About Hearts:
MISSION STATEMENT
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center employs the power of the horse to enhance the capabilities of children and adults with special needs in the Tri-County area.
HISTORY
Hearts was established in 1985 with two lesson horses and a handful of students. For over 25 years, we have provided approximately 40,000 lesson hours to over 2,200 members of our community. Today we have 15 horses and serve 80 riders per week.
CREDENTIALS
Hearts is recognized by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) as a “premier center” -- the highest possible level of accreditation, demonstrating a superior level of adherence to national industry standards.
WHO WE SERVE
Every year approximately 125 clients ride at Hearts, ranging in age from 3 to 93, with disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, cancer, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, learning disabilities, Down syndrome, developmental delay, stroke, and fibromyalgia.
STAFF
In addition to our executive director and program director, we have a part-time staff of seven, including four instructors certified by PATH Intl. Our program director is one of only 50 PATH Intl. certified Advanced Level instructors in the state of California, and is also a national new instructor evaluator.
SESSIONS
Hearts provides lessons year-round, five days per week (Tuesday through Saturday).
BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC RIDING
- Increased balance, strength, and flexibility
- Increased ability to process information
- Independence and self-confidence
- Improved language and communication skills
- For movement-impaired disabilities, horseback riding mimics the human motion of walking in a way unreplicated by any equipment
- Increased quality of life -- it’s FUN!
REFERRALS
Students are referred by word of mouth and by private physicians and therapists, Alpha Resource Center, California Children's Services, Hillside House, and Cornerstone House.
GROWING DEMAND
Our ridership has more than tripled over the past four years, growing from 25 to 85 riders per week, and we continue to add new classes.
BUDGET
Our annual budget is $350,000. Less than one-third of our income comes from lesson fees; the rest is raised through private donations, grants, and fundraising.
VOLUNTEERS
Approximately 80 volunteers assist with lessons, facility maintenance, fundraising, and special events. The members of the Hearts Board of Directors are volunteers as well.
COMMUNITY
High school volunteers are able to fulfill mandatory SB County School District community service requirements at Hearts. We also provide a summer camp experience for disabled and able-bodied youth.
Trail riding up and down hills is good for developing core muscles and balance.
About Us
P.O. Box 30662, Santa Barbara, CA 93130 805.964.1519
