Heart of Horse Sense
Marshall, North Carolina
Heart of Horse Sense is a nonprofit at Meadows Town Ranch in Marshall, North Carolina, near Asheville. It offers equine-assisted psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning with a trauma-informed focus. Its work centers on veterans, first responders, at-risk youth and their families.
- Individual equine-assisted psychotherapy
- Intensive individual sessions for first responders
- Veteran mental health and wellness groups
- Fall in Friday veteran group
- First responder and women first responder groups
- Equine-assisted learning for groups, teams and schools
- First responder retreats
- Tours and demonstrations
- Veterans
- Military and veteran families
- First responders (police, fire, EMS, dispatch)
- At-risk youth
- Businesses, schools and healthcare teams
More about this center
About the Program
Heart of Horse Sense was founded in 2014 and supports trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning. Horse Sense of the Carolinas, which operates at the same address, has moved its client services to Heart of Horse Sense and now focuses on training and business consulting for equine-assisted professionals.
Individual therapy is provided by a team of a licensed mental health clinician, an equine professional and horses. Sessions are weekly and take place mostly on the ground. The veteran program addresses PTSD and trauma, substance use, military sexual trauma, anger, depression and anxiety, according to its website.
Veterans and First Responders
Veterans can join individual therapy, group sessions and the Fall in Friday veteran group. The website says most veterans can take part at little or no cost. Learn more about equine therapy for veterans.
First responders can choose weekly one-hour sessions or intensive sessions of three hours or more. There are monthly first responder and women first responder groups, private sessions for a station, unit, peer support group or leadership team, and half-day or full-day retreats.
The People and the Ranch
Shannon Knapp is the founder and executive director. Her listed credentials include an M.A., Natural Lifemanship trainer and Eagala Advanced. She has written books and curricula on equine-assisted practice, including More Than a Mirror: Horses, Humans and Therapeutic Practices.
The program runs at Meadows Town Ranch, formed in 2000 by Richard and Shannon Knapp. The ranch rehabilitates rescued horses, and Richard trains Heart of Horse Sense volunteers in natural horsemanship.
Location
7041 Meadows Town Road, Marshall, NC 28753, in Madison County northwest of Asheville. The farm sits across the road from Piney Grove Baptist Church, and the driveway has two green mailboxes. The center's directions page warns that GPS directions are often wrong, so check its written directions before your first visit.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I get started?
Call (828) 777-5199 or email programs@heartofhorsesense.org to ask about individual therapy or groups.
What does it cost?
Heart of Horse Sense says it provides services at no cost to veterans, their families and at-risk youth. Call (828) 777-5199 to ask about rates for other programs.
Is this the same as Horse Sense of the Carolinas?
They are separate organizations at the same ranch. Horse Sense of the Carolinas moved its client services to the nonprofit Heart of Horse Sense and now offers training and consulting for equine-assisted professionals.
Can a group or business book a session?
Yes. Equine-assisted learning sessions are offered for businesses, teams, healthcare organizations and schools, and the center holds a quarterly tour and demonstration.
Location
Marshall, North Carolina 28753
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.