Hoofprints in The Sand, Inc.

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.

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.