Questions & answers

Children and adults with cognitive, physical, intellectual, learning, and social-emotional differences; veterans, active-duty military and first responders; and adults working on mental health or addiction recovery. Family members are welcome too. If you’re not sure whether we’re a fit, call us. That conversation is free and there’s no pressure.

None at all. Many participants have never touched a horse before their first visit. We start wherever you are, and everything happens at your pace.

No. Most equine-assisted learning happens on the ground: grooming, leading, groundwork and obstacle courses. Riding is an option for participants who are ready and want to, never a requirement.

Heartland Heals provides equine-assisted learning and peer support, which is experiential learning focused on life skills like confidence, communication, trust and coping. It is not a replacement for medical care or licensed psychotherapy, and it works well alongside them. We’re happy to coordinate with your existing care team.

Fill in the short form on our Get Started page, call (715) 323-2626, or email us. We’ll set up a conversation about goals and needs, then schedule a first visit.

Each session is planned around the participant’s goals. A typical session might include checking in, grooming, a groundwork or obstacle activity, time to reflect, and saying goodbye to the horse. Sessions build on one another over time.

Session length depends on the participant and the program. We’ll talk through what fits best during your first conversation.

Yes. Parents, caregivers and support staff are welcome to watch, and sometimes to take part. For some participants, sharing the experience with family is a big part of the point.

Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, and closed-toe, sturdy shoes or boots. No sandals. Dress in layers for Wisconsin weather. Helmets are provided for any mounted work.

Sessions take place at Heartland Equestrian Center, which has indoor arenas, so most sessions run rain or shine. If conditions are unsafe to travel, we’ll reach out to reschedule.

Safety comes first in everything we do. Horses are chosen for calm, patient temperaments, activities are supervised, and mounted work always includes a horse leader and sidewalkers. We’re a proud member of PATH International, which sets standards for equine-assisted services.

Yes. Tell us about mobility, sensory or medical needs in your first conversation so we can plan accessible activities and the right level of support.

Yes. What you share with us stays with us. We ask that you don’t send medical details through the website forms; we’ll talk about those privately.

Pricing depends on the program and how often you come. Contact us and we’ll walk you through current rates and any available assistance. We don’t want cost to be the reason someone can’t come.

Scheduling varies by season and program. We’ll find times that work for you when we talk.

No. We train every volunteer. Some of our best volunteers had never been around horses before. Volunteers 18 and over can take on most roles; volunteers aged 14 to 17 are welcome with a parent or guardian’s permission.

Whatever you can offer reliably. Some volunteers come every week; others help at events a few times a year.

Businesses can sponsor a horse, underwrite sessions, donate supplies or services, or bring a team out for a volunteer day. Reach out through the Contact page and we’ll find a fit.