Zara is 6 years old and rode at HHR on Stu for 1 year. This past year has been one of the most transformative years for her. Zara was born in Dublin, Ireland where less than 24 hours after her birth she was diagnosed with a cleft palate. At 3 weeks old we moved to Belgium where a craniofacial surgeon would repair Zara’s cleft. At 6 months old we moved to Amsterdam for better medical resources & at 8 months old Zara started having her first seizures. At 11 months old Zara was diagnosed with SCN8A epilepsy which would later be the root cause of her cerebral palsy, global developmental delays, & significant muscle planning challenges. At 1 & 2 years old Zara could barely sit up on her own, was non-verbal, and could not walk or stand independently. We researched schools, medical care, and therapies and found the best of all 3 in Austin. Immediately after moving, we joined the waitlist for HHR during Covid! After 2 years of waiting, we were assigned a Sunday morning spot! Zara woke up Sunday mornings and can barely contain her excitement. Throughout the week, she even saved her school snacks for Stu – Who would’ve thought that horses like tomatoes?! Over the course of Zara’s life she was told she would never walk, talk, or toilet train, she was judged and kicked out of schools and daycares because she was too much work. At HHR, Zara has not only been accepted but she has been challenged to achieve all of those things and more. Zara is verbal, in fact, she is trilingual. She CAN walk. She is a social diva who loves to dance, sing and make jokes. Most importantly, she has learned self-care skills through the core strength she has built riding Stu which is life-changing for her future and the independence she now has. The instructors are the heartbeat of HHR. They have not only changed Zara’s life but our life as Mom and Dad too. Thank you Stu, Rebekah, Jade, Alex, and Patty for the memorable & transformative time at HHR. What HHR does, is nothing short of magical.

Shabreen & Koen D’Hoore

Healing with Horses Ranch is my heart’s sanctuary! The love and care they give to both horses and people create a powerful community. Volunteering here lets me bond with these majestic creatures, especially Hercules, who’s healed my heart in ways words can’t describe. Forever grateful for this transformative experience! Healing with Horses Ranch has been a true blessing in my life! The care they give to the horses and everyone involved creates a special and supportive community. As a Marine Corps combat Veteran, being a part of the Veterans program at Healing with Horses Ranch has been an experience like no other. Each horse, like every Veteran, requires a unique approach. Getting to know Hercules, one of the amazing horses, has been incredibly healing for my heart. The kindness and compassion I’ve seen at the ranch have left a lasting impact on me. It’s a place where both people and horses find comfort and strength. I’m so grateful for Healing with Horses Ranch and the positive changes it has brought to my life. It’s truly a place of healing and transformation.

Jennifer Gonzalez, USMC

The Unbridled Warriors for Veterans program has offered hope and support for U.S. veterans and first responders. While each individual’s journey through life takes on many challenges.  The Unbridled Warriors Program offered by Healing With Horses ranch is a great way to learn about yourself and make an unbreakable bond with horses. And a Donkey named Sweet Pea. While each person’s reasons, purposes and motivations for coming to the program may all have their unique reasons. Patty D’Andrea and John who are the major role players in this extraordinary equine therapy program. Through my own experience, from the very first day, my life has been filled with a new passion. Patty is very passionate and extremely supportive in that her heart is the path that gives lives new purposes! Life at times may take a spin to a dark place, no matter how deep and dark it may get, you deserve to experience life as you should! Through this program, I have found that my heart is in the right place and it’s because of this program, Patty and her love to see others live a better quality of life, I am grateful for what she placed over 50 years into, and her dedication to saving lives. My special thanks is Belle, from day 1 she taught me more about myself then I imagined. There is always hope, and this program is here for you. Come visit, and I know you’ll be grateful you did. Semper Fi!

