Programs
Heroes & Horses
Horses with H.E.A.R.T. is rolling out their NARHA based program “Heroes & Horses” designed to improve the lives of our returning veterans who have suffered injury in the line of duty. The goal of the program is to help them and their families adjust to their post-service lives, given them a chance to grow and smile while exploring the bond between horse and humans.
Trudy Chapman-Radley, Director of Riding, for Horses with H.E.A.R.T. stated, ” I had a cousin Richard Hogarth, that was my age and died in the Vietnam War and my brother, Robert Tatton, served in the Air Force. I personally feel that war steals and destroys and here we have the opportunity to give back HOPE through our Equestrian program. When our riders succeed in our arena they can also succeed in the arena of life. I am doing this in their honor. We can’t say ”No” to our Heroes returning from war, they need our support and they must be accepted back into society and gain strength to face the future. At HwH we know horses and love can touch hearts and miracles happen. “
In Equine therapy, the dynamic movement of the horse works as a biofeedback mechanism by retraining the motor and cognitive systems for improved function, resulting in improved balance, muscle tone, posture, coordination, motor skills, speech and emotional well being as well as the fellowship and connection between the horse and the veteran.
Ann Marie Love, Veterans Administration Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist working with HwH on this project, states, “I’ve been longing to do this program for some time. The benefits are astounding with tremendous success for veterans with physical injuries and cognitive impairments as well. Our Veterans develop an increased social network, new skill sets and a myriad of opportunities. I’ve watched it work and it is exciting to bring this program to Northern Arizona in conjunction with the Veterans Administration. The VA and their agencies are selecting the veterans to participate in this program however we are also seeking veterans to volunteer to provide horse handling and moral support. We seek soldiers to help soldiers with
“no soldier left behind”. Heroes & Horses brings this philosophy to life!
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Special Olympics Equestrian Team
Our Special Olympics Equestrian Team provides equine sports training and competition horseback riding for those with intellectual disabilities. Horses with H.E.A.R.T. is associated with Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ). Our coaches are certified through their state office and we use their requirements/policies, forms and insurance. We have the largest S.O. Equestrian Team in the state. In 2008, we had seventeen riders participate in three horse shows. They are led by five certified coaches. Riders are not charged for weekly practice sessions or shows.
For more information about our team: history, coaches, 2009 schedule, please click here.
Click boot in photo to see the movie.
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Ranch Tours
Tours of the Ranch for schools or organizations are scheduled on Mondays for no charge. Students and people of all ages can learn about our mission and programs. A tailored tour can include a horse experience, such as grooming, leading or riding. This year, in lieu of Ranch Tours, Horses with H.E.A.R.T. will visit schools and organizations upon request and provide a fun, educational presentation about how therapeutic horses help change the lives of those with special needs. Our instructors and costumed Horse Mascot have already visited eight schools to date and 187 special needs children!
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Summer Horse Experiences
They are called “horse experiences” because sometimes for whatever reason, the participant is not ready to ride. Our specialized equipment and trained instructors can help almost anyone ride if they are willing. We partner with the following organizations:
- Special Touch Ministries, Inc. is a national nonprofit committed to serving the concerns of people with disabilities (www.specialtouch.org). Their Summer Get Away Program is held annually the first week of June in Prescott. Horses with H.E.A.R.T. brings our horses, instructors and volunteers to provide opportunities to ride or interact for over 40 participants with disabilities. We bring our portable ramps, customized saddles and helmets covered by cowboy hats!
- Camp Opportunity International is a national nonprofit that offers a unique camping experience to foster children who were victims of child abuse. Their Counselors say that time at the ranch is the highlight of their camp! Camp Opportunity visits once a year for 4 hours, bringing about 20 participants.
- Happy Trails Horse Experience is two sessions of three days each in July for children and adults with disabilities offered jointly by the Prescott Parks & Recreation Department and Horses with H.E.A.R.T. For 3 hours each day, the special needs attendees learn all about horse care, equipment, grooming/handling and basic riding.
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Happy Hearts Rodeo
The Happy Hearts Rodeo is held annually in conjunction with the “Prescott Frontier Days – World’s Oldest Rodeo”. This event is for 25 children with special needs who would like to experience rodeo events. We bring our horses, instructors and volunteers to the Rodeo grounds. The participants have the opportunity to ride our horses in the arena as well as rope the “steer”, tie the goat’s tail and ride Wooly Bully.
Please CLICK HERE to view a short video showing pictures from the 2010 Happy Hearts Rodeo.
