Mended Hearts

Mended Hearts is a locally run, nonprofit Therapeutic Riding and Counseling Center deeply committed to providing a supportive and healing environment for individuals of all ages facing a wide range of challenges. Established over 15 years ago, our mission is to guide individuals and families towards emotional well-being and personal growth through the unique and powerful bond forged with horses.

We understand that life can often bring about difficulties and complexities. Whether you are struggling with childhood trauma, struggling within a family unit, facing the uncertainties of adolescence, grappling with grief and loss, or working through mental health challenges, Mended Hearts offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space to begin the journey of healing.

Our Services for Children & Teens

For children and teens, we offer a variety of specialized programs designed to address their unique needs. Our services incorporate equine therapy alongside counseling sessions, creating a holistic approach to healing and personal development. We specialize in addressing issues such as:

• Abuse: We provide a safe haven for children and teens who have experienced abuse, helping them process their pain, build self-esteem, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
• ADHD/ADD: Our programs utilize the calming and grounding nature of horses to help children and teens with ADHD/ADD focus, manage impulsivity, and develop self-regulation skills.
• Anger Management: Through interaction with horses, we teach young people valuable self-awareness techniques, emotional regulation skills, and healthy communication strategies to manage anger constructively.
• Anxiety: We create a nurturing environment where children and teens can learn to manage anxiety through grounding exercises, mindfulness techniques, and the therapeutic benefits of equine interaction.
• Autism: Our programs cater to the sensory needs of children with autism, providing a safe and predictable space where they can build communication skills, develop social-emotional awareness, and learn to express themselves.
• Body Image/Eating Disorders: We empower young people to develop a healthy relationship with their bodies through equine-assisted activities that promote self-acceptance, body awareness, and positive self-image.
• Bullying: Our programs provide a space for children and teens who have experienced bullying to build resilience, develop assertive communication skills, and navigate social situations with confidence.
• Depression: We offer a supportive environment where children and teens can explore their feelings, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience through equine-assisted therapy and counseling.

Our Services for Adults & Couples

Adults and couples facing various life challenges can also benefit greatly from Our therapeutic programs. We specialize in areas such as:

• Family Issues and Divorce: Our equine-assisted counseling provides a unique platform for families navigating difficult transitions, fostering communication, understanding, and healing.
• Grief and Bereavement: Through our therapeutic riding programs and counseling sessions, we guide adults through the painful process of grief, offering support, coping strategies, and a space for healing.
• Parenting Struggles: We help parents develop effective parenting skills, manage stress, and strengthen their connection with their children through equine-assisted therapy and parent coaching.

• Weight Control and Body Image: Our programs provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for adults to explore their relationship with their bodies, develop healthy eating habits, and build self-esteem.
• Stress Management and Self-Esteem: We use the innate calming and grounding qualities of horses to help adults manage stress, enhance self-awareness, and build a stronger sense of self-worth.

Our Unique Approach

At Mended Hearts, we believe that the extraordinary bond between humans and horses creates a powerful catalyst for healing and growth. Our equine-assisted therapy programs utilize the horses' intuitive nature, intelligence, and emotional awareness to facilitate personal transformation.

Through interactions with horses, individuals develop essential life skills such as:

• Building Trust and Communication: Horses are incredibly perceptive and respond to our emotional state, prompting us to connect authentically and improve communication skills.
• Developing Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation: Horses reflect our emotions and body language, helping us become more aware of our inner world and learn to manage our emotions effectively.
• Cultivating Confidence and Resilience: Interacting with horses requires courage and stepping outside of our comfort zones, building self-confidence and resilience.