$10,351 raised by 29 donors
52% complete
$20,000 Goal
Our goal is to interrupt destructive cycles and behaviors of struggling youth and provide them a path to confidence, and overall mental and emotional well-being. Our community has been devastatingly impacted by a dramatic increase in depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and incarceration rates among our youth. Happiness Through Horses dedicates its resources to address and positively impact these critical issues in our community. We provide our vulnerable youth a safe place to develop self-esteem and connect with others in a secure, positive and nurturing environment.
Happiness Through Horses provides programs to improve self-esteem and mental health, as well as leadership development for the youth whom we serve. We also provide scholarships for vulnerable youth in the community to participate in equine programs at partnering facilities in the Denver Metro area. Our pledge is to ensure that children who can benefit from equine therapy and interaction receive services with us or through one of our partner programs.
By supporting Happiness Through Horses, you can help ensure that vulnerable kids in our communities have access to the life-changing experiences of working with horses, and and a chance to live healthier, happier, more Successful lives!
Our Mission is to heal the hearts of struggling youth through bonding with horses.
When it was first discovered that we could touch the lives of kids through our passion of the equine world, we decided to raise some money to help one maybe 2 kids in the summer of 2013. The barn where we kept our horses was like a family and we all had a hand in helping out and turning ideas into a business. The trainer running the barn was putting on some camps and providing riding lessons. I wanted to incorporate a kid or two into those activities. Someone who normally wouldn't get the chance. I have seen the amazing things that can happen when you pair a kid and a horse and I wanted to even the playing field even if for just one child. So I convinced our trainer and assured him he would be paid. We ended up not helping one little dude that summer but 7.
The memory that stood out the most for me was one young man, I believe he was 8 at the time. His grandma paid for a day camp and then our efforts raised the money for a week camp. His family was so touched by the difference that one day made they asked that we find a way to continue his experience. We put that young man in a week long summer camp and he blossomed like a beautiful flower. You see he is a beautiful little man but other kids didn't see that. He was bullied and called names. Needless to say it caused pain, distrust and sadness that affected his self esteem.
A horse named Jewel changed all that. So we decided to take our ideas and started Happiness Through Horses. We are so proud of all of the lives we have touched, as there is a lot riding on our kids.
Organization name
Happiness Through Horses
2014
Tax id (EIN)
46-3226710
Category
Animal-Related, Human Services, Mental Health & Crisis Intervention, Youth Development
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
15600 County Road 6Headquarters
15600 County Road 6Weld County, CO, US
Boulder County, CO, US
Adams County, CO, US
Denver, CO, US