Welcome to our very first newsletter! Whether you're new to our circle or a longtime friend of the barn, we’re so glad you’re here.
At Helping Hands Horse Rescue and Equine Therapy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in rural Newberg, Oregon, we believe deeply in the healing power of horses — and we’re committed to sharing it with everyone who seeks it.
💫Our Vision
At the Sanctuary, we dream of a world where everyone has access to the transformative connection that comes from being with horses. If you’ve ever stood quietly beside a horse, you already know: they see us. They sense what we carry. And they meet us with empathy and presence.
🐴Our Mission
We use the natural intuition and emotional sensitivity of horses to help people reach their full potential — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Whether someone is navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, or simply seeking clarity, our sessions offer a calm, non-judgmental space for healing.
Importantly, no one is turned away for inability to pay. We’re committed to accessibility and inclusion.
🌾What Makes Us Unique
Unlike traditional clinical settings, our sessions unfold in the beauty of nature — whether that’s in an open field, a quiet stall, the indoor arena, or under the shade of a pasture tree.
This flexibility allows each person to find the comfort and space they need.
Our herd includes horses and donkeys, each chosen for their gentle nature and ability to connect. For many — especially adolescents — this environment offers a refreshing and effective alternative to office-based therapy.
Carolina’s Healing Journey with Horses
After years of talk therapy, Carolina was still struggling with the trauma of domestic violence. She came to Helping Hands hoping for something different — and found it in the quiet strength of our therapy horses.
With the support of our team and the healing presence of the herd, Carolina went from fearful and withdrawn to calm, confident, and in control of her life.
She rediscovered her voice, learned to set healthy boundaries, and is now applying to college — a dream she once thought was out of reach.
Her story is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of horses — and the hope that lives here at Helping Hands.
🌱 Community Outreach 🌱
We’re proud to partner with schools, youth groups, 4-H clubs, therapists, and social workers to bring equine-assisted therapy to a wider audience. Our educational programs introduce young people to horses and the emotional intelligence they offer — often planting seeds of healing, hope, and confidence that last a lifetime.
We currently have a waiting list of individuals hoping to begin therapy. To meet this growing demand, we’re actively seekingEagala-certified therapists and equine specialists to join our team.
Interested or know someone who might be? We’d love to connect — and can help guide you toward certification if needed.
We are a volunteer-run organization, and we depend on grants and generous donations to keep our doors and pastures open.
🫶A team effort!
Helping Hands is proudly women-owned and operated, with a small team of dedicated professionals at the core of our work.
We are also deeply grateful for our incredible community of volunteers, who show up rain or shine to feed, muck, groom, guide, and help us grow.
From barn chores to event planning to therapy session support, our volunteers make the magic possible — and we couldn’t do it without them.
