HARTH FOUNDATION
Healing and Recovery Through Horses
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
HARTH Foundation recognizes and values the healing relationship between people and animals. We, along with our therapy horses, volunteers, and community partners, strive to bring that healing to as many Central Texans as possible, through a variety of equine assisted activities and therapy (EAAT) programs. Situated among the natural beauty of the Highland Lakes, HARTH's mission is to enhance the health of people and our community through relationships with horses. HARTH serves those with a variety of physical, emotional and mental challenges through our PATH International certified therapeutic riding program, and through our EAL (equine assisted learning) programs. HARTH also offers healing programs for veterans, military, and their families to improve mental health, social well-being, and quality of life.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Horsemanship I and II
The purpose of this course is to assist in regulating social skills and mental well-being through an activity based relationship with a horse which include studying the proper management, care, and handling of a horse. Topics will include horse behavior, basic groundwork, haltering, leading, horse behaviors, proper lounging techniques, basic horse anatomy, basic pressure techniques, lameness and judging. These activities are organized to help clients in areas of assertiveness, relationships, trust, patience, communication, body language, confidence, and overall emotional regulation. Participants’ emphasis will be on hands on participation. Participants will have adequate time to apply these principles to a horse and are given opportunities to reflect on how these principles apply to their life. Goals will be set and participants will work to reach these goals
Life is Stressful - Ride a Horse!
These days it seems like everyone can use a little "stress-release"! Studies have shown that there is an increase in mental health challenges and a lack of outlets. Studies have shown that riding a horse is a great way to relieve some of that stress and improve your overall outlook! These classes are taught by a PATH certified instructor and are all scheduled by appointment only.
Therapeutic Riding - Equine Assisted Services (EAS)
Whether it's a five-year-old with Down syndrome, a 45-year-old recovering from an injury, a senior citizen recovering from a stroke or a teenager struggling with depression, research shows that individuals of all ages who participate in equine assisted activities can experience physical and emotional rewards. HARTH is a PATH International Member Center and all of HARTH’s therapeutic programs are taught by a certified PATH instructor. PATH stands for Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship and is one of the most respected certifications in the industry, and PATH standards ensure that the member center adheres to some of the highest safety and ethical standards in the industry for both clients and horses.
BITS (Back In The Saddle)
HARTH BITS (Back In The Saddle) program is open to veterans (and their family members) who are currently experiencing any symptoms of PTSD (depression, anxiety, anger, sleep issues, etc.). This is a 6-week program that combines equine groundwork and riding to help alleviate symptoms and help clients to get “Back in the Saddle” of life. All sessions are taught by a PATH certified instructor.
Where we work
Affiliations & memberships
PATH International Member Center 2019
External reviews

Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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HARTH FOUNDATION
Board of directorsas of 03/07/2022
Sherry Atherton
Dr. Stephani Smith
PAST Counseling and Wellness
Term: 2017 - 2018
Howard Morrison
Texas Education Agency, Austin, TX
Jennifer Banton
Susan Henson, DMD
Lori Greco
Army, Retired
Board leadership practices
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? No -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? No -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No