About Us
Helping Horses Help Children
Sacred Heart Rescue, Inc is a non-profit company that relies entirely on
donations from the general public, grants, fundraisers, etc. We
specialize in the rehabilitation and training of rescued horses to be used
in our Equine Facilitated Learning program for children with chronic or
life-threatening illnesses, children with emotional and mental
challenges, and special "at-risk" children.
donations from the general public, grants, fundraisers, etc. We
specialize in the rehabilitation and training of rescued horses to be used
in our Equine Facilitated Learning program for children with chronic or
life-threatening illnesses, children with emotional and mental
challenges, and special "at-risk" children.
Our Missions:
- To improve the quality of life for children with chronic and/or life-
threatening illnesses, children with emotional and mental
challenges, and special "at-risk" children through the interaction
with horses in an Equine Facilitated Learning program to meet
their individual needs. - To rehabilitate and train rescued horses that have been seized
from neglectful or abusive homes for use as therapy horses and
provide them with the love and care that they so deserve. - To find loving adoptive homes for those horses that are not
suitable for our Equine Facilitated Learning program. - To continue outreach programs to educate the general public
and health professionals about the benefits of using horses in
Animal Assisted Therapy.
How you can help....
Gift certificates to Lowes, Home Depot, or Tractor Supply Company are always appreciated. You can also
use Paypal and send monetary donations to donations@sacredheartrescue.com. Keep in mind, as a
non-profit company your donations may be tax deductible. We have also set up easy ways you can help
without cold hard cash. See our Current Fundraiser below.
use Paypal and send monetary donations to donations@sacredheartrescue.com. Keep in mind, as a
non-profit company your donations may be tax deductible. We have also set up easy ways you can help
without cold hard cash. See our Current Fundraiser below.
Sacred Heart Rescue, Inc.
| © Copyright 2007, Sacred Heart Rescue, Inc., All rights reserved. |
| CURRENT FUNDRAISER We are collecting used cell phones and inkjet cartridges for our current fund raiser. We have partnered with a company that recycles them to help protect the environment. For a printable flyer you can use around your office, or to read more click here. |
TAKE ACTION SAVE A LIFE For information about reporting animal abuse or neglect click here. |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
How Equine Facilitated Learning Works
Equine Facilitated Learning, also known as Equine Assisted Growth and/or Learning all work with the
same concept in mind. Some may involve riding where others only involve groundwork with a horse and
some may involve a combination of the two. Regardless, the basic concept is the same.
The benefits of the human/animal connection have been recognized for many years now. In fact, many
nursing homes now offer Animal Assisted Therapy with dogs. All kinds of hospitals are also using
Animal Assisted Therapy for patients whether young or old. The interaction with the dogs has been
proven to benefit the spirits and overall well being of the residents and patients. Some of the benefits
may include the following:
(AAT) on their website at http://www.deltasociety.org/AnimalsAAAAbout.htm#benefits
Using Horses for this type of Animal Assisted Therapy is invaluable. Children naturally have a love for
horses and want to be around them. Horses make great candidates for this type of work because they
act as mirrors for what they are presented with. Through interactions with horses, children can learn to
know themselves better. Horses show us who we are by reflecting ourselves back to us whenever we
are in their space. Their response to humans is either calm, or nervous and fearful depending on which
we present to them. Horses don't lie. You can predict how a horse is feeling by his actions, this will in
turn reflect how the child is feeling. If a horse is nervous or jittery, it is either because the child is nervous
or scared, or because it can't read what the child is thinking or feeling. The child may be trying to hide or
mask how he or she feels. If a horse can't get a sense of your intentions, their natural instinct is to be
scared of you. On the other hand, once the child lets down it's guard and the connection is made, the
horse may lower his head to the child and asks for a rub. This is because the child has opened up his
or her heart to the horse and they have established that ever so fascinating horse/human bond. It is truly
an amazing thing to experience. Two complete strangers coming together to form a bond with a mutual
trust and respect for each other.
