Our animated doppelgangers are having a blast racing to the finish line in our Horsing Around FunRaiser. The race to Giving Tuesday is ON and we need your help! Visit our FunRaiser today!
Transforming Lives Through the Power of Horses
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At Between Horses and Humans, we believe in the life-changing power of horses to nurture confidence, resilience, and compassion in our youth. For children and teens in Douglas County and the Lake Tahoe region, our program offers a safe, welcoming space to set aside everyday challenges and reconnect with their authentic selves. Each session with our horses is an opportunity for growth, self-awareness, and empowerment.
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Why Horses? Horses are unique in their ability to sense and respond to human emotions, creating a deep and genuine connection. Through grooming, leading, and simply spending time together, children learn patience, self-regulation, and empathy. These are skills they carry with them beyond the barn—into school, relationships, and life.
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The Need for Support: The care and wellness of our horses are essential to delivering these experiences. Each horse costs around $6,000 annually for feed, bedding, tack, vitamins, farrier care, and medical expenses. Your support ensures our horses remain healthy and ready to support the children who rely on them.
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On Giving Tuesday, or any day, your donations—big or small—directly impact the lives of our horses and our students. Whether it’s grain, a new set of boots, or crucial winter bedding, each gift helps us offer this transformative experience to more children at no cost.
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Thank you for helping us continue to empower our community’s youth through the powerful connection between horses and humans. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to support our efforts, please consider donating to our Horsing Around Fun-Raiser.​
Meet the (real) Horses
Lisette
Donated to BHH by Ruth Page and Greg Walsh of Maddi's Friesian Ranch, the lovely Lisette has joined the team in September of 2020. Lisette is a purebred Friesian mare and was a brood mare at the ranch. She has had 10 babies! She is super sweet, gentle, and loves working with the students. Her kind, gentle, and loving nature make her a perfect fit for our program.
Rascal
Rascal is a beautiful being inside and out. She is very easy going and looks forward to her time with people. She is very dedicated to the participants of the leadership program and will warm your heart with her kind nature and willingness. She spent the first seven years or so of her life studying dressage. She is approximately 16.1, a gorgeous bay with white socks and a blaze.
Afke
In memory of our beloved Afke: Afke was a brood mare most of her life and was donated to BHH by Ruth Page and Greg Walsh of Maddi's Friesian Ranch. A purebred Friesian mare, Afke had a very youthful personality. She was very gentle, a rockstar with the kids, and an amazing addition to our program. Rest in peace, sweet Afke.
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Tru
Tru is an Icelandic horse. He'll turn 23 on May 21, 2025. Even though he's called a pony, he carries himself like a true horse. Diana, one of our BHH volunteers, knows Tru well - she's ridden him a lot. He belonged to Diana's friend, who was looking for a new home for Tru - of course BHH was the perfect fit! Tru has experience as a therapy horse, and he just loves serving children. Of course they love him back!
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Mari
Mari is owned by volunteer instructor Cindy Cowan, and generously made available to Between Horses and Humans students. Mari was born as Spott’s Elegance, in Iowa, showed her grandaddy’s (Color of Fame) sparkle and kindness early on. She was destined to be a show horse, but really didn’t love the show circuit. She was settled in Gardnerville, where she bounced from the pasture to Camp Richardson as a wrangler horse for a summer. She didn’t have a purpose or a job and had withdrawn by putting up layers of emotion and fear.
Cindy met Mari in 2009. Mari wanted to trust and tried very hard to open up, but it wasn’t until Cindy called Barbara Slade to work with Mari, did she begin to see that life was safe, fun, and fulfilling. As layers of emotion were shed, Mari started to work with the children of Between Horses and Humans. She loves children!!! She loves to reach around her neck and hug those that are fearful just as she was, to help kids release their tensions and learn to love life.
