20 September 2024

LATEST NEWS FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH

THE TIME HAS COME

3rd Annual

PAR 4 PATRIOTS presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union September 21st- The Pines Course at Fort Walton Beach Golf Club!

Thank you to our raffle sponsors!

• Florida Power & Light
• Cox Communications
• The Waters at Redstone
• ALTUS Shooting Solutions
• Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
• Emerald Coast Science Center

.... and more!

Though our event is SOLD OUT, come visit us!

If you would like to learn more about Healing Hoof Steps or Defenders of Freedom Florida, stop by the Clubhouse of Fort Walton Beach Golf Club this Saturday!

If you're interesting in volunteering opportunities to help our event run as smooth as possible, please contact our office at

850-764-1005. 

Volunteer with our Therapeutic Riding Team!

Our Holistic Therapeutic Riding Program includes horseback riding activities that meet therapeutic goals for individuals with unique needs. Unlike traditional riding lessons, volunteers assist the instructor in leading horses or assisting a rider's stability in the saddle. Our program utilizes volunteers to assist with helping in lessons, caring for the horses, and helping expand our program throughout the property. Volunteers are truly the backbone of our program! To volunteer, please visit our website at www.healinghoofsteps.org where you can find more information and an application under the "Volunteering" tab. Join our exceptional volunteering team today!

Exciting changes are on the horizon! Our new arena is nearly finished, and we've successfully relocated our tack room and crossties to the barn. Thanks to our amazing volunteers, the tack building is now complete and ready for the upcoming Therapeutic Riding term! A special shoutout to "Two Swans Custom Creations" for our beautiful new tack buckets and horse name tags—they look fantastic! Thank you all for your support! 

Thanks to our new arena cover, we can now protect our riders, horses, volunteers, and staff from inclement weather and extreme heat! Additionally, our new crosstie area makes setup easier for volunteers while promoting independence and horsemanship for our riders, both on and off the horse. We're excited about these enhancements!

Join us for the 4th Annual Tiffany Woodham State Farm Equestrian Challenge! This exciting event features 15 unique obstacles designed to challenge horses of all skill levels. Join us at Healing Hoof Steps, 3942 Jace Drive, Crestview, FL 32539, on Saturday, October 26th, from 9:30 AM to 1 PM.

This year, we have a larger course with fun challenges including basketball, polo, a mattress walk, and a back-through, among others! Participants will enjoy trailer parking, a tack sale, and concessions, with lunch provided.

To sign up as a mounted rider or in-hand course walker, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-equestrian-challenge-tickets-1010440513777 .

Please note: A current copy of Coggins is REQUIRED upon entry.

For volunteer opportunities at this event, call our office at 850-764-1005. We can’t wait to see you there!

Meet One of our Treasured Board Members!

Candie Arrowsmith, Fundraising Chair for Healing Hoof Steps since 2018

Candie Arrowsmith grew up in Fort Walton Beach, FL, and is a proud graduate of Choctawhatchee High School. She earned her BA in Business from the University of Florida—Go Gators! Candie and her husband, Stephen, were actively involved with Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue in Gainesville, where she also served on the board.

In 2004, Candie joined the Junior League of the Emerald Coast, chairing the child clothing project. She volunteered at Liza Jackson, where she served on the PTO and served as the President. Candie’s daughter, Campbell, discovered her love for horses after a birthday party at a stable, leading Candie to appreciate the calming presence of horses in managing daily stress.

When a board position opened at the local nonprofit Healing Hoof Steps, Candie was eager to get involved. She currently serves as the fundraising chair, aiming to generate resources and funds the meet the needs of the Emerald Coast through equine therapy. The Arrowsmith family enjoys boating and is committed to raising their kids in this vibrant area. 

For Candie, volunteering has always been a priority. She believes in giving back to and investing in our beautiful and growing community. Through her various service roles, she has built lasting friendships and is passionate about raising awareness of mental health and the healing benefits of horses.