Team Heidi and Joy!

Welcome to Team Heidi and Joy!  Heidi and Joy live at Taco Bella Farm, one of the farms that supports PBJ Connections.  They are mother and daughter.   

Heidi is the Mother Horse.  As a gentle Percheron giant, she spent her previous life having foals.  She has a quiet, powerful presence that cannot be ignored.  Heidi is Joy’s mother.  She is also a half-sister to her Isabella, her Taco Bella predecessor, for whom the farm is named.

From Heidi, "I am very observant, because someone has to keep an eye on things around here.  I can feel people’s intentions and I like to help them realize what those are.  People like to spend time with me because I’m calm and  living in the present moment."

"When I first met Heidi, I was immediately drawn into her circle.  Her strength, warmth, and gentleness enveloped me, and made me feel safe and empowered.  I noticed her eyes - deep wells - her strong jaw, her beautiful black coat and mane, her enormous hooves...  She welcomed me without hesitation."

PBJ Connections Volunteer

Joy came to Taco Bella as a very young horse, along with her mother Heidi.  She is now 5 years old and has not only grown physically by leaps and bounds, but also continues to grow mentally and emotionally.  

From Joy, "I love learning about new things! I especially like to check to see if people care if I push them around a little bit, because I love to be the boss. I think it’s okay though, because most people need to practice setting healthy boundaries anyway. I was a wee baby when I arrived here, and now that I’m almost grown up I look so much like my mom, Heidi, that people have trouble telling us apart."

"Joy is so curious about everything.  She loves learning, and especially seems to love playing games.  One time during the winter, Joy approached me and began eating snow out of my hand, happily enjoying this new experience.  Another time, she followed a client through a maze that he had built."  

PBJ Connections Equine Specialist