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The History of Hearts & Horses


Hearts & Horses was incorporated January 27, 1997 by a group of volunteers. The organization was created to replace a therapeutic riding program in Loveland which had dissolved when its landowner and executive director moved out of town.  Thanks to the hard work of all, Hearts & Horses was organized and financial donations obtained. Classes began August 26, 1997 using leased facilities at Ellis Ranch. 

A long-range plan was created to gain capital so that Hearts & Horses could acquire its own land and riding facility.  In the fall of 1998, the present ranch property became available for purchase. After many hours of work and research on financing options, a lease-purchase contract was made with a local developer. Hearts & Horses moved in to its own facility on June 8, 1999!  Because of the efforts of volunteers throughout the community who donated their time renovating the site, classes were able to resume September 20, 1999. 

During 1998 our classes served 64 clients; in 1999 our classes served 98 clients despite the ranch move and renovation.  Over the years Hearts & Horses has grown considerably.  In 2012 our amazing volunteers (over 1300 of them!) logged approximately 26,700 hours and served over 700 participants.  Hearts & Horses is truly powered by volunteers

Hearts & Horses continues to improve our facilities with renovations and enhancements thanks to the generous donations received and numerous volunteers providing labor. We hope to offer more classes and reach out to more riders as we grow. Our latest endeavor, Changing Leads, an Equine Assisted Learning program, brings at-risk youth into the world of horses, teaching them appropriate behaviors and providing them challenges to build confidence. The staff and volunteers here are working hard to make sure Hearts & Horses remains the premiere therapeutic riding center in Northern Colorado.

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