Hoofprints in The Sand, Inc. (HITS) is a nonprofit equine-assisted therapy organization located in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 2021, the organization is dedicated to empowering and supporting veterans, first responders, and individuals living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and related challenges through equine-assisted therapy, outdoor activities, and rehabilitative healing programs. HITS utilizes the unique bond between humans and horses to help participants rebuild confidence, develop emotional resilience, and reconnect with their communities.
Established by registered nurse and brain injury specialist Sarah Lustig, the program combines equine-assisted activities with nurse-led, individualized care plans designed to promote emotional regulation, social connection, personal growth, and overall well-being. Through a holistic and experiential approach, participants are given opportunities to heal in a peaceful farm environment while working alongside horses and a multidisciplinary support team.
About This Program
Hoofprints in The Sand provides equine-assisted therapy programs specifically designed to address the needs of veterans and others affected by PTSD, TBI, and trauma-related conditions. Participants engage in structured activities with horses that promote trust, communication, confidence, emotional awareness, and self-regulation. Horses naturally respond to human emotions and behaviors, creating opportunities for participants to gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and relationships.
The organization incorporates hippotherapy and other equine-assisted therapeutic approaches as part of a comprehensive wellness model. Programs are individualized and supported by trained professionals who help participants work toward personal, emotional, physical, and social goals. The overall focus is on rebuilding lives, restoring purpose, and reducing isolation through meaningful horse-human interactions.
Services Offered
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT)
- PTSD support programs
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) support services
- Hippotherapy-based interventions
- Veteran wellness programs
- First responder support services
- Nurse-led therapeutic care plans
- Emotional regulation and resilience training
- Confidence and self-esteem development
- Outdoor therapeutic activities
- Social connection and community-building programs
- Trauma-informed equine-assisted services
- Holistic wellness and recovery support
Who They Serve
Hoofprints in The Sand, Inc. may be good for:
- Veterans
- Active-duty military personnel
- First responders
- Individuals with PTSD
- Individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Individuals experiencing anxiety or stress-related challenges
- Families of veterans and service members
- Individuals seeking trauma-informed support
- Adults interested in equine-assisted therapy
- Participants seeking emotional wellness and personal growth programs
Facility and Setting
Hoofprints in The Sand operates from a farm property near the Francis Marion National Forest in the Charleston area. The natural environment provides a peaceful setting where participants can step away from everyday stressors and focus on healing, growth, and personal development. The facility is home to a herd of therapy horses and other animals that play an active role in the therapeutic process.
The organization emphasizes safety, horse welfare, and individualized participant care. Volunteers, healthcare professionals, and equine specialists work together to create a supportive atmosphere that fosters trust, connection, and long-term recovery.
What Makes Them Unique
Hoofprints in The Sand stands out for its exclusive focus on serving veterans, first responders, and individuals affected by PTSD and traumatic brain injury. The program combines evidence-informed equine-assisted therapies with nurse-led care management, providing participants with a comprehensive and highly personalized approach to healing.
Another distinguishing feature is its commitment to addressing veteran suicide prevention and long-term recovery through meaningful therapeutic relationships with horses. By offering services in a peaceful natural setting and emphasizing community, reconnection, and resilience, HITS provides an alternative pathway to healing that complements traditional healthcare services.