The Hoofbeat: June 2020

Program Update

Hearts began its first phase of reopening at the beginning of this month. We plan to continue taking this transition very slowly and carefully so we can keep our staff, volunteers, and participants safe and healthy. We are following guidelines for social distancing, cleaning, and sanitizing set forth by Santa Barbara County.

Our programs are now modified to allow for lower-risk operations, including lessons provided to independent riders in the therapeutic riding program, Equine Services for Heroes, and most recently our summer camp, which is run in conjunction with SB Parks & Recreation. Our staff is evaluating our policies and procedures daily and making any necessary adjustments to keep our participants safe and healthy.

If you are a participant at Hearts and have any questions about returning to program, please contact Kristen: Kristen@heartsriding.org ; (805) 364-5206.

We appreciate everyone's patience and support during this time. Thank you!

Summer Camp Brings Joy and Smiles

We have just completed our first week of summer camp, and we couldn't be more thrilled with how it went. Campers played games, learned horse anatomy, mucked stalls (a favorite camp activity!), and rode three times during the week. Our amazing camp staff, Ellie and Frances, and volunteers are doing an excellent job. Calsie is instructing the campers in the arena, and everyone has been having a fun time.

We heard from one mother about her daughter's experience: "It has brought her so much joy this week and she has been so happy all week. Thank you for creating such a wonderful experience for her and the other children. We could all use a little joy right now - especially the little ones."

Hearts will be hosting five more weeks of summer camp through the end of August.

Tack Shack is OPEN!

Saturdays, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

The Tack Shack is open again! Come and shop gently used English and Western tack, clothing, boots, and more! Volunteers run our Tack Shack on Saturday mornings only.

All proceeds from the Tack Shack directly support our scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to 26 families. Your purchases help make their lessons possible.

Hearts in the News

Minis on the Move

by Marilyn McMahon, June 13, 2020

Vinnie is a “total ham, a super easygoing guy,” and Pippa is a “little spitfire who is playful.”

Both are miniature horses who are spreading unconventional joy in the community as part of the Minis on the Move program offered by the Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center, according to Morgan Kastenek, development and marketing manager.