A Dream Is Realized
Hearts & Horses has been changing lives for people with disabilities since 1997. What began with a single horse, a handful of volunteers, and one vision – to create a space of hope and healing for those who need it most in our community – has grown beyond our founder’s wildest imaginings.
From the very beginning, Hearts & Horses has been bringing people together for good. A small group of volunteers who recognized the power of equine partnerships to transform lives weren’t ready to call it quits when an existing center dissolved after its landowner and executive director moved out of town. They banded together and alerted the media, in search of help from their neighbors to bring their mission to fruition.
Sixty community members answered their call. Together they forged a team whose goal was to obtain our nonprofit status, write by-laws and articles of incorporation, and create the strategic plan for Hearts & Horses as we know it. Our first donation was from the Loveland Police Department to cover the $25 incorporation filing fee, and off we went!
Hearts & Horses was incorporated on January 27, 1997 and classes began on 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 into its own facility on June 8, 1999. Thanks to the hard work of the staff, volunteers and community members, the 23 acres that make up Hearts & Horses officially became mortgage-free in May 2016.
Growth Over Time
Over the years Hearts & Horses has grown considerably. We began by serving 64 participants with a handful of volunteers, into present day operations serving more than 650 participants annually with the help of more than 600 volunteers. These committed volunteers make our volunteer program one of the largest in Larimer County.
Hearts & Horses continues to improve our facilities with renovations and enhancements thanks to the generous donations received by the Northern Colorado community. In 2015 Hearts & Horses received $175,000 in grant funding and was able to stretch that donation into over $850,000 in grants and in-kind donations from area businesses, contractors and manufacturers. All funds went directly to remodel the outdated Kroh Arena and to build a 3,000 square foot welcome center.
In December 2017, an extreme wind event irreparably damaged our large fabric-covered arena. Thanks to community support, we raised more than 1.5 million dollars to build a new, state-of-the-art facility. The Lucky Hearts Arena was officially completed in the summer of 2019, and features a 20,000 square foot riding arena that allows for multiple classes to happen simultaneously. An additional 7,500 square feet includes a reception, corral, tack room, cross-ties, mounting area with a mechanical lift, two interactive viewing lounges, observation lounge, and classroom. This temperature-controlled building has doubled our available indoor arena space and allowed us to meet the growing demands of our community.
Explore Our Facility
Our 23-acre ranch is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and features a variety of state-of-the-art facilities designed to heal minds, bodies, and spirit. Watch our virtual tour to explore all of our amenities, including:
- Two indoor riding arenas: 20,000 square-foot Lucky Hearts Arena and 6,000 square-foot Kroh Arena
- Two outdoor riding arenas (12,800 and 7,600 square feet) and a 60' state-of-the-art round pen
- Trail of Discovery: Half-mile outdoor riding trail featuring 12 different sensory stations
- Stables and paddocks: Space for 42 equines and seven distinct turnout areas for the herd
- Classroom, viewing areas, mechanical lifts, and so much more!
