About Our Non Profit
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Founded in 2014

Enhancing the lives of children and adults.

The Ponies at Heart and Hooves Therapy

Learn more about the services we offer.

Our History

Heart and Hooves Therapy is a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity. We are here to enhance the lives of children and adults, of any age and ability with a different kind of therapy! We use AAA (animal-assisted activities) and AAT (animal-assisted therapy) to offer on-site sessions and off-site visits with our mini horses and other farm animals. We serve all, regardless of location, what they are going through, or financial need.

 

Chicken at Heart and Hooves Therapy
Pig at Heart and Hooves Therapy
Four Legged Team

Meet Our Team

Tori AK Peanut, Therapy Mini Horse at Heart and Hooves Therapy
Tori AKA Peanut

I am a 9-year-old mini horse that came in October 2014! I have been imprinted from birth and am a registered Pet Partners therapy team, AMTHA, METSA, and HHT! I enjoy working with any and all. I like apples and carrots!

Violet Therapy Mini Horse at Heart and Hooves Therapy
Violet

I am a 4-year-old mini horse who was born on February 14th, 2020. She is a registered therapy horse with Pet Partners and METSA. I love cookies, scratches, and carrots.

AJ Therapy Mini Horse at Heart and Hooves Therapy
AJ

I am a 6-year-old mini horse who was born on the ranch on August 10th, 2017! I love people, and being groomed, and am a registered therapy horse with Pet Partners, AMTHA, METSA, and HHT. I love being petted and hugged!

Alivia Therapy Mini Horse at Heart and Hooves Therapy
Alivia

I am a one-year-old paint mare that was rescued in 2023.

Cherry, a mini Nigerian dwarf goat at Heart and Hooves Therapy
Cherry

I am a 6-year-old mini Nigerian dwarf goat that is a therapy goat. I love being around children and teaching them how to walk with me.

therapy goat student at Heart and Hooves Therapy
OATMEAL AKA OATTY

I am 3-years-old and Cherry’s son. I am learning how to be a therapy goat. I love my training with children and adults. I love people!

registered mini therapy pig at Heart and Hooves Therapy
Piper

I am a 4-year-old registered mini therapy pig. I love people, mud, and watermelon.

trail horse and all around family horse at Heart and Hooves Therapy
Sadie

I am a 14-year-old paint mare with one blue eye. I am from a friend in Texas and I love children and adults. 

Nacho, trail horse and all around family horse at Heart and Hooves Therapy
Nacho
I am an 18 year old Paint Horse that has been in the family since 2006. I have been trained to be a trail horse and all around family horse. I enjoy teaching children and adult horsemanship! I love apples and watermelon rinds!
Geri, Arab Gelding horse at Heart and Hooves Therapy
Geri

I am a 14-year-old Arab Gelding who loves to be around anyone who will pet, brush, or talk to me.

Chips Therapy Horse at Heart and Hooves Therapy
RIP Sweet Chips

Chips went to the big hay field in the sky in August of 2023. 

I am a 23-year-old mini horse that came in March of 2014. I love being a therapy horse on all different levels.  I am a registered Pet Partners therapy team, AMTHA , METSA, and with HHT. I enjoy being walked and groomed by children. I love carrots and apples!

Two Legged Team

Meet Our Team

Melissa with Horses at Heart and Hooves Therapy
MELISSA SARGENT

Founder and CEO

I have 27 years of horse experience starting with scooping poop in exchange for lessons at 12 years old to helping with training, showing, and breeding horses. Being adopted is what got me into the horse world as I was confused and needed a positive outlet to work through the tough times.

Melissa participated in 4-H showing rabbits and in the arts and crafts group. I was in FFA in high school where I showed beef, was on the livestock and horse judging teams as well as was the Chapter Recorder for one term. I hold a Veterinary Assistant Certification, Life Coach Certification, Autism Certification, and Grief Educator Certification. I also studied animal behavior and am a current Pet Partners Animal Therapy Handler, METSA (Miniature Equine Therapy Standard Association) Handler and Team.

Ian Sargent
IAN SARGENT
Best Handyman
Ranch Helper
Hubby and Dad

The greatest, most hardworking husband I could have been blessed with. Ian works full time to support our family so I can run the non-profit full time and raise our children.

Kulten Sargent
KULTEN SARGENT

Mom’s Assistant

Kinlee Sargent
KINLEE SARGENT

Mom’s Assistant

Kylee Sargent
KYLEE SARGENT

Mom’s Assistant

We are the best pooper scoopers around and we love to be our mom’s assistants with training the horses!  We have learned so much from our mom and experiences with horses! We are happy we get to help share with everyone what a difference mini horses and others can make.

Connor, three year old, had so much fun today with Tori and his fresh eggs. He wouldn’t let go of them on our drive home.

Natalie T

Thanks so much Melissa. It was an absolute joy having you here. Mom has progressed to the point where she is not as interactive so I was excited to she her participating.

Susan S

Heart and Hooves Therapy is one of the most unique and universally touching pet therapies I’ve ever encountered.

Anonymous

What Drives Us

Our Mission

Enhancing the lives of children and adults, at any age and any ability with a unique kind of therapy using mini horses and farm animals.

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