Berkshire HorseWorks in Richmond is hosting its fourth annual “Romance at the Ranch” event on February 14, offering a unique Valentine’s Day experience where visitors can dress up and take photos with rescue horses, ponies, and donkeys. The donation-based event supports their Eagala Model Equine Assisted therapeutic, educational, and recreational programs, which help individuals build trust and emotional connections with animals that have often faced challenging pasts. The event encourages community bonding and provides a gentle introduction to equine interaction, especially for those who may be apprehensive around larger horses.

Beyond this festive occasion, Berkshire HorseWorks focuses on sustaining and expanding its rescue herd and programs, which require significant funding for care and medical needs. They have recently enhanced outreach by mobilizing their education programs to schools and community centers and are developing corporate team-building initiatives to diversify support. Their therapeutic approach helps clients use objective observation of the animals to work through personal traumas and improve interpersonal skills, fostering healing and community connection through equine-assisted activities.