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Our Mission
To promote the physical and emotional development of people of all ages and abilities through safe, therapeutic, outdoor experiences.
In riding a horse, we borrow freedom.
- Helen Thompson -
To ensure the safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff, we have implemented COVID-19 procedures according to state guidelines.
These classes continue
to be on hold
for health and safety
reasons during
COVID-19 precautions period.
This non-riding horse experience helps participants learn about healthy relationships and leadership skills while working with horses from the ground.
What we hear from our volunteers:
'This is a life-changing experience'
Drop by for one of our classes and find out why!
Your donations provide scholarships to participants in need and help us care for our beautiful horses.
Every dollar helps!
Thanks to our Community Donors!
Hello to you from Courageous Connections! After a long and wet winter, we are all finally starting to see and feel the onset of spring! We are very grateful to say that our Equine Encounters program has been growing strong ever since we were able to resume classes back in September. I wanted to take a minute to explain what this program is and does since a frequent question we are asked is ‘what do you guys do if your participants don’t ride?’.
Throughout history, there has been scientific (and of course anecdotal) evidence to support the belief that horses have an almost magical effect on humans. It isn’t really surprising when you consider the fact that horses can hear a human heartbeat from four feet away. A human’s heartbeat will actually sync to the gentle, easy rhythm of a resting horse’s heartbeat. All just by being NEAR a horse! The emotional and mental health benefits are profound when people interact directly with a horse. Each Equine Encounters participant performs a series of exercises with a horse (from the ground) that promotes a life skill they wish to cultivate. Examples include; self-regulating emotions, increase confidence and self-esteem, promote healthy personal boundaries and relieve anxiety.
Read the full message from our president below: