HEARTS THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER

We empower residents of Santa Barbara County who have physical, cognitive, or psychological challenges due to injury, age, illness, or disability. Therapeutic horseback riding significantly improves the physical and cognitive capacities, relationships, self-esteem and overall health of these individuals, while enhancing their enjoyment of life.

Hearts uses the power of the horse to enhance the capabilities and quality of life for children and adults with special needs. The movement of a horse stimulates the body and works the muscles of the rider in a manner similar to the human stride. This motion cannot be duplicated by machines or in physical therapy. Examples of the unique classes we offer and which have proven to be incredibly successful are a program for veterans with PTSD, and a collaboration with the Braille Institute to provide classes for people with impaired vision.

Weekly lessons are individually designed to capitalize upon a rider's capabilities while improving areas of impairment. For physically challenged riders, therapeutic results include an increased ability to sit, stand or walk unassisted as well as improved coordination, flexibility, circulation, and general health. Riders with mental challenges improve in attention span, ability to follow directions, communication skills, and a greater ability to process auditory and visual information. Those with emotional disturbances demonstrate better control of their emotions and behavior, improved relationships, and greater self esteem. Horseback riding is an exhilarating and motivating experience that enhances our riders' overall happiness, health and quality of life. In addition to our weekly lesson program, we conduct an annual student horse show, offer summer horse camps that integrate able-bodied children and those with disabilities.

Founded in 1985, Hearts has been providing therapeutic horseback riding and horsemanship activities to disabled individuals aged 4-90 for over 33 years. We are recognized by the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH) as a “Premier" facility, the highest level, with superb adherence to PATH's strict safety, administrative and program guidelines. We have an extensive volunteer program and are committed to humane treatment and excellent care of equines who may be longer useful to professional riders, but are healthy and able to maintain productive lives as therapeutic horses.

Hearts has provided over 7500 hours of lessons over the years. We have steadily grown over the last 5 years from 42 to 93 weekly riders and participants. In addition to benefiting more members of the community, our plans for expansion are designed to increase ongoing revenue streams. While increasing the number of people we serve has resulted in increased lesson revenues, these fees cover only 33% of the actual cost of our services. Our overhead expenses continue to increase as we grow, primarily for instructor salaries and horse care expenses. Additionally, our growing services have created the need for additional horses and equipment.

Capital campaign planning is underway to build a new facility at an adjacent location on County of Santa Barbara land. The County has been extremely generous in its lease terms as they value our program's role in the community. Increasing our revenue stream will help in long-term sustainability for this vital service for Santa Barbara County residents.