Horses are prey animals and they are always looking over their shoulder for the predator. They can
sense when a predator is approaching before they are even able to see or hear them. This is a life
saving natural instinct that they are born with. They are always looking for feelings of safety and peace. If
the human is trying to control the animal, this produces fear within the horse. Therefore children have to
learn how to get the horse to do what they want with appropriate requests or "communication". This type
of learning centers around the Natural Horsemanship philosophy. Children are taught how to gain a
horse's respect with their communication skills, not by being overbearing and intrusive. These skills are
also very useful in the interaction with other people in everyday life. Children learn a whole new
language, horse language!
Our program is very flexible to meet the individual needs of each child. We will happily work under the
direction of the child's medical/mental health professional, counselor, or social worker in order to
understand the child's special area of concern and establish goals for our sessions. We would discuss
different options available that may be beneficial to the child. Once the type of session that would most
benefit the child is determined, the horse professional would work side by side with the child to
accomplish the goals set out for the session.
Depending on the child, the initial session may only be to have the child meet the horse, get acquainted
and learn the safety rules of the ranch. From there, the child is shown how to do certain basic tasks
such as leading the horse and stopping the horse. They will learn how to teach the horse to respect
their boundaries and they will learn how to respect the horse's boundaries. They will progress to asking
the horse to back up or walk over an obstacle or a series of obstacles. Then they may ask the horse to
walk or trot circles around them, then to circle over small jumps. These basic tasks are all done with the
encouragement and supervision of the horse professional right beside the child at all times.
Children are not required to ride the horse at all in order for this type of session to be successful. Most
children are ecstatic just to be able to accomplish these seemingly simple things with such a large
animal and to experience that magical horse/human connection. It is also easier on the parent, who is
no doubt nervously standing by!
Of course, there is always that reward, of a job well done, with a trip or two around the pen being led by
the horse professional. Some children may graduate to a trip or two around by themselves. It is all up to
each individual child's progress and needs. However, I am a strong believer in SAFETY FIRST! Any
person, adult or child, should always have groundwork tasks down with a horse before ever getting on
their back! This not only instills confidence in the child but it also instills confidence in the horse. A
horse has to be confident with his rider. They have to view the rider as their leader and trust them not to
ride (or lead) them into danger. They are herd animals and we must always prove to be a good leader
for them. Yet another invaluable life lesson for the children, how to be great leaders!
Some of the above are referenced from the renowned horseman, Franklin Levinson. You may visit his
website at www.wayofthehorse.org There are some great articles you may want to read!
Other great references regarding Equine Assisted Therapy may be found at:
www.narha.org - North American Riding for the Handicapped, Inc. They have a division called Equine
Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA).
www.eagala.org - The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association
same concept in mind. Some may involve riding where others only involve groundwork with a horse and
some may involve a combination of the two. Regardless, the basic concept is the same.
The benefits of the human/animal connection have been recognized for many years now. In fact, many
nursing homes now offer Animal Assisted Therapy with dogs. All kinds of hospitals are also using
Animal Assisted Therapy for patients whether young or old. The interaction with the dogs has been
proven to benefit the spirits and overall well being of the residents and patients. Some of the benefits
may include the following:
- Empathy - Identifying with and understanding the feelings and motives of another
- Outward focus - Bring one out of oneself (especially useful with children with emotional and
mental challenges such as autism) - Nurturing - Promoting the emotional and physical well being of another
- Rapport - Developing a relationship of mutual trust or developing a bond or a connection with
another - Acceptance - Having a favorable reception or approval
- Entertainment - For the young and old! Children love the interaction with the animals and it
doesn't feel like "therapy" or going to the doctor. It is something they will enjoy going to do. - Socialization - Seeking out or enjoying the company of others
- Mental Stimulation - Due to an increase in communication with others that is both welcomed and
enjoyed - Physical Contact and Touch - Providing stimulation with a positive and appropriate physical
contact - Physiological Benefits - Positive affects on the basic functioning of the body
- And so many more, such as improved self esteem, motor skills, confidence, etc.
