Helping Hands Healing Hooves, Inc.
Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Helping Hands Healing Hooves is a nonprofit equine sanctuary and therapeutic program at Black Star Farm in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. It offers equine-assisted therapy through week-long summer workshops and a limited number of individual sessions in spring and fall. The program serves children and adults with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges.
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Week-long summer workshops
- Individual sessions in spring and fall
- Scholarship program
- Volunteer opportunities
- Horse sponsorship
- Children
- Adults
- People with physical challenges
- People with cognitive challenges
- People with emotional challenges
More about this center
About the Program
The program's mission is "to foster healing and growth through the bond between horse and human." It says participants of all ages and abilities build confidence, strength, emotional resilience and life skills through work with horses.
The main offering is a set of week-long summer workshops, each hosted over five days and described as "filled with horses, projects and farm fun." Workshops are listed for June, July and August at $500 each. Outside the summer, the center offers a limited number of individual sessions in spring and fall. Helping Hands Healing Hooves is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It runs a scholarship program funded by donors and fundraising, and families who need help with the cost can apply.
The Horses and Staff
The Horses page lists 12 therapy horses, including Penny, Romeo, Nikki, Bridger, Oliver and Jasper. Several are middle-aged or senior. Supporters can sponsor a horse for $325 a month, which helps cover hay, grain, farrier and veterinary care, electricity for heated waterers, and insurance.
Deb Goelz is the founder and CEO. The instructor team includes senior instructors Kayla Goelz and Sarah Rzadzki and instructors Monique Valentine and Brianna Swanson.
Getting Started and Volunteering
New clients request an application by email at helpinghands@wi.rr.com with the subject line "New Client Application Request." A scholarship application is posted on the New Client/Volunteer page.
Volunteers help with horses and clients, fundraisers and special projects, or office work. The website posts a volunteer information packet and application. The center also holds a golf scramble fundraiser at Ironwood Golf Course in Sussex.
Location
Helping Hands Healing Hooves is based at Black Star Farm, 1971 Granville Road, Cedarburg, WI 53012, in Ozaukee County. Contact Deb Goelz at (262) 689-5677 or hhhh@helpinghandshealinghooves.org.
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 sign up a new rider?
Email helpinghands@wi.rr.com with the subject line "New Client Application Request" to receive an application. The center says the application has contact information and should answer most questions.
How much do the summer workshops cost?
Each week-long summer workshop costs $500. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply using the scholarship application on the website. See our guide to equine therapy costs for more on paying for sessions.
Are sessions available outside the summer?
Yes. The center offers a limited number of individual sessions in spring and fall. Call (262) 689-5677 to ask about openings.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers help with horses and clients, fundraisers and special projects, or office work. The volunteer information packet and application are on the New Client/Volunteer page of the website.
Location
Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012
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.