I can’t say enough about how much I love Healing with Horses Ranch. Both as a volunteer and participant in the Unbridled Warriors program I have enjoyed every minute I have spent at the ranch. The horses and the people make it the special place that it is. I have learned so much not only about how to assist students, ride, and take care of horses but also about myself. People in my life can tell when I’ve just come from the ranch because I seem to come away with a joy that radiates from my pores.

Brittni Carlsen

Client

Healing With Horses Ranch has been part of my family’s life for about the last seven years. At first my granddaughter was one of their clients to help her with ADHD and impulse control. Then after she had been riding for about a year her brother started to help him with anger issues and anxiety. We worked on leaving our granddaughter at the ranch because at first she would run if the thought entered her mind. It didn’t take long to see Patty and others at the ranch could deal with her behaviors. Through talking and teaching her responsibilities and caring for the horses she started to improve. The people at the ranch taught her how to ask for help and recognize the feelings that overwhelmed her causing her to run. ​My grandson started to ride about a year after his sister, he needed help with anger issues and anxiety. He would hit and put holes in walls. At other times he would be so anxious he would just sit in a dark spot and cry. The ranch helped him to identify his feelings and ask for help also with the work with the horses he was able to relax some and learn ways to calm down and control his anger. This was going well with both kids. They were improving and becoming much happier. Then the kids parents gave in to addiction, leading to the family being broken up. I got custody of the 2 oldest and their younger ½ brother and sister went to another grandmother. ​With all the uncertainty and stress of a custody battle Healing with Horses was a life saver. They helped not only the kids deal with their new living situation but also with my husband and me dealing with the changes. ​The ranch continues to help the kids as they grow and all through Covid and all the stresses with that. Healing With Horses is a huge part of our life and without them I’m sure my grandkids would not be as happy and well behaved as they are now no more running, no more anger and anxiety under control or asking for help when needed. ​​​I can’t thank Patty and Healing with Horses enough for giving me two well adjusted happy kids.

Fran Nurton

Grandparent of Clients

Healing with Horses Ranch is my heart’s sanctuary! The love and care they give to both horses and people create a powerful community. Volunteering here lets me bond with these majestic creatures, especially Hercules, who’s healed my heart in ways words can’t describe. Forever grateful for this transformative experience! Healing with Horses Ranch has been a true blessing in my life! The care they give to the horses and everyone involved creates a special and supportive community. As a Marine Corps combat Veteran, being a part of the Veterans program at Healing with Horses Ranch has been an experience like no other. Each horse, like every Veteran, requires a unique approach. Getting to know Hercules, one of the amazing horses, has been incredibly healing for my heart. The kindness and compassion I’ve seen at the ranch have left a lasting impact on me. It’s a place where both people and horses find comfort and strength. I’m so grateful for Healing with Horses Ranch and the positive changes it has brought to my life. It’s truly a place of healing and transformation.

Jennifer Gonzalez

Client

The Unbridled Warriors for Veterans program has offered hope and support for U.S. veterans and first responders. While each individual’s journey through life takes on many challenges. The Unbridled Warriors Program offered by Healing With Horses Ranch is a great way to learn about yourself and make an unbreakable bond with horses. And a donkey named Sweet Pea. While each person’s reasons, purposes and motivations for coming to the program may all have their unique reasons. Patty and John D’Andrea who are the major role players in this extraordinary equine therapy program. Through my own experience, from the very first day, my life has been filled with a new passion. Patty is very passionate and extremely supportive in that her heart is the path that gives lives new purposes! Life at times may take a spin to a dark place, no matter how deep and dark it may get, you deserve to experience life as you should! Through this program, I have found that my heart is in the right place and it’s because of this program, Patty and her love to see others live a better quality of life, I am grateful for what she placed over 50 years into, and her dedication to saving lives. My special thanks is Belle, from day 1 she taught me more about myself then I imagined. There is always hope, and this program is here for you. Come visit, and I know you’ll be grateful you did. Semper Fi!

Johnny Haggerty

Client

Niko did equine therapy at Healing With Horses Ranch from 2016-2023. He has Usher Syndrome which causes deafness, loss of vestibular function and vision problems. He is also on the Autism spectrum. Working with the horses has helped Niko immensely with his balance and core strength. The therapists that Niko has worked with are incredible in keeping him on task and facilitating his bonding with his horse-partners. Working as part of a team with his therapist, volunteer and horse has helped him learn to work with other people and given him the confidence to plan and execute complicated tasks. We really can’t say enough great things about the positive impact equine therapy at Healing with Horses Ranch has had for Niko!