Johnny Haggerty

I feel like Ms. Sheri teaches really good. When I was nervous when I first came there, she helped me get more used to it. I got on one of the biggest horses. I was very scared but I did it. I think that she’s a very good teacher. I’ve learned – they treat their horses nice at Healing with Horses. Like cowboys yeet up the reins to make their horses go. But at Healing with Horses I’ve learned that gently squeezing the horse with your legs is kind. I’ve learned how to guide a horse that way. And I think that’s the same for people too. I feel much better about learning new things than I did when I first started. I like taking on challenges. It makes your body grow, after all. It makes your brain grow. The instructors are so nice and they let you go in the river. I like riding my horse into the water in the summer.  

Levi Swanson

To whom it may concern, I wanted to let you know that Paige enjoyed her time at the Healing with Horses program. The staff was very helpful and willing to help us in any way. When we needed an interpreter one was found for us and they were also very nice and helpful. We believe this did impact Paige as the staff knows she can be very adamant about things. This is a wonderful program and an opportunity we would not have been able to afford for our daughter. We can not say enough things about the staff and the program. Thank you again for this opportunity.

Elizabeth & James Edge

Healing for Horses is a great place for special needs kids and everyone else. My son Gerardo enjoys going there every other week. He enjoys having therapy on a horse.  He’s learned a lot. He enjoys riding the horse, being able to let them know how to maneuver around, turn and stop. He enjoys bathing the horses, especially being able to get wet while doing that. Horse therapy has really helped him coordinate, balance, get stronger and not be afraid of horses and other animals. When people ask him if he likes going to horse therapy, he tells them I love it. He makes sure to remind me that he has therapy on Tuesdays. He loves seeing everyone there, but enjoys being with Maggie, Anna, and Matt when he’s there. I’m so blessed my son goes to Healing with Horses. I thank them for everything they’ve done for my son. A big thank you to all the staff! God bless Thank you.

Mayra Reyes

I can’t say enough about how much I love HHR. Both as a volunteer and participant in the Unbridled Warriors program I have enjoyed every minute I have spent at the ranch. The horses and the people make it the special place that it is. I have learned so much not only about how to assist students, ride, and take care of horses but also about myself. People in my life can tell when I’ve just come from the ranch because I seem to come away with a joy that radiates from my pores.

Brittni Carlsen

Healing with Horses Ranch and observing my daughter’s interaction with the horses has built her confidence, a higher sense of self worth and an emotional connection with the horses. It’s truly amazing to see the bond. I would recommend HHR to anyone that needs therapy and loves horses as my daughter does to participate in Equine therapy here. I feel it’s more than just riding it’s learning to know your feelings and be in tune with another animal all while learning your strengths and weaknesses. Thanks from a proud mom & supporter of Charizma at HHR.

My name is Charizma. Healing with Horses has helped me become more confident within myself and be positive in life. Also being here with the horses inspired me to be there for others when needed and having hope about everything I accomplish.

Capriesha & Charizma Whitley

My daughter, like so many other children, took a confidence blow as a result of the pandemic. She started to doubt herself more, gave up easily, and seemed wracked with fear. I felt it important to connect her to something that would help grow her resilience and confidence, so when an opening became available at Healing with Horses I jumped at the opportunity. I can say with confidence the experience has positively impacted her in all the ways I was hoping it would and then some.

My time at Healing with Horses has made me more confident. I can do things that I probably wouldn’t have done before I started working with the horses – like standing up on the horse and riding the roller coasters at Orlando. My favorite horses to work with are Avalon, Caesar, and Hercules. Some of my favorite experiences there were meeting the horses and seeing their personalities, what they like and just who they are.

Christa & I’le Coker

We were at Healing with Horses since January 2023 and enjoyed every minute of it. Halo has grown more confident and brave with his time with you all. He is also excited to see Angel or Stu whenever we go and enjoys learning more about them and respecting their needs. Sheri is an amazing person and so patient and good with Halo. I appreciate her teaching him how to be safe and responsible around Stu and Angel… Halo has benefited so much from these lessons and I can’t wait to see more growth from him. I cannot thank you all enough.

Celeste Juarez