Hearts & Hooves is a 501(c)(3) non-profit riding center whose purpose is to provide a professional environment to serve persons with disabilities so that they might achieve increased self-confidence and improved life skills through teamwork with horse and staff. Equine assisted activities allows children and adults with disabilities to work with a horse and certified riding instructors, under the supervision of a licensed therapist, to improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. As you can imagine the benefits of this type of therapy can change a riders life physically and emotionally. Read below for some testimonials from our riders, their families, and some of our volunteers..

“I volunteered to photograph the Hearts & Hooves Hoedown. All my friends say I over-commit myself, but I want you to know what a great experience it was. What mad me the most joyful, and tearful, was t o watch the children light up when they mounted the horses.”
- George Pepper, volunteer, Rusted Pepper Studio

“I volunteer at Hearts & Hooves because it makes me smile the rest of the day!”
– Lori, volunteer

Nathanial’s whole demeanor changes when he is on the horse. He has a strong connection to the horse which allows him to become more relaxed. His ability to comprehend is enhanced because of the riding. After a session, we can have more in-depth discussions about abstract things.”
– Rebecca, parent

“When Jan first began with Hearts & Hooves she often did not sit up erect, slouching instead. Now she almost always sits erect. The program has helped her sense of balance and self-confidence.”
- Sandy, parent

“It is so awesome. I feel like a princess when I’m riding!”
- Laura, age 17, rider

“I like volunteering because the riders make me feel good about myself; they help me as much as I help them.”
- Patty, volunteer

“Adam’s hip alignment is so much better when he participates in hippotherapy. This is the longest we have ever gone without botox, and I truly think it is because of the horse’s movement while Adam is riding. …and the good thing is that this is recreation from his standpoint; due to his particular disabilities, he doesn’t have other extracurricular activities.”
– Robyn, parent

“I like it because it helps me and my hips. My therapist says reach for the rings and there are some other things she teaches me to do. I think all people need the opportunity to ride horses.”
- Sam, age 10, rider

“It helps her language skills, self esteem and self-confidence…and the results have been amazing. One example of the benefit is that we had been trying to teach her how to ride her bicycle for the past several summers. She came home one weekend and she just got on her bike on her own and just started riding. She had learned to hold her head up with good posture so that she could see where she was going. When she rides the horse, they tell her to hold her head up like a princess. I think balance and confidence is what made her get out there and ride that bike. Plus, no other family member knows how to ride a horse, so it gives her some bragging rights over her brother and her sister.”
– LeJean, parent

“Dear Mrs. Pat, I love your program! All of the people go to great lengths to make the miracles happen! I can see that you are covered in miracles and I am deeply touched by these miracles! --Your rider, Amanda…PS: I always look forward to our next riding lesson!”
- Amanda, age 13, rider