Mini Horses Spread Love

Hearts and Hooves Sacramento is a non-profit organization created to bring the many benefits of therapeutic miniature horse interaction to mentally, physically and emotionally challenged children and adults in the Sacramento, California area.

Hearts and Hooves Sacramento has eight beautiful miniature horses. These tiny horses have been specially trained for therapeutic interaction. We bring our miniature horses into hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, special-needs classrooms, Alzheimer's clinics and more. Patients, their families, as well as care givers and staff members and our own volunteers all benefit when Hearts & Hooves brings a mini to lighten the day.

Maureen Ferreria, Director of Hearts & Hooves Sacramento, recently returned from intensive national training in Austin to bring this special service to the Sacramento area. Hearts & Hooves Sacramento is one of only five affiliates in the country and the first one in the West. Through gentle, caring techniques, Maureen has trained eight of these intelligent and affectionate miniature horses as therapy animals.

Years of research confirm companion animals can aid in healing human pain, both physical and emotional. Research studies also have proven that pet and equine assisted therapies can lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, increase social interaction, increase emotional well-being and/or simply brighten one's day.

Stroking the soft coat or grooming a mini cannot only improve range of motion, but can strengthen weak muscles. For the blind and hearing impaired, minis are used for tactile stimulation thereby increasing their awareness of sensory perception by touch. Escorting minis through obstacle courses teaches children control, direction and discipline.

Persons with cognitive, emotional, psychological and physical disabilities, as well as those with autism; learn life skills, confidence, self-esteem and communication skills by interacting and working with our miniature horses. Thereby enhancing their ability to learn self-control, improve speech and memory, to earn self-respect and patience by being firm, fair and consistent. One also learns understanding, respect and compassion for others as well as animals.

Hearts and Hooves Sacramento is 100% donation and volunteer based. Volunteers and contributions are needed. Please help us to continue this fine work.

Hearts & Hooves is a non-profit organization, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charity, which means that all donations are tax-deductible. We will mail you a tax receipt, so please include your mailing address with your donation.

For more information on any volunteer activities or donations, contact

volunteer@heartsandhooves-sacramento.org