(AAT) on their website at http://www.deltasociety.org/AnimalsAAAAbout.htm#benefits
Using Horses for this type of Animal Assisted Therapy is invaluable. Children naturally have a love for
horses and want to be around them. Horses make great candidates for this type of work because they
act as mirrors for what they are presented with. Through interactions with horses, children can learn to
know themselves better. Horses show us who we are by reflecting ourselves back to us whenever we
are in their space. Their response to humans is either calm, or nervous and fearful depending on which
we present to them. Horses don't lie. You can predict how a horse is feeling by his actions, this will in
turn reflect how the child is feeling. If a horse is nervous or jittery, it is either because the child is nervous
or scared, or because it can't read what the child is thinking or feeling. The child may be trying to hide or
mask how he or she feels. If a horse can't get a sense of your intentions, their natural instinct is to be
scared of you. On the other hand, once the child lets down it's guard and the connection is made, the
horse may lower his head to the child and asks for a rub. This is because the child has opened up his
or her heart to the horse and they have established that ever so fascinating horse/human bond. It is truly
an amazing thing to experience. Two complete strangers coming together to form a bond with a mutual
trust and respect for each other.
Horses are prey animals and they are always looking over their shoulder for the predator. They can
sense when a predator is approaching before they are even able to see or hear them. This is a life
saving natural instinct that they are born with. They are always looking for feelings of safety and peace. If
the human is trying to control the animal, this produces fear within the horse. Therefore children have to
learn how to get the horse to do what they want with appropriate requests or "communication". This type
of learning centers around the Natural Horsemanship philosophy. Children are taught how to gain a
horse's respect with their communication skills, not by being overbearing and intrusive. These skills are
also very useful in the interaction with other people in everyday life. Children learn a whole new
language, horse language!
Our program is very flexible to meet the individual needs of each child. We will happily work under the
direction of the child's medical/mental health professional, counselor, or social worker in order to
understand the child's special area of concern and establish goals for our sessions. We would discuss
different options available that may be beneficial to the child. Once the type of session that would most
benefit the child is determined, the horse professional would work side by side with the child to
accomplish the goals set out for the session.
Depending on the child, the initial session may only be to have the child meet the horse, get acquainted
and learn the safety rules of the ranch. From there, the child is shown how to do certain basic tasks
such as leading the horse and stopping the horse. They will learn how to teach the horse to respect
their boundaries and they will learn how to respect the horse's boundaries. They will progress to asking
the horse to back up or walk over an obstacle or a series of obstacles. Then they may ask the horse to
walk or trot circles around them, then to circle over small jumps. These basic tasks are all done with the
encouragement and supervision of the horse professional right beside the child at all times.
Children are not required to ride the horse at all in order for this type of session to be successful. Most
children are ecstatic just to be able to accomplish these seemingly simple things with such a large
animal and to experience that magical horse/human connection. It is also easier on the parent, who is
no doubt nervously standing by!
Of course, there is always that reward, of a job well done, with a trip or two around the pen being led by
the horse professional. Some children may graduate to a trip or two around by themselves. It is all up to
each individual child's progress and needs. However, I am a strong believer in SAFETY FIRST! Any
person, adult or child, should always have groundwork tasks down with a horse before ever getting on
their back! This not only instills confidence in the child but it also instills confidence in the horse. A
horse has to be confident with his rider. They have to view the rider as their leader and trust them not to
ride (or lead) them into danger. They are herd animals and we must always prove to be a good leader
for them. Yet another invaluable life lesson for the children, how to be great leaders!
Some of the above are referenced from the renowned horseman, Franklin Levinson. You may visit his
website at www.wayofthehorse.org There are some great articles you may want to read!
