Courageous Hearts

Because healing should never depend on someone’s ability to pay.

For more than 13 years, Courageous Hearts has been providing equine-assisted mental health services to our community — serving an average of 500 participants each year. And every year, the calls increase. More veterans. More children. More families are looking for hope in a different way.

A Veteran’s Story
One veteran arrived carrying years of invisible weight. His body was tight, his movements guarded, his nervous system always on alert. Words had never felt like enough.

Then he stood beside a quiet horse — close enough to feel the warmth, to hear the slow, steady breathing. Something began to soften. His shoulders lowered. His breath deepened. The horse didn’t ask questions. It didn’t judge. It simply stood — grounded and present.

After a few sessions, he said, “I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I felt calm.”
For the first time in years, his body remembered what safety felt like.

A Child’s Story
A young boy came to us, overwhelmed by strong emotions that often led to big reactions. He met not one, but two donkeys — sensitive, honest, and incredibly attuned.

When he rushed in with loud energy, they stepped away. When he slowed down, softened his voice, and took a breath, they stayed.

With gentle guidance, he made a powerful connection: My energy matters. My choices affect others.

Those two donkeys helped him see what lectures never could. And slowly, he began practicing new ways of responding — not just in the arena, but at home and at school.

Why It Matters
Equine healing works because equines feel what we feel. They respond to our nervous systems, not our words. They teach regulation, connection, confidence, and accountability — from the inside out.

We are raising money so that every person seeking alternative healing with horses can access these services — regardless of income.

The need is growing. The impact is real.
With your support, healing stays within reach.