Hearts and Horses, a therapeutic riding center in Loveland, Colorado, offers horseback riding programs that benefit at-risk youth, veterans, and individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. The center leverages the unique three-dimensional movement of horses to provide therapeutic benefits that mimic human walking, supporting physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth in a fun and engaging way. Communications manager Amanda Weinstein highlights the center’s robust research efforts, including a current study using real-time neuroimaging to explore how riding impacts brain development in children with autism, funded by a $150,000 grant.

As a nonprofit, Hearts and Horses relies heavily on community support, including a horse sponsorship program that covers the care costs of individual horses and offers sponsors exclusive experiences. The center actively seeks new horses with calm temperaments and strong physical and mental health to meet the growing demand from participants on their waitlist. The organization enjoys strong community recognition and involvement, often bringing therapy animals to local venues to extend their reach beyond the ranch, fostering deep connections throughout Northern Colorado.