Hooves and Paws for a Cause/Horses for a Better World

What do we do at Horses for a Better World you might ask? Well we help people regenerate, de-stress, disconnect, build confidence and, of course, heal with horses. We help first responders, health care workers, community volunteers, teachers and children who are experiencing some troubling issues . We believe horses can help change people's lives for the better.

A little girl whose parents were divorcing felt as if her life was turned upside down. She was not confiding in anyone about how she was feeling about what was happening in her life. Her mother brought her to Horses For a Better World and things began to change. While grooming and connecting with one of our staff members she began to speak about how she was feeling about what was happening in her life. That's right she opened up about her feelings to Fancee, one of our "equine" facilitators. Her parents began to see a change for the better in their daughter. She began smiling again and seemed to find her joy again. That's the power of horses to help humans heal.

An adult who has experienced a great deal of stress, due to some rather daunting changes in life, comes to Horses For a Better World in hopes of finding some clarity, confidence and peace. She spent several weeks attending our Healing with Horses program. Connecting with horses can help release positive neurotransmitters which trigger oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine which help promote happiness while reducing anxiety and stress. This is all done through grooming and ground work with equine staff members. After a few sessions she didn't feel so overwhelmed and stressed. Why? Because she spent time with one of our equine facilitators. Horses just listen without judgement and help people.

Everyone involved with Horses for a Better World, from staff members to volunteers and board members, believes horses can make a difference in people's lives. For all of us, Horses for a Better World is a " passion project". We feel there is a need in our community for our services. Like those we serve, Horses for a Better World has experienced some issues, but we know with the help of our community we can overcome those issues. This is why we are fundraising: to make repairs to our arena (due to a storm with damaging high winds), purchase a new round pen for our programs and to be able to have our barn/pasture area mowed/brush hogged.