion and dedication, Belle was given the opportunity to continue her journey as a therapy horse and impact countless lives through her time at STEPS.
Belle’s legacy will live on through every person who felt her kindness, every client who found comfort in her presence, and every member of our community who was touched by her gentle spirit. She represented the very heart of what makes equine-assisted counseling so powerful — the ability of horses to create connection, build trust, and help people heal.
In tribute to Belle’s lasting impact, we are establishing the Belle Emergency Care Fund. This fund will help ensure that our equine partners have access to the urgent care they need when unexpected medical challenges arise, allowing us to continue providing the highest standard of care to the horses who dedicate themselves to helping others.
Thank you to everyone who loved Belle, supported her, and celebrated her life. Her hoofprints are woven into the story of STEPS With Horses, and her legacy of connection and compassion will continue to inspire our work for years to come.
Run free, sweet Belle. You were deeply loved and will be missed beyond words.
For 4.5 years, Belle was a cherished member of the STEPS With Horses herd, bringing her gentle spirit, steady presence, and welcoming nature to everyone who had the privilege of meeting her. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen and accepted — often being one of the first horses to greet someone new entering the pasture.
Belle joined STEPS as an equine partner in our Equine Assisted Counseling program, where she quickly became a favorite among clients, staff, volunteers, and visitors. She had an incredible ability to connect with people exactly where they were, offering comfort, curiosity, and companionship without judgment.
Throughout her time with us, Belle touched the lives of more than 1,000 people. She stood alongside clients as they worked through difficult moments, celebrated milestones, found their voices, and experienced the healing power of the human-animal bond. Her quiet presence provided reassurance, connection, and moments of joy for so many people who needed it.
Belle’s kindness extended beyond her work with clients. She was a welcoming presence within our herd and our community, always ready to meet a new person, investigate a visitor, or simply stand nearby offering her calm and steady energy. She reminded us that healing does not always come through words — sometimes it comes through the simple experience of being accepted and understood.
We are incredibly grateful to Thomas Foundation Second Chance Horse Rescue for rescuing Belle and sharing her with us. Because of their compassion and dedication, Belle was given the opportunity to continue her journey as a therapy horse and impact countless lives through her time at STEPS.
Belle’s legacy will live on through every person who felt her kindness, every client who found comfort in her presence, and every member of our community who was touched by her gentle spirit. She represented the very heart of what makes equine-assisted counseling so powerful — the ability of horses to create connection, build trust, and help people heal.
In tribute to Belle’s lasting impact, we are establishing the Belle Emergency Care Fund. This fund will help ensure that our equine partners have access to the urgent care they need when unexpected medical challenges arise, allowing us to continue providing the highest standard of care to the horses who dedicate themselves to helping others.
Thank you to everyone who loved Belle, supported her, and celebrated her life. Her hoofprints are woven into the story of STEPS With Horses, and her legacy of connection and compassion will continue to inspire our work for years to come.
Run free, sweet Belle. You were deeply loved and will be missed beyond words.
