Project Title
kindhearted Mini Therapy: Assisted Animal Therapy and Care Program Using Miniature Horses
Executive Summary
Healing Hooves is an assisted animal therapy program that utilizes trained miniature horses to support emotional, physical, and psychological well-being for individuals facing trauma, disability, and mental health challenges. Miniature horses provide unique therapeutic benefits due to their calm temperament, long lifespan, and strong human-animal bonding capacity. Grant funding will support the humane care, specialized training, veterinary services, and program delivery that ensure both participant safety and animal welfare. This project will expand access to evidence-based animal-assisted therapy while maintaining the highest standards of ethical animal care.
Statement of Need
Mental health challenges, trauma-related disorders, developmental disabilities, and social isolation affect millions of individuals across all age groups. Traditional therapeutic services are often inaccessible due to cost, stigma, or limited availability. Animal-assisted therapy has proven effective in improving emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and fostering social engagement.
Miniature horses are particularly effective therapy animals because:
They are naturally calm, intuitive, and highly trainable
Their size makes them accessible to individuals who may be fearful of larger animals
They have longer working lifespans than many therapy animals, ensuring program sustainability
Their presence encourages trust, empathy, and emotional grounding
Despite their benefits, the cost of proper care, training, housing, and veterinary services is a significant barrier to operating a safe and ethical therapy program. Funding is needed to ensure both participants and animals receive the highest standard of care.
Program Description
The Kindhearted Mini Therapy program provides structured assisted animal therapy sessions led by certified professionals in partnership with trained miniature horses. Sessions may include:
Ground-based interaction and grooming
Guided emotional regulation exercises
Trauma-informed bonding activities
Confidence-building and social skills development
Sensory and mindfulness engagement
All sessions are designed to be safe, accessible, and adaptive to participant needs.
Animal Care and Welfare
The well-being of the miniature horses is central to the program. Grant funding will directly support:
Veterinary care: routine exams, vaccinations, dental care, and emergency services
Nutrition: high-quality feed, supplements, and clean water access
Hoof care: regular farrier services to ensure mobility and comfort
Housing: clean, safe shelter and pasture maintenance
Training: humane, positive-reinforcement training specific to therapy work
Rest and rotation: limits on working hours to prevent stress and burnout
All animals are handled according to animal welfare best practices and ethical therapy standards.
Target Population
The program serves individuals including, but not limited to:
Children with developmental or emotional challenges
Veterans and first responders experiencing PTSD
Seniors facing isolation or cognitive decline
Individuals with anxiety, depression, or trauma histories
Services may be provided in partnership with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, or residential facilities.
Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Improve emotional well-being and stress reduction for program participants
Objective: At least 75% of participants will report reduced anxiety or improved mood after sessions
Goal 2: Maintain exemplary animal welfare standards
Objective: 100% of miniature horses will receive scheduled veterinary and farrier care
Goal 3: Increase community access to alternative therapeutic services
Objective: Deliver a minimum of ___ therapy sessions annually
Evaluation Plan
Program effectiveness will be evaluated through:
Participant and caregiver surveys
Therapist observations and session reports
Attendance and engagement tracking
Animal health and behavior monitoring
Evaluation results will be used to improve services and ensure ethical program growth.
Sustainability
Long-term sustainability will be achieved through a combination of:
Grant funding
Individual donations and sponsorships
Program service fees (when appropriate)
Community partnerships and volunteer support
The longevity of miniature horses as therapy animals contributes to financial sustainability and consistent care.
Budget Overview (Example Categories)
Grant funds will be used for:
Veterinary and farrier services
Feed, supplements, and bedding
Training and certification
Equipment and safety supplies
Program staff and therapy materials
A detailed line-item budget is available upon request.
Conclusion
Kindhearted Mini Therapy provides a compassionate, effective approach to therapy that honors both human healing and animal welfare. By investing in assisted animal therapy with miniature horses, funders support a program that fosters emotional resilience, community connection, and humane care. Grant funding will ensure the program’s continued success and expansion, benefiting both participants and the animals who serve them.
