Clean Out the Office (“Hawk”): A Heart Horse Story | Indiana Equine Photographer

Some horses come into our lives quietly. Others arrive in ways we could never forget.

For Hawk and his owner, Kim, their story started with one of the most unforgettable surprises imaginable.

Meet Hawk

Show Name: CleanOut the Office (Jockey Club Name)

Barn Name: Hawk

Breed: Thoroughbred

Color: Bay with a small white blaze on his forehead and a sweet little pink snip on his nose.

Age: Turning 11 on February 18

Hawk lives in Yorktown, where he is trained with Allison Whisler of Whisler Equine Services.

He was bred in Ohio at Fair Winds Farms. His dam was Honey Jay, and his bloodlines trace back to the well-known Thoroughbred Gulch. But while Hawk may have impressive racing lineage, his personality tells a very different story.

A Thoroughbred With a Surprisingly Quiet Soul

If you imagine a typical Thoroughbred, you might picture a high-energy horse with endless speed and sensitivity. Hawk, however, tends to surprise people.

Despite his breeding, he’s known around the barn for being calm, a little lazy, and incredibly people-oriented. He absolutely loves attention, pets, and treats.

He’s also known to be a bit stubborn from time to time—but his gentle nature makes him especially wonderful around children. He’s curious about them and always careful in how he interacts, making him a favorite visitor for young horse lovers.

And when it comes to snacks, Hawk has some strong opinions.

He’ll happily devour homemade cookies made by a fellow boarder—complete with molasses, honey, ground oats, and frosting. But apples and carrots? The classic horse treats most horses love?

Hawk spits them right out.

Instead, he has a soft spot for fruit roll-ups and Twizzlers.

The Surprise That Started It All

Hawk’s story with his owner began with a moment she’ll never forget.

Growing up, she always loved horses. Her godmother lived on a farm, and any chance she got, she was out in the barn—loving on the horses, sneaking them treats, and even singing to them.

But owning a horse of her own always felt like a distant dream.

Until one day, her husband made that dream come true. On June 23, 2018, she arrived at Hartmeyer Stables thinking something else entirely was happening. The setup made it seem like someone’s 4-H project was being presented. But then she noticed a card with a horse’s photo on it. Her name was written on the front. Inside the card were the words: “You are my Mommy now.”

Hawk had been delivered as a surprise gift.

She describes the moment perfectly: “I was like a little kid at Christmas.”

Hawk became her very first horse—and this year will mark seven years together.

A Wedding Day No One Will Forget

Of all the memories she’s made with Hawk, one stands above the rest.

When she got married, Hawk was right there with her.

She rode him down the aisle during her wedding ceremony, and he even wore a tuxedo for the occasion.

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect way to honor the horse who helped fulfill a lifelong dream.

The Peace Found in the Barn

Outside of special moments like weddings or horse shows, the time spent with Hawk is often much quieter. And that’s exactly what makes it meaningful. She describes barn time as her place of peace—a space where the noise of life fades away. As a wife, mother of three, and someone currently working toward a medical billing certificate, life can get busy and chaotic. But spending time with Hawk brings something grounding.

Whether she’s riding, grooming, or simply sitting with him in the barn, it’s where she feels most at home. And that’s the thing about heart horses. They become more than just animals we ride. They become a place we return to when we need stillness, comfort, or a reminder of who we are outside of everything else life demands.

Looking Ahead

While Hawk has picked up a few ribbons from fun shows, this year brings something new.

The pair plans to begin competing with the International Liberty Horse Association (ILHA), stepping into a new chapter together in the show ring.

But ribbons or not, the real accomplishment is the partnership they’ve built over the years.

A childhood dream turned reality.A surprise gift that became a life-changing bond.And a horse who continues to bring calm and joy into everyday life.

Because Every Heart Horse Has a Story

Behind every horse is a story worth telling.

Sometimes it’s about competition. Sometimes it’s about lifelong dreams finally coming true.

And sometimes it’s simply about the quiet relationship between a horse and the person who loves them.

Hawk’s story is a reminder that those moments—big and small—are the ones that matter most.

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Bethany Quinn is the photographer behind Bethany Quinn Equine Portrait.

We encourage you to grab a glass of wine or sparkling cider, hang out for a while, and check out what the journal has to offer!

Every horse leaves a mark on our lives, but every once in a while there’s one who becomes part of our story forever.

Your heart horse.

If you’ve ever wanted to preserve the connection you share with yours, I’d love to help you tell that story through photographs.

You can explore the Heart Horse Session experience here.