The Hoofbeat Newsletter

September 22nd marked the Autumn Equinox, and with that, the transition into a period of transformation. In many ways, fall represents the end of things: summer is over, and days become shorter. But it can also signal new beginnings. 

Hearts continues to remain closed for its facility move. We aim to have lessons back up and running by the beginning of October. 

We want to welcome Murray Neale to the Hearts staff! Murray joins Hearts as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor and will be teaching on Friday afternoons. 

Summer Camp at Hearts offers a safe and integrated horse and ranch experience for children ages 6-10, with or without special needs. General registration runs through Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation. This year, all of Hearts' camp sessions sold out in 2 hours!

The month of May is Mental Health Month. Each year, the National Association of Mental Health releases a theme addressing the country's mental health issues. "Tools 2 Thrive" is this year's theme, chosen to recognize the anxiety shared by most people regarding our world pandemic.

These success stories represent just a few of the many inspiring transformations that Hearts is lucky to witness every day. We want to ensure that we can continue providing these life-changing programs in the future, and to do that, we need your help.

Animal assisted therapy (AAT), including the use of equines, can significantly improve the social behaviour and communication skills of patients suffering from brain injuries, a study has found.

Kiz Richter is joining Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center as the new volunteer coordinator. Our current volunteer program manager, Sarah, is moving out of the area. Sarah has done some fantastic work here at Hearts, and we wish her all the best on her new adventures!

Howdy All, I want to say thank you to our donors (individual and corporate), our grantors, our volunteers, and staff that together made it possible for Hearts to ride out the pandemic in 2020 and give us a healthy start to 2021.

On behalf of the staff and herd of Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center, THANK YOU for the outpouring of support we have received this year. While this year was not short of challenges, Hearts remains open and active because of you.