Articles by author: Morgan Kastenek

$2.5 million grant from the National Institute Of Child Health & Human Development, will fund a randomized 5-year-study to look into the physiology of why therapeutic horseback riding produces such positive results in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

What a remarkable year it's been at the Hearts ranch. We are happy to report that we are closing out 2019 with a herd of 18 healthy horses, and a united team of dedicated volunteers and staff. Our participants continue to amaze us with their progress towards functional ambulation, improved speech, and non-verbal communication.

Our collective accomplishments would not have been possible without your donation of time and resources. Please accept a sincere thank you from the Hearts staff and board of directors. Your generosity of spirit continues to inspire us as we forge ahead into the new year.

With Thanksgiving only a few days away, the staff at Hearts is reflecting upon our many blessings. We are grateful for our herd of 18 specially trained horses, for our enthusiastic participants and our kindhearted donors. It seems an impossible endeavor, but we must also try to express the extent of our gratitude for our invaluable volunteers. Without our 110 dedicated volunteers, Hearts lessons would not be possible. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds but they share a common thread, their devotion to the participants and horses at Hearts.

Mark Z. was born in Buffalo, New York. He moved to Santa Barbara to attend the Pacifica Graduate Institute after completing four years of service in the United States Marine Corps, including two tours of duty in Iraq. While interning at Hospice of Santa Barbara, he learned about Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Mark was grappling with chronic back pain related to an injury he sustained while in the service. He was hesitant to engage in physical activities for fear of exacerbating his injury, and this was affecting his overall quality of life.

This year instead of the Pegasus Luncheon at the Coral Casino, we've partnered with NIGHTOUT to create an online Pegasus Drive.

Luciano came to Hearts during the summer of 2017. His parents hoped he might develop his fine motor skills as well as core strength and balance. One of Luciano's personal goals was to grow strong enough to ride a bicycle.