activities · 17
what they do
direct service · 13
- Community Outreach and Events Equine and Livestock Interactive ProgramsConducts outreach programs, including "Marvelous Minis" visits to senior living facilities and special needs classrooms, participates in community parades, and organizes equestrian events like "Brave Hearts" and "Have a Heart Barrel Race" to engage the community and raise support.
- Community Outreach with Miniature Horses Miniature Horse Visitation ProgramsConducts "Marvelous Minis" visits with miniature horses to senior living facilities and special needs classrooms to provide joy, connection, and comfort.
- Competition and Equestrian EventsOperates a Competition Team (formerly Special Olympics Equestrian Team) and hosts the annual "Brave Hearts" equestrian event and "Have a Heart Barrel Race" to support and honor veterans, active military, and first responders.
- Equestrian Competition Team Equine and Livestock Interactive ProgramsOperates a Special Olympic Equestrian Team, now known as the Competition Team, for riders to prepare for and participate in horse shows.
- Equestrian Events and ParadesHosts the "Brave Hearts" equestrian event for Veterans, Active Military, and First Responders, organizes the "Have a Heart Barrel Race," and participates in the Prescott Rodeo Parade.
- Equine Care and Management Equine Rescue and RehabilitationProvides specialized nutritional care, maintains clean stalls, and offers veterinary care for the horses used in therapeutic programs.
- Outreach and Community Engagement Programs Miniature Horse Visitation ProgramsConducts outreach through visits with miniature horses to senior living facilities and special needs classrooms (known as "Marvelous Minis"), as well as participation in community events like the Prescott Rodeo Parade to raise awareness of therapeutic riding.
- Recreational Programs for Able-Bodied Individuals Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship InstructionOffers recreational horsemanship opportunities to able-bodied individuals, expanding access to equine activities beyond therapeutic and outreach programs.
- Special Olympics and Competition Team Equine and Livestock Interactive ProgramsOperates a Special Olympics Equestrian Team, now referred to as the Competition Team, with riders preparing for horse shows.
- Specialized Equine Care and Facility ManagementManages the health and well-being of its horse herd through veterinary care, nutritional support, and stall maintenance, ensuring safe and effective participation of horses in therapeutic programs.
- Therapeutic Horsemanship Programs Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship InstructionProvides equine-assisted activities and therapeutic horsemanship to children and adults with disabilities, veterans, first responders, and seniors to improve confidence, independence, social skills, and emotional well-being. Programs are offered in structured five-week sessions throughout the year.
- Therapeutic Horsemanship Programs Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship InstructionProvides equine-assisted activities and therapeutic horsemanship programs for children and adults with disabilities, U.S. military Veterans, first responders, and seniors to support confidence, dignity, independence, and social skills.
- Therapeutic Horsemanship Programs Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship InstructionProvides equine-assisted activities and therapeutic horsemanship programs for children and adults with disabilities, U.S. military Veterans, first responders, and seniors to support confidence, dignity, independence, and social skills. These programs are offered in five-week sessions throughout the year.
capacity building · 4
- PATH International Accreditation and Program Development Accreditation & Certification ServicesMaintains Premier Accredited Center status with PATH International and supports program development, participant assessment, class assignments, registration, and mentoring of Instructors-in-Training.
- Volunteer Training and Capacity Building Volunteer Training & Support for Equine TherapyOffers various training programs for volunteers, including Safety Support Team (SST) training for therapeutic riding lessons, General Horse Handler Training, and Miniature Equine handler training, to ensure safe and effective program delivery.
- Volunteer Training and Program Capacity Building Volunteer Training & Support for Equine TherapyProvides comprehensive training for volunteers, including Safety Support Team (SST) training, General Horse Handler Training, Miniature Equine handler training, and instruction in safe mounting techniques, to support program delivery and instructor development.
- Volunteer Training and Support Volunteer Training & Support for Equine TherapyOffers Safety Support Team (SST) training, General Horse Handler Training, and Miniature Equine handler training for volunteers to assist in therapeutic riding lessons and program operations.
strategies · 17
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Animal-assisted outreach and emotional connection animal_assisted_therapyExtends therapeutic impact beyond riding programs by using miniature horse visits to senior living facilities and classrooms to generate joy, connection, and emotional breakthroughs.
- Client empowerment through experiential achievement empowermentUses accomplishments in the equestrian arena as a mechanism to build confidence and independence, aiming to foster holistic life success beyond the program setting.
- Community Engagement through Miniature Horse Visits animal_assisted_therapyThe organization extends its impact by utilizing miniature horse visits to senior living facilities and special needs classrooms, aiming to foster joy, connection, and emotional breakthroughs for participants.
- Community Engagement through Volunteerism volunteer_engagementThe organization leverages volunteers, including those with a passion for horses and experience with individuals with disabilities, to support riders and mentor new volunteers, thereby building a supportive community around its programs.
- Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Horsemanship equine_assisted_therapyThe organization uses the healing power of horses and therapeutic horsemanship, delivered by credentialed instructors and trained volunteers, to help individuals with disabilities, veterans, and first responders build confidence, independence, social skills, and achieve personal growth. This approach extends beyond the arena to foster success in life.
- Equine-assisted therapeutic model equine_assisted_therapyUses trained horses and credentialed instructors in therapeutic horsemanship and equine-assisted activities to improve confidence, independence, social skills, and emotional development for individuals with disabilities, Veterans, first responders, and others facing physical, social, or emotional challenges.
