Nadia Heffner & Grace the American Mustang
Double H Horse Farm
West Point, Indiana

There’s something awe-inspiring about the way some horsewomen seem to connect so easily to the horses they work with. Nadia is definitely one such trainer, but the bond she shares with Grace, a formerly wild mustang, is next-level.

These images were captured for a feature story on Nadia’s training—and how one particular maneuver has helped her help those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to ride—in the January/February 2021 issue of Horse Illustrated.

I’ve admired Nadia’s talent since I was in high school, but getting to watch her now, working with Grace so easily while bareback and bridleless, truly took my breath away. You can tell how much Grace loves her job, too—just look at those happy, listening ears throughout!