Horse Harbor Foundation

Our Mission

To rescue at-risk horses with no other options for survival and provide them with a safe and caring lifelong sanctuary. To provide a structured educational program that will allow young people to learn not only how to ride horses, but also teach their proper care and keep. One of the goals of this program is to make horses part of our member families’ lifestyles without the necessity of owning a horse. To provide community services to area horse owners that will improve their ability to properly care for their animals. To assist law enforcement officials in reducing equine neglect and cruelty in our region. To work at a local, state and national level to improve the general welfare of horses in our society.

What does a lesson look like?

The goal and benefits of equine therapies for individuals with disabilities again is multi-faceted.  This activity contributes positively to the cognitive, emotional, physical and social well-being of those who participate.  An integrated approach is used at HHF and utilizes the animals’ intelligence and spirit to communicate positive growth.  We believe that all children and youth with disabilities can be successful.  Sometimes that success may look a little different than others.  Perhaps the student finally overcame the difficult task of picking up a hoof. Another may have had a tough day at school, but was able to focus on the task at hand. 

Again, students are able to work at their own pace, as we strive to create individualized goal planning.  A typical lesson will contain several skill based segments.  On arrival to the barn, students will first see who they are riding and which team members they’ve been assigned.  Once they have their team, each student will be instructed to prepare their gear.  Saddles, pads, girths, and bridles are set up at their station and team members will assist them getting the horses.  Students will then learn to groom, provide health checks to the horse, tack up, and lead the horses to the covered riding arena. This process usually takes about 20 minutes and we provide as much assistance as needed. The lead instructor will perform a safety check to all the horses and prepares students to mount.  Once mounted, students will warm-up. A final girth check takes place and students spend the remainder of the lesson working on the overall class goal. The instructor takes time to work with each student, providing necessary corrections and praising a job well done.  All students in the therapeutic setting continue to work towards accomplishing the overall class goal according to his/her individualized goals.

We ask that student members wear long pants and close toed shoes.  The Foundation has the appropriate equipment for the horses and we do not require anyone to purchase special equipment.  Helmets are provided at the barn in a variety of sizes.  Bicycle helmets are not allowed.