Lovingly referred to as "1,000-pound therapists," Hearts' herd plays an influential role in Hearts' therapeutic work. Whether being ridden or participating in groundwork, horses have a way of connecting with participants that makes the individual feel GOOD.

Hearts' 16 equine partners have the extraordinary responsibility of providing a safe and stable environment where participants can build strength, mobility, and flexibility: often where other more traditional therapies have proven unsuccessful. Participants also feel empowered and have greater self-esteem after working with horses.

So, why horses? 


Horses move in the three-dimensional gate, similar to that of humans.

The complex act of riding a horse produces significant improvements in core/trunk strength, alignment, balance, stamina, and mobility that cannot be achieved by other therapeutic means.


Horses are herd and prey animals.

By nature, horses are keen observers and can detect the slightest change in energy. Horses are vigilant and sensitive to movement and emotions. They are also social beings. How horses communicate with one another can be translated into non-verbal human interactions.


Horses are non-judgmental and unbiased.

Sharing your feelings can be difficult and uncomfortable. Horses provide a safe space to share and will only respond to your behavior and emotions at that time with no threat of bias. Horses allow us to be vulnerable and our true, authentic selves.
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Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center | (805) 964-1519 | info@heartsriding.org | www.heartsriding.org