Location: Gypsum, Colorado, United States
Hooves for the Heart, LLC is an equine-assisted services program based in Gypsum, Colorado, offering therapeutic riding and animal-assisted learning experiences for children and youth facing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. The program is built around the belief that horses—and other animals—can help individuals develop confidence, self-esteem, and emotional resilience through structured, relationship-based interaction.
With a long-standing program model developed over more than two decades, Hooves for the Heart focuses especially on supporting high-risk youth. Through individualized sessions and experiential learning, participants are given opportunities to build trust, improve behavior, and develop life skills in a supportive and nurturing environment.
About This Program
Hooves for the Heart, LLC serves participants through equine-facilitated mental health and learning, along with broader animal-assisted activities. The program includes both mounted and unmounted experiences, allowing individuals to engage with horses and other animals in ways that best support their needs.
The approach is highly individualized and relationship-driven. Sessions are tailored to each participant, focusing on emotional growth, behavioral development, and confidence-building. The program emphasizes experiential learning, where participants develop skills through direct interaction with animals in a structured and supportive setting.
Services Offered
• Therapeutic riding lessons
• Equine-assisted learning and mental health support
• Animal-assisted activities (including horses, cattle, and camelids)
• Ground-based horse interaction
• Individualized one-on-one sessions
• Volunteer-supported programming
Who They Serve
Hooves for the Heart, LLC may be good for:
• Children
• Teens
• High-risk youth
• Individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges
• Individuals with autism or developmental delays
• Individuals with ADHD or learning disabilities
• Individuals with PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Youth in foster care or support systems
Facility and Setting
Hooves for the Heart, LLC operates out of a dedicated facility in Gypsum, Colorado, within the Eagle and Roaring Fork Valley region. The setting supports a range of equine and animal-assisted activities, offering a calm and structured environment for therapeutic engagement.
The atmosphere is designed to be nurturing and experiential rather than clinical. Participants work closely with animals in a natural setting, which helps foster trust, emotional safety, and meaningful personal development.
What Makes Them Unique
Hooves for the Heart stands out for its strong focus on high-risk youth and emotionally complex cases. The program has developed specialized methods to reach individuals who may not respond to traditional therapeutic approaches, using horses as a bridge for communication, trust, and growth.
Another key strength is its multi-animal approach. In addition to horses, the program incorporates other animals such as cattle and camelids, expanding the range of therapeutic experiences and allowing for more diverse forms of engagement and learning.