Nancy Byrd

Parent of Client

We were at Healing with Horses since January 2023 and enjoyed every minute of it. Halo has grown more confident and brave with his time with you all. He is also excited to see Angel or Stu whenever we go and enjoys learning more about them and respecting their needs. Sheri is an amazing person and so patient and good with Halo. I appreciate her teaching him how to be safe and responsible around Stu and Angel… Halo has benefited so much from these lessons and I can’t wait to see more growth from him. I cannot thank you all enough.

Celeste Juarez

Parent of Client

I have found solace and transformation through equine therapy. I was a Canadian Army Veteran Lieutenant-Colonel. Like many others, I struggled with the aftermath of my service, battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a sense of disconnection from society. However, my life took a profound turn when I discovered equine/adaptive riding therapy at Healing With Horses Ranch. At first I was skeptical. How could interacting with horses possibly alleviate the weight of my experiences? However, the moment I stepped into the serene surroundings of Healing With Horses Ranch, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The presence of the horses seemed to offer a silent understanding, a connection I had yearned for. Equine/adaptive riding therapy operates on the principle of forming bonds with horses. It is a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, something I had struggled to find elsewhere. The simple act of grooming a horse became a metaphor for my healing journey. As I brush away dirt and knots from a horse’s mane, I found myself shedding layers of emotional burden, gradually revealing a sense of inner peace. Moreover, the physical aspect of grooming and riding helped me reconnect with my body, which had often been numbed by the trauma of war. Riding and caring for horses not only improves balance and coordination but also instills a sense of empowerment and accomplishment. Being with the horses reminds me of the importance of being present in the moment. It provides focus, a place to avoid haunting memories of the past or being consumed by worries about the future. When I am at Healing With Horses Ranch, I’m simply there, sharing a bond with another living being. Horses have a way of seeing beyond the surface, straight to the heart of who we are. In their presence, I’ve discovered a sense of peace and acceptance I never thought possible. For that, I will always be grateful.

David Lafreniere

Client

Zara rode at HHR for a year when she was 6 years old. That year was one of the most transformative years for her. Zara was born in Dublin, Ireland where less than 24 hours after her birth she was diagnosed with a cleft palate. At 3 weeks old we moved to Belgium where a cranio-facial surgeon would repair Zara’s cleft. At 6 months old we moved to Amsterdam for better medical resources & at 8 months old Zara started having her first seizures. At 11 months old Zara was diagnosed with SCN8A epilepsy which would later be the root cause of her cerebral palsy, global developmental delays, & significant muscle planning challenges. At 1 & 2 years old Zara could barely sit up on her own, was non-verbal, and could not walk or stand independently. We researched schools, medical care, and therapies and found the best of all 3 in Austin. Immediately after moving, we joined the waitlist for HHR during Covid! After 2 years of waiting, we were assigned a Sunday morning spot! Zara woke up Sunday mornings and can barely contain her excitement. Throughout the week, she even saved her school snacks for Stu – Who would’ve thought that horses like tomatoes?! Over the course of Zara’s life she was told she would never walk, talk, or toilet train, she was judged and kicked out of schools and daycares because she was too much work. At HHR, Zara has not only been accepted but she has been challenged to achieve all of those things and more. Zara is verbal, in fact, she is trilingual. She CAN walk. She is a social diva who loves to dance, sing and make jokes. Most importantly, she has learned self-care skills through the core strength she has built riding Stu which is life-changing for her future and the independence she now has. The instructors are the heartbeat of HHR. They have not only changed Zara’s life but our life as Mom and Dad too. Thank you Stu, Rebekah, Jade, Alex, and Patty for the memorable & transformative time at HHR. What HHR does, is nothing short of magical.

Shabreen & Koen D’Hoore

Parents of Client

Healing with Horses Ranch and observing my daughter’s interaction with the horses has built her confidence, a higher sense of self worth and an emotional connection with the horses. It’s truly amazing to see the bond. I would recommend HHR to anyone that needs therapy and loves horses as my daughter does to participate in Equine therapy here. I feel it’s more than just riding it’s learning to know your feelings and be in tune with another animal all while learning your strengths and weaknesses. Thanks from a proud mom & supporter of Charizma at Healing with Horses Ranch.

