Des Moines Register
By Jennifer Jacobs
June 26, 2007

Jordan, 15, bonds with a horse named Flicka as part of an activity for at-risk youth taking part in the Healing Hearts with Horses program at Deb Hoyt’s ranch in rural Runnells. Walking a horse at left is Cody, 16. Some teens identify with horses with problems like theirs.

Runnells, Ia. - At first, ranch owner Deb Hoyt kept the horses that were skittish and ill-tempered away from the teenagers who came to her farm for healing. Her rescue program for abused and neglected horses was separate from her therapy program for at-risk youth. But the teens tended to be drawn to the most troubled horses. “This is something I never expected,” Hoyt said. “We just - wow - the kids just kind of seem to know the horses who are like them.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Foster/adoptive children present with many special needs, the utmost is having attachment problems. All of these children have been removed from their birth families, which causes significant psychological damage. Many were removed due to mental illness, abuse, neglect and or drug/alcohol use in the home. This further impacts the trauma they experience. Children with attachment problems often have learning lags, ADD or ADHD, difficulty trusting adults and caretakers, difficulty in school and social situations, and trouble with the law.

The “Healing Hearts with Horses” program provides hands on learning about horses, breeds, different styles of riding, horse tack, horse care, and beginning to ride lessons. We are focused on clients learning to love and respect animals, and learning to care for them.

In its first year of existence, the Horse Heaven Rescue saved 22 horses and ponies. Some were from unfit conditions, while others were donated due to medical conditions or training issues. We were able to sell, adopt or use them for our programs.

The equine rescue program also benefits people who may not have had the opportunity to capitalize upon their love of this majestic animal.

“For some of the kids, they would never have been able to buy a horse if it weren’t for the program,” Deb Hoyt said. “If they keep the horses here, I make it very reasonable for them and then I can work with the horses’ problems while I help the kids learn how to ride.”

We continue to rescue , rehab, and retrain horses. We have several nice horses waiting for a good home! Contact Deb for more info!

I’m ready and waiting !