Horses Make Miracles Foundation Inc

A nonprofit organization

Horses Make Miracles offers activities for participants of all ages and abilities, both riding and non-riding with personalized plans specifically geared toward participant’s needs, goals and objectives. These activities include therapeutic riding lessons for individuals with special needs as well as traditional riding classes (English or Western), teaching of horsemanship, equine activities and therapies, group classes and workshops that focus on youth (Pony Power) or older adults (Silver Stirrups), volunteer opportunities, community involvement, continuing education, internships as well as mentoring.  

We do this in a beautiful outdoor space with certified instructors and our wise therapy horses are evaluated for temperament and specially trained, as well as our support team that ensures safety, confidentiality and engaging activities that enhance the participant’s life experiences. In order to offer services to a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, there are several no-cost programs funded by grants or scholarships, in addition to fee-based and by donation-only programs. 

Through our varied programs, lessons and workshops, our participants have rich opportunities to experience the healing nature of horses. Engaging with the horse’s spiritual nature increases one’s social well-being inspiring self-confidence, responsibility, teamwork and awareness of body mind, heart and soul. Life changing progress comes from the guided interaction with horses. New communication skills, improved self-esteem, increased self-awareness, new found confidence, discovering hidden talents, skills and abilities are just a few of many benefits gained. Some participants have tried other more traditional therapies without success, and equine assisted activities offer a unique way to engage with another sentient being who offers a trusted connection with non-judgement in the beauty of nature.


 

Giving Activity

Mission

To encourage development of emotional, physical, mental and cognitive abilities promoting independence for participants of all ages through Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies, teaching of horsemanship, community involvement and continuing education in a safe atmosphere guided by certified professionals.

Background Statement

Horses Make Miracles is an all-volunteer organization including our board of directors. We rely on donations of horse feed, supplements, equipment and supplies as well as a therapy horse sponsorship program. Our therapy horses; several who were rescued have all been donations to our organization.

Horses Make Miracles has a variety of therapeutic programs, a professional operating plan, internships and a certification program incorporating mentoring and practical experience in association with the high standards PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) and EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association). Horses Make Miracles programs address participant’s physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Working with the horse’s spiritual nature increases social well-being inspires self-confidence, responsibility, teamwork and awareness of the body, mind, heart, and soul. The therapeutic team of the facilitators, therapy horses and volunteers ensure that safety, confidentiality, challenging lesson plans and related activities enhance the participant’s life experiences.

THERAPEUTIC RIDING: Participants of all ages develop unique bonds with their equine partners and learn how to “listen to” horses, whether riding or developing horsemanship skills on the ground. Classes include aspects of care, grooming, riding and fun activities to realize individual lesson plans to reach rider’s goals and full potential. Horses Make Miracles programs have horses of many shapes, sizes and personalities, a variety of saddles, gear and adaptive equipment to fit each rider’s specific needs.

The horses; being non-judgmental and honest partners help clients learn about leadership, empathy, creating healthy boundaries, creativity, contact, connection, and relationships in a safe, nurturing and non-threatening way.

PONY POWER: Students (between 8-12 years old) will develop their horsemanship skills in a safe, educational and fun atmosphere and will learn leadership, communication, mutual respect and trust with their equine partner. Participants will build a connected and willing partnership with their horse to build self-awareness and confidence. Pairing two kids with one horse will emphasize team work with peers and problem solving.

Workshops we have conducted in the past include WOMEN WITH WINGS, CENTERING YOGA ON HORSEBACK, SILVER STIRRUPS and EQUUS EMBRACE. Population Group(s) Served

Individuals of all ages served. Populations have included ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder/Sensory Integration, Developmentally Disabled, Down Syndrome, Emotional Challenges, Traumatic Brain Injury, Learning Disabilities, Speech Disorders, Stroke, Blind, Hearing Impaired, PTSD, Amputees, Depression, Anxiety as well as able-bodied participants. In the spirit of inclusiveness, our Equus Embrace participants of any socio-economic vulnerability, cultural, racial or sexual identity can address their authentic selves by meeting and working with our therapy horses in group classes facilitated by licensed and certified professionals. The horses mirror and reflect their true goodness which is a powerful experience having that reflected back onto oneself. The horses; being non-judgmental and honest partners help our clients learn about leadership, empathy, creating healthy boundaries, creativity, contact, connection, and relationships in a safe, nurturing and non-threatening way.

From the moment they are presented with the horse, participants use the same coping mechanisms as they do with other stressful factors in their lives. Participant’s issues rise to the surface much quicker than they would in an office setting and can be dealt with sooner. In a safe and fun setting, we look at what arises between horse and human…perhaps issues of trust, connection, intimacy, relationship building, boundaries and assertiveness. Our experiential programs promote social skills, build confidence, improve communications and resolve conflict. Our participants address emotional issues such as anger, depression, anxiety and frustration with a focus on resolving conflict and building relationships.

BENEFITS OF EQUINE ASSISTED ACTIVITIES AND THERAPY:

- Breaks down defense barriers

- Challenges in a non-threatening way

- The horse is a non-judgmental and honest friend

- Promotes a motivating environment

- Enhances problem-solving skills

- Provides immediate cause-effect situations

- Decreases feelings of hopelessness

- Stimulates creativity

- Encourages responsibility

- Captivates and holds attention

- Helps teach empathy

- Empowers and gives a sense of control over self

- Develops social skills

- Teaches better communication skills

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The background of Horses Make Miracles creative and original programs are foundations for promoting growth and positive change in youth, adults and families that offer a unique, challenging, safe and enjoyable form of experiential therapy under the supervision of certified professionals. Working effectively and safely with a 1000 lb. animal requires patience, trust, compassion, awareness and self-confidence. Results with developing, enhancing and transferring these traits to life challenges are the goals realized at our operating center.

Horses are social creatures with a hierarchy that parallels human society and these majestic creatures all have distinct personalities. Quite frequently participants select horses to engage with that mirror themselves which aids them to observe and gain understanding of their actions and the reactions of others. Horses don’t lie and through their body language they can communicate what is going on with the participant and reflect this back, thus breaking down defenses and they are effectively used in our therapeutic activities as metaphors for life, attitudes and behaviors.

Sometimes the progress participants make and the benefits they receive can be shown with statistical data. Other times, it’s the small stories that make the benefits to our clients so satisfying. Our testimonials and referrals as well as our reputation in the community speak for themselves. The Equine Assisted Therapy approach to mental health treatment is body-based and aligns with the evolving understanding about the nature of post-traumatic responses. As the American Red Cross noted in 2012, there exists a “wider appreciation for the fact that trauma responses are normal reactions to abnormal situations particularly in mental health services.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Horses Make Miracles Foundation Inc

other names

Horses Make Miracles

Year Established

2004

Tax id (EIN)

20-0793225

Category

Animal-Related, Human Services, Public & Societal Benefit, Youth Development, Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines, Mental Health & Crisis Intervention, Recreation & Sports

Organization Size

Small Organization

Address

12271 Mineral Road
Longmont, CO 80504

Service areas

Boulder County, CO, US

Larimer County, CO, US

Denver, CO, US

Jefferson County, CO, US

Weld County, CO, US

Phone

303-250-8787

other

303-250-8787

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