About H&H

Stroking the soft coat or grooming a mini can not only improve range of motion, but can strengthen weak muscles. For the blind and hearing impaired, minis are used for tactile stimulation thereby increasing their awareness of sensory perception by touch. Escorting minis through obstacle courses, teaches children control, direction and discipline.

Persons with cognitive, emotional, psychological and physical disabilities, as well as those with autism, learn life skills, confidence, self-esteem and communication skills by interacting and working with our miniature horses. Thereby enhancing their ability to learn self-control, improve speech and memory, to earn self-respect and patience by being firm, fair and consistent. One also learns understanding, respect and compassion for others as well as animals

Hearts & Hooves Sacramento brings these specially trained Miniature Horses into hospices, Autistic schools, Alzheimer’s clinics, special-needs classrooms, nursing homes, hospitals and more. Patients, their families, as well as care givers and staff members, all benefit when Hearts & Hooves brings a Mini to lighten the day.

Our Mission Statement >>>

Hearts & Hooves became a nationally recognized non-profit organization after appearing on the Today Show in June 2004, which featured Veronique Mathews who founded Hearts & Hooves out of Austin, Texas in 2002. Shortly thereafter Hearts and Hooves was featured on Animal Planet. Maureen Ferreria, Director of Hearts & Hooves Sacramento, received intensive training in Austin to bring this special service to the Sacramento area. Hearts & Hooves Sacramento is one of only five affiliates in the country and the first one in the West. Through gentle, caring techniques, Maureen has trained six of these intelligent and affectionate miniature horses as therapy animals.

Our miniature horses are unusually pleasant, very portable, intelligent and affectionate animals that crave attention. They bring a source of happiness and laughter to those who come into contact with them. Years of research confirms companion animals can aid in healing human pain, both physical and emotional. Research studies also have proven that pet and equine assisted therapies can lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, increase social interaction, increase emotional well-being and/or simply brighten one's day.

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We are now Hearts and Hooves at Grace. Read the full story here:

The Grace Foundation of Northern CA