- Evidence-informed practice and professional standards evidence_based_practiceStrengthens program credibility and outcomes by pursuing professional certifications (e.g., PATH Int.) and emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative measurement of therapeutic impact.
- Long-term Leadership for Stability legacy_leadership_developmentThe organization aims to hire an Executive Director who will serve for an extended period to ensure long-term organizational stability and continuous achievement of its mission.
- Miniature Horse Outreach animal_assisted_therapyThe organization extends the benefits of animal-assisted therapy by bringing miniature horses to senior living facilities and special needs classrooms, fostering joy, connection, and emotional breakthroughs in these settings.
- Participant-Informed Governance experiential_therapyThe organization includes board members who are parents of program participants or individuals with disabilities themselves, ensuring that the program benefits from direct experiential understanding and feedback from those it serves.
- Participant-Informed Governance experiential_therapyThe organization includes board members who are parents of program participants or individuals with disabilities themselves, ensuring that the governance benefits from direct experience with the program's impact and the relationships with horses.
- Therapeutic Horsemanship for Personal Development therapeutic_horsemanshipHorses With HEART Inc. uses therapeutic horsemanship and equine-assisted activities, delivered by credentialed instructors and trained volunteers, to help individuals with disabilities, veterans, and first responders build confidence, independence, social skills, and foster personal growth and emotional development. The organization believes in the healing power of horses to support success in life beyond the arena.
- Tiered Sponsorship Model tiered_sponsorshipThe organization engages supporters at various giving levels through a tiered sponsorship model to secure financial resources for its programs.
- Tiered Sponsorship Model tiered_sponsorshipThe organization employs a tiered sponsorship model to engage supporters at various giving levels, facilitating financial contributions to sustain its programs.
- Tiered donor engagement model tiered_sponsorshipEngages supporters through a tiered sponsorship structure that allows for differentiated giving levels, enhancing donor participation and financial sustainability.
- Volunteer Engagement and Mentorship volunteer_engagementThe organization leverages volunteers, including those with a passion for horses and experience with individuals with disabilities, to support riders and mentor new volunteers, thereby building community capacity and program delivery.
- Volunteer and community-engaged delivery volunteer_engagementRelies on trained volunteers, including those with lived experience or a passion for horses, to support riders, mentor new volunteers, and strengthen program authenticity and sustainability.
named programs · 6
what they call their work
Brave Hearts Equestrian Event
Annual event honoring veterans, active military, and first responders through equestrian activities and community BBQ, fostering connection and healing
Competition Team
Mounted team program for experienced riders to develop advanced skills and participate in local horse shows, promoting confidence and achievement
Heart & Hoof Mercantile
On-site merchandise store selling branded items to generate earned revenue for programs and operations
Marvelous Minis Outreach
Visitation program where miniature horses and donkeys visit senior living facilities and special needs classrooms to provide joy, comfort, and emotional connection
Therapeutic Riding Program
Structured five-week sessions of therapeutic horsemanship for individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, led by PATH-certified instructors
Volunteer Training Programs
Regular training sessions for volunteers including horse handling, ramp mounting techniques, and safety procedures to support therapeutic classes
relationships · 21
who they work with
- CHA Partner — Staff hold CHA-IRD Instructor accreditation and are CHA Members.
- Chino Valley Equestrian Park (CVEP) Partner — Hosts the "Brave Hearts" equestrian event at their facility and provides camping and stalls.
- Clemson University Partner — Board President and his wife are heavily involved with Clemson University.
- Colorado State University Partner — A Director attended Veterinary School at this university.
- Grand Canyon University’s Ken Blanchard School of Business Partner — Jonathan King holds a Master’s degree in Leadership from this institution.
- Grand Canyon University’s Ken Blanchard School of Business Partner — Vice President holds a Master's degree from this institution.
- Granite Gate Assisted Living Partner — Received a visit from the "Marvelous Minis" program.
- Habitat for Humanity Partner — Board members are actively involved with Habitat for Humanity in addition to Horses with Heart programs.
- International Coaching Federation Partner — Jonathan King received his coaching certification from this organization.
- International Coaching Federation Partner — Vice President received his coaching certification from this organization.
- Kiwanis Partner — Board members are actively involved with Kiwanis in addition to Horses with Heart programs.
- M&S Painting Partner — Provided a fresh coat of paint for the office.
- Northern Arizona University Partner — Jonathan King serves as an adjunct professor in their Strategic and Transformational Leadership program.
- Northern Arizona University Partner — Vice President serves as an adjunct professor in their Strategic and Transformational Leadership program.
- PATH Int. Partner — Staff are pursuing or hold Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor accreditation from PATH Int.
- PATH International Network — Has certified instructors through PATH International and grew its PATH International Certified Instructor Team.
- PATH International Network — Horses With Heart is a Premier Accredited Center of PATH International.
- PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Partner — Accrediting body that designated Horses with Heart as a "Premier Accredited Center."
- Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce Partner — Voted Horses with Heart the non-profit of the year.
- Signature Leadership Partner — Jonathan King, Vice President of Horses with Heart, works with organizational leaders through his business, Signature Leadership.
- State of Arizona Government — Participates in the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Program as a qualifying charity.