Other great references regarding Equine Assisted Therapy may be found at:
www.narha.org - North American Riding for the Handicapped, Inc. They have a division called Equine
Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA).
www.eagala.org - The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association
About our Horse Professional...
Well, I guess that would be me, Shari Herring, our Founder, President, and Executive Director. First I
would like to thank you for taking the time to learn about our services and Equine Facilitated Learning.
I have been riding horses since I was 5 years old. Growing up in Florida, I was a member of the FQHA
(Florida Quarter Horse Association), AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and the AJQHA
(American Junior Quarter Horse Association). I have an extensive background showing quarter horses
as a youth. My achievements included All Around Youth for the State of Florida, All Around Youth at the
AJQHA Youth Congress in Waco, Texas, Qualifying for and participating in the AJQHA World
Championship Show in Tulsa Oklahoma three consecutive years in row and placing 9th in Working
Hunter. I received AJQHA Superiors in the following: Showmanship at Halter, Western Pleasure,
Western Horsemanship, English Pleasure, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Trail. Received AQHA Superiors in
the following: Western Pleasure, Hunt Seat Pleasure, and Trail. Received AQHA Register of Merits in
Working Hunter, Western Riding, and Reining, as well as numerous FQHA annual Championships,
Reserve Championships, and All Around Youth Championships.
After my father passed away, my show career came to an end and we were forced to sell off everything,
including the mare I accomplished all of those wonderful things with, Gigi Riker. After high school, I
moved to Ocala, Florida's horse country and got a job at an Arabian show stable as a groom. I lived in an
apartment in the barn with the horses, traveled to shows in the trailer with the horses, and slept in a stall
next to the horses at the horse shows, and I loved it! Well all but the Owner/Trainers "old school" method
of horse training, using force rather than Natural Horsemanship. I then got a job on a thoroughbred farm
where I exercised "breezed" the two year olds on the track, and also lived in an apartment in the barn with
them. Circumstances brought me back to South Florida where I got married and had two wonderful
children. Once my son flew the nest and went off to college, and after back to back direct hurricane hits, I
decided to make the move I had been thinking of for years. I have always loved Tennessee and the
Carolinas and here I am, now in Tennessee. I managed to find a nice little ranch on 7+ acres that I fell in
love with.
Then came the horses again. I found a young gelding, the first one I looked at, and bought him on the
spot. Then of course he needed a pasture mate so I started attending the local auctions. Week after
week I showed up waiting for just the right horse. Then I met Dillan. He was under English saddle and
just beautiful, a register American Quarter Horse with great bloodlines. He had some war wounds and
the owner was forced to sell him because he was being beaten up by other horses where he was. That
was my first horse healing. Then there was a neighbor and friend who bought a piece of land, over a
hundred acres, that happened to have an abandoned horse on it. Then came Sadie. She had foundered
and was in very bad shape. She could hardly walk. With the help of my farrier, Anthony Ferrell, she is
doing much better now.
Then came Sacred Heart Rescue, Inc. I have been planning, and researching and planning and
researching, and researching and planning to find a way to give these horse a rewarding life after almost
death. I have always loved working with children and seem to always bond with them very easily. I am
always the one at neighborhood events playing with the children. So here I am. Hoping to have one of
the most rewarding times of my life working with both horses and children!
I majored in business management and minored in Psychology. I have a strong background in business
management and sales. Of course my education continues with horses on a daily basis and I am
currently focusing my studies on Natural Horsemanship and the horse/human connection. I welcome
any input that you may have. We are in need of volunteer board members at this time with either a horse
background, a mental health background, or a background working with children. If you are interested or
know anyone who may be interested, or if you have any comments about this site or questions, please do
not hesitate to email me at shari@sacredheartrescue.com
Thanks for your interest.
would like to thank you for taking the time to learn about our services and Equine Facilitated Learning.
