about our organization

Who We Are

About Horses Help

At Horses Help, we create life-changing experiences through the transformative power of the horse-human connection. As Arizona’s premier accredited therapeutic riding center, we provide equine-assisted services to children and adults with physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. Our inclusive programs also support at-risk youth and members of the military community, offering a safe and empowering environment where individuals can build confidence, develop skills, and experience meaningful growth.

In addition to therapeutic riding, we offer Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) programs designed to benefit individuals of all abilities. These experiential learning opportunities use guided interactions with horses to foster emotional intelligence, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills that translate into everyday life and professional settings.

Guided by professionals and supported by dedicated volunteers, our approach combines compassion with expertise. Every session is designed to foster healing, connection, and personal achievement, harnessing the unique ability of horses to inspire resilience and joy.

Our Story

Founded in 1987, Horses Help quickly established itself as a cornerstone of therapeutic riding in our community. Within just one year, we achieved 501(c)3 nonprofit status, affirming our commitment to serving those who need us most. Our journey has been marked by significant milestones that reflect our growth and dedication:

1987-2000

Building Our Foundation

In our early years, we focused on establishing strong community partnerships and sustainable funding. The inaugural Horses Help Golf Classic in 1991 became a beloved annual tradition that continues to support our mission today. A pivotal moment came in 1999 when we purchased our permanent property, providing a stable home for our programs and animals. The following year, we achieved PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International certification, validating our commitment to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

2002-2010

Leadership and Growth

When founder and Executive Director Cindy Ramsey retired in 2002, Gregg Goodman stepped into leadership, bringing fresh energy and vision to our organization. Under his guidance, we launched the annual Barn Bash fundraising event in 2004, creating another opportunity for our community to come together in support of our participants. In 2010, we were honored to serve as the starting point for the Phoenix JC Comancheros Pony Express, highlighting our role as a respected community partner.

2011-Present

Expanding Our Impact

The year 2011 was particularly special, as we welcomed Tortilla, a desert tortoise, and Belle, a quarter horse, to our animal team—both of whom remain our longest-serving animal team members. That same year, one of our program participants achieved a remarkable milestone by medaling at the Special Olympics, demonstrating the profound impact of our therapeutic programs.

Our proudest moment came in 2015 when three horses from our herd competed in the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, showcasing not only the quality of our equine partners but also the skills and dedication of our participants. In 2016, we expanded our animal-assisted therapy offerings by adding goats to our team, providing even more opportunities for meaningful animal interactions.

Our Team

Our diverse animal team includes horses, goats, and even our beloved desert tortoise, Tortilla. Each animal is carefully selected and trained to work with individuals of all abilities. Our human team consists of PATH-certified instructors, dedicated volunteers, and passionate board members who share our commitment to excellence in therapeutic programming.

Our Team

Our Animals