The Hands & Hoofs Experience is a day-long program offered monthly from March through November. Our program, supported by local volunteers, is an outdoor experience on a small, private ranch in Sacramento County. We create social-emotional learning opportunities for youth and adults through connection to animals, including horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, and llamas. Our participants reflect on their experience through artistic and musical expression. We anticipate serving over 150 participants per year. We measure our success through solicitation of direct feedback at the close of each day’s program and written surveys distributed to participants. Our goal is to connect all youth, including those who are neurodivergent, have experienced trauma, and/or are a member of a minority group, through interactive experiences with animals and each other.
Our Equine Assisted Program (EAP) is a non-riding program that fosters social connections and cultivates life skills such as confidence, creativity, problem solving, and empathy. The animals at the center of our programming each have their own personalities and unique needs, and most have been rescued from traumatic pasts. Our innovative program for healing provides an opportunity to increase self-awareness, improve communication skills, and build relationships. Donations through community support ensures we can offer our program free of cost to all interested youth.