Horses With Hearts is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization based in Martinsburg, West Virginia, offering therapeutic riding and a variety of horse-centered programs designed to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. Founded in 2005, the organization serves children, adults, veterans, and individuals with diverse challenges through structured equine-assisted experiences that promote confidence, independence, and personal growth.
As a PATH International Premier Accredited Center, Horses With Hearts maintains high standards for safety, instruction, and participant care. The organization was inspired by the story of Lindsey Connelly, whose courage and love of horses helped shape the program’s mission of creating smiles, growing confidence, and changing lives through meaningful horse-human connections.
About This Program
Horses With Hearts provides therapeutic riding as its core service, utilizing both mounted and unmounted activities to help participants overcome physical, emotional, and developmental challenges. Programs are designed around individualized goals and focus on improving strength, coordination, communication, confidence, and social interaction through horsemanship and riding activities.
In addition to therapeutic riding, the organization offers Equine-Assisted Learning, Equine-Assisted Mental Health services, Horse Powered Reading®, and leadership development workshops. These programs use experiential learning with horses to support emotional wellness, literacy development, life skills, leadership growth, and personal empowerment.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic riding
- Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
- Equine-Assisted Mental Health services
- Horse Powered Reading®
- Adaptive horsemanship instruction
- Groundwork and horse handling activities
- Leadership development workshops
- Volunteer-supported equine programming
- Scholarship assistance for eligible participants
Who They Serve
Horses With Hearts may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Veterans
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with ADHD
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with Down syndrome
- Individuals with traumatic brain injuries
- Individuals with anxiety, PTSD, or emotional challenges
- Participants with developmental disabilities
- Individuals seeking therapeutic and adaptive riding experiences
Facility and Setting
Horses With Hearts operates from a dedicated equine facility in Martinsburg, West Virginia, where participants engage in both mounted and ground-based equine-assisted activities. The center maintains a herd of specially trained horses and relies on certified instructors and volunteers to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.
The atmosphere emphasizes encouragement, personal achievement, and relationship-building. Participants are supported as they develop new skills and confidence through structured interaction with horses in a community-oriented setting.
What Makes Them Unique
Horses With Hearts stands out for its PATH International Premier Accreditation and its broad range of equine-assisted services that extend beyond therapeutic riding. By incorporating literacy programs, mental health services, leadership development, and experiential learning opportunities, the organization offers multiple pathways for growth and healing through horses.
Another defining feature is its inspiring origin story and mission-driven approach. Founded in memory of Lindsey Connelly, the program continues to honor her legacy by helping hundreds of individuals discover confidence, independence, and hope through equine-assisted experiences.