My name is Charizma. Healing with Horses has helped me become more confident within myself and be positive in life. Also being here with the horses inspired me to be there for others when needed and having hope about everything I accomplish.

Capriesha & Charizma Whitley

Parent of Client & Client

Healing for Horses is a great place for special needs kids and everyone else. My son Gerardo enjoys going there every other week. He enjoys having therapy on a horse.  He’s learned a lot. He enjoys riding the horse, being able to let them know how to maneuver around, turn and stop. He enjoys bathing the horses, especially being able to get wet while doing that. Horse therapy has really helped him coordinate, balance, get stronger and not be afraid of horses and other animals. When people ask him if he likes going to horse therapy, he tells them I love it. He makes sure to remind me that he has therapy on Tuesdays. He loves seeing everyone there, but enjoys being with Maggie, Anna, and Matt when he’s there. I’m so blessed my son goes to Healing with Horses. I thank them for everything they’ve done for my son. A big thank you to all the staff! God bless Thank you.

Mayra Reyes

Parent of Client

I feel like Ms. Sheri teaches really good. When I was nervous when I first came there, she helped me get more used to it. I got on one of the biggest horses. I was very scared but I did it. I think that she’s a very good teacher. I’ve learned – they treat their horses nice at Healing with Horses. Like cowboys “yeet” up the reins to make their horses go. But at Healing with Horses I’ve learned that gently squeezing the horse with your legs is kind. I’ve learned how to guide a horse that way. And I think that’s the same for people too. I feel much better about learning new things than I did when I first started. I like taking on challenges. It makes your body grow, after all. It makes your brain grow. The instructors are so nice and they let you go in the river. I like riding my horse into the water in the summer.  

Levi Swanson

Client

To whom it may concern, I wanted to let you know that Paige enjoyed her time at the Healing with Horses program. The staff was very helpful and willing to help us in any way. When we needed an interpreter one was found for us and they were also very nice and helpful. We believe this did impact Paige as the staff knows she can be very adamant about things. This is a wonderful program and an opportunity we would not have been able to afford for our daughter. We can not say enough things about the staff and the program. Thank you again for this opportunity.

Elizabeth & James Edge

Parents of Client

My daughter, like so many other children, took a confidence blow as a result of the pandemic. She started to doubt herself more, gave up easily, and seemed wracked with fear. I felt it important to connect her to something that would help grow her resilience and confidence, so when an opening became available at Healing with Horses I jumped at the opportunity. I can say with confidence the experience has positively impacted her in all the ways I was hoping it would and then some.

My time at Healing with Horses has made me more confident. I can do things that I probably wouldn’t have done before I started working with the horses – like standing up on the horse and riding the roller coasters at Orlando. My favorite horses to work with are Avalon, Caesar, and Hercules. Some of my favorite experiences there were meeting the horses and seeing their personalities, what they like and just who they are.

Christa & I’le Coker

Parent of Client & Client

I am privileged to share with you the transformative journey of the Unbridled Warrior Program here at Healing with Horses Ranch, a unique sanctuary where veterans, current service members, and first responders find healing and strength. Many of us return from service bearing not just visible scars, but also the invisible wounds that affect our spirit and emotional well-being. Through our bond with horses, we discover powerful ways to heal. Horses, by nature, are gentle giants who become our partners in recovery, requiring us to step outside our immediate struggles and focus on patience, sensitivity, and clear communication. As we guide these magnificent creatures, we too learn to redirect our thoughts and emotions towards positive outcomes. Our sessions are about more than just riding; they are about building trust, understanding subtle cues, and fostering relaxation, while enhancing memory, boosting confidence, and improving physical wellness—all crucial elements for reintegration into civilian life. The beauty of the Unbridled Warrior Program lies in its approach: Adaptive Riding and Equine-Assisted Learning strategies, which not only help cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and related conditions but also rekindle a sense of community among us. Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, with your help, we continue to offer these life-altering experiences at no cost to those who have served us all. Let us ride forward, unbridled and strong, towards a hopeful horizon.

Patrick Nuckols

Client