I have been riding horses since I was 5 years old. Growing up in Florida, I was a member of the FQHA
(Florida Quarter Horse Association), AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and the AJQHA
(American Junior Quarter Horse Association). I have an extensive background showing quarter horses
as a youth. My achievements included All Around Youth for the State of Florida, All Around Youth at the
AJQHA Youth Congress in Waco, Texas, Qualifying for and participating in the AJQHA World
Championship Show in Tulsa Oklahoma three consecutive years in row and placing 9th in Working
Hunter. I received AJQHA Superiors in the following: Showmanship at Halter, Western Pleasure,
Western Horsemanship, English Pleasure, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Trail. Received AQHA Superiors in
the following: Western Pleasure, Hunt Seat Pleasure, and Trail. Received AQHA Register of Merits in
Working Hunter, Western Riding, and Reining, as well as numerous FQHA annual Championships,
Reserve Championships, and All Around Youth Championships.
After my father passed away, my show career came to an end and we were forced to sell off everything,
including the mare I accomplished all of those wonderful things with, Gigi Riker. After high school, I
moved to Ocala, Florida's horse country and got a job at an Arabian show stable as a groom. I lived in an
apartment in the barn with the horses, traveled to shows in the trailer with the horses, and slept in a stall
next to the horses at the horse shows, and I loved it! Well all but the Owner/Trainers "old school" method
of horse training, using force rather than Natural Horsemanship. I then got a job on a thoroughbred farm
where I exercised "breezed" the two year olds on the track, and also lived in an apartment in the barn with
them. Circumstances brought me back to South Florida where I got married and had two wonderful
children. Once my son flew the nest and went off to college, and after back to back direct hurricane hits, I
decided to make the move I had been thinking of for years. I have always loved Tennessee and the
Carolinas and here I am, now in Tennessee. I managed to find a nice little ranch on 7+ acres that I fell in
love with.
Then came the horses again. I found a young gelding, the first one I looked at, and bought him on the
spot. Then of course he needed a pasture mate so I started attending the local auctions. Week after
week I showed up waiting for just the right horse. Then I met Dillan. He was under English saddle and
just beautiful, a register American Quarter Horse with great bloodlines. He had some war wounds and
the owner was forced to sell him because he was being beaten up by other horses where he was. That
was my first horse healing. Then there was a neighbor and friend who bought a piece of land, over a
hundred acres, that happened to have an abandoned horse on it. Then came Sadie. She had foundered
and was in very bad shape. She could hardly walk. With the help of my farrier, Anthony Ferrell, she is
doing much better now.
Then came Sacred Heart Rescue, Inc. I have been planning, and researching and planning and
researching, and researching and planning to find a way to give these horse a rewarding life after almost
death. I have always loved working with children and seem to always bond with them very easily. I am
always the one at neighborhood events playing with the children. So here I am. Hoping to have one of
the most rewarding times of my life working with both horses and children!
I majored in business management and minored in Psychology. I have a strong background in business
management and sales. Of course my education continues with horses on a daily basis and I am
currently focusing my studies on Natural Horsemanship and the horse/human connection. I welcome
any input that you may have. We are in need of volunteer board members at this time with either a horse
background, a mental health background, or a background working with children. If you are interested or
know anyone who may be interested, or if you have any comments about this site or questions, please do
not hesitate to email me at shari@sacredheartrescue.com
Thanks for your interest.
| Shop at your favorite store through the link above and a percentage of the sale amount will go to Sacred Heart Rescue. Be sure to bookmark the page for all of your online shopping! |
| Shop at your favorite store through the link above and a percentage of the sale amount will go to Sacred Heart Rescue. Be sure to bookmark the page for all of your online shopping! |
| If you are interested in adopting a horse or providing a foster home for a horse in need, please download our application form. |
| To see a demonstration of Equine Facilitated Learning with Franklin Levinson, watch this video. |