Honoring Keyman's Legacy
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved therapy horse, Keyman. Born Karas Kiyara, meaning "the best," Keyman lived up to his name in every way. As the great-great-grandson of the legendary Black Stallion, Keyman carried a legacy of strength, resilience, and connection, qualities he shared generously with everyone he met.
Keyman’s journey brought him to STEPS with Horses in 2021, where he quickly became an integral part of our Equine Assisted Counseling program. Before joining our herd, Keyman had spent his life with a loving family, offering comfort and insight to humans through equine assisted counseling—a path he continued with us. When his longtime horse companion passed away, his humans knew he would thrive best among friends and brought him to us, where he formed a profound bond with Starbuck, his steadfast companion and friend.
Sensitive and deeply attuned, Keyman possessed a remarkable ability to help clients connect with their own emotions. His calm presence invited others to listen to their bodies, become aware of their feelings, and find healing in subtle yet powerful ways. Keyman even showed clients how he managed his own worries and uncertainties, offering a quiet example of courage that inspired them to face their own challenges.
Keyman’s legacy is woven into the lives of countless clients, volunteers, and staff. Through his intuitive nature and gentle soul, he demonstrated the incredible impact of the human-animal bond. The oxytocin released when humans interacted with him, the calmness he inspired, and the emotional insights he unlocked were truly therapeutic gifts that many will carry forward.
He was "the best" in every sense and will be dearly missed. To everyone who had the privilege of connecting with him, Keyman’s legacy will remain an enduring reminder of the profound healing that horses can bring.
In tribute to his lasting impact, we are renaming our Equine Care Fund in Keyman's honor. The Keyman Equine Care Fund will continue his legacy of compassion by supporting the care of our therapy horses, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive and provide the healing presence that Keyman embodied so beautifully.
To everyone who shared in Keyman’s journey, thank you for helping us celebrate his life and his lasting impact. His spirit will forever be part of the STEPS With Horses family, and his memory will continue to inspire the healing work he so deeply believed in.
