Horses Hearts & Hands (H3)
Gardendale, Texas
Horses Hearts & Hands (H3) is an equine-assisted services center in Gardendale, Texas, offering therapeutic riding lessons and equine-assisted activities for individuals with cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. The program is built around the belief that horses can help enhance quality of life by improving physical abilities, emotional well-being, confidence, and independence through structured, individualized interaction with horses.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Equine-assisted therapy activities
- Adaptive horseback riding
- Veteran equine-assisted programs
- Individualized therapeutic riding plans
- Horse care and horsemanship activities
- Volunteer-supported equine programming
- Community equine education events
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Veterans
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with cognitive disabilities
- Individuals with emotional challenges
- Individuals recovering from injury or trauma
- Participants seeking therapeutic horse-centered experiences
More about this center
This is a nonprofit organization founded and operated by Deborah Ellison, a PATH International Certified Instructor. H3 serves both the special needs community and veterans, providing affordable equine-assisted therapy programs supported by rescued and donated horses. The organization is dedicated to making therapeutic riding accessible while maintaining professional standards established by PATH International.
About This Program
Horses Hearts & Hands (H3) serves riders through individualized therapeutic riding programs designed around the unique goals and needs of each participant. Program objectives are developed using input from physicians, therapists, family members, and riders themselves, helping create a personalized approach to growth and development.
The overall approach is supportive and participant-centered. Riders work with trained instructors, volunteers, and carefully selected horses to build physical strength, improve balance and coordination, develop focus and communication skills, and experience the emotional benefits of connecting with horses. Veterans also participate in specialized equine-assisted activities that promote relaxation, social engagement, and overall well-being.
Facility and Setting
Horses Hearts & Hands (H3) operates in Gardendale, Texas, serving the Midland-Odessa region. The program utilizes rescued and donated horses that are specially selected for therapeutic work and provides a welcoming environment where riders can participate in both mounted and unmounted equine activities.
The atmosphere is community-oriented and supportive, with a strong volunteer presence and a focus on creating positive experiences for riders and their families. Participants benefit from individualized attention and a setting designed to encourage growth, healing, and confidence-building through interaction with horses.
What Makes Them Unique
Horses Hearts & Hands (H3) stands out for its individualized approach to therapeutic riding. Each rider's goals are tailored using input from healthcare providers, therapists, family members, and instructors, creating programs that address specific physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
Another strength is its commitment to serving both individuals with disabilities and veterans through affordable equine-assisted services. The organization's use of rescued horses and strong volunteer network helps make therapeutic riding accessible while fostering a meaningful environment for both horses and participants.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Jun 2026 Suggest an edit
Location
Gardendale, Texas 79758
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.