NEWSLETTER
 

JULY NEWS FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH
 
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4th Annual

PAR 4 PATRIOTS presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union September 20th- The Fort Walton Beach Golf Club!

 
 

Benefitting Healing Hoof Steps & Defenders of Freedom Florida

  • 4 Person Scramble
  • Awards 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
  • Hole-in-One Prizes
  • Longest Drive
  • Closest to the Pin
  • AR Golf Ball Launch Hole
  • Beat The Pro Competition
  • Raffles... and more!

***Player lunch & cart fees included.***

 

NEW THIS YEAR: Ponies, Patriots, Paint & Sip Ladies Event (during tournament play)

Register To Play Today!

 

https://par-4-patriots-golf.perfectgolfevent.com/

 

Email: narissa@healinghoofsteps.org for questions/details

 
 

Meet Our Dedicated Board Members of 2025!

Healing Hoof Steps is governed by 12 professionals, from diverse backgrounds,  who volunteer their time to help lead our programs to success.  We are honored to introduce our esteemed 2025 Board of Directors.  Each of them holds a passion for improving the mental health and well-being of the community.  Our executive team, staff, volunteers and herd members want to acknowledge the gift of their time and talents to support our organization's daily efforts.    Through their exceptional leadership and skillsets, Healing Hoof Steps is able to continue expanding our ability to create lasting positive impact in the lives of individuals along the Emerald Coast through therapeutic engagement with horses!
 

Beginner Horsemanship Lessons

Our facility has long been known for its calming, supportive and knowledgeable staff. The environment here at Healing Hoof Steps is ideal for those who may have felt unsure of where to start their horsemanship journey.

 

Healing Hoof Steps is proud to offer Beginner Horsemanship Lessons for those interested in learning the basics of English or Western styles. These lessons will immerse you into the foundational knowledge needed to follow your goals with horses. Let our instructors & horses help you build a strong foundation of knowledge that can carry you into any discipline or goal of your choosing. Instruction in basic horse care, knowledge groundwork skills, and horseback riding skills for participants without adaptive or specific needs. You determine your goals for the (4) weekly lessons in each package.

Our goal is to help you progress in your journey toward leisure horsemanship, horse ownership, or preparing for a more competitive chapter at another facility.

 

Lessons available Tuesday afternoons or Thursdays each week. Up to 2 participants per lesson.
 
Weight restrictions apply. Open to Independent Riders Only.
 
*This is a separate service from our Adaptive Riding Program.*
 
Register Online Today!
https://healinghoofsteps.org/beginner-horsemanship
 
 

Helping Hands & Healing Hooves

Cavalry of Giving

At Healing Hoof Steps, our 18 incredible therapeutic equines work daily to help people heal — from veterans and military members to children and families facing emotional and mental health challenges. These gentle animals give so much... and now, they need you.

 

Join the Cavalry of Giving — our monthly giving program — and become a vital part of their care and comfort all year round. Your recurring donation helps feed, protect, and support these equine heroes and maintain the facilities they call home.

 

Here’s how your monthly gift makes a real difference:

 

- (1) bag of horse feed: $17-$26 per 50lb bag

- (1) round bale of hay: $75

- (1) hoof trimming every 5-6 weeks: $50

- annual vaccinations: $125 per equine

- fly mask replacements: $20

- (1) bottle of fly spray: $20

- monthly fuel for the tractor: $50

- facility repairs & maintenance expenses

 

Even a small monthly gift adds up to a huge impact — ensuring our horses stay healthy, happy, and ready to provide healing through every season. Join the Calgary of Giving and help us keep healing, one hoofbeat at a time.

 

 

Use the QR code in our flyer to join today!

Our Board of Directors & their equine partners need your help to

WIN the Cavalry of Giving Race!

  Race ends August 31st and donations start at just $10!   Simply text one of the EQUINE names listed below to 850-757-2920 for the specific giving link for that team.  It's that easy!
 

Volunteer with our Adaptive Riding Program

 

Looking for a Way to Make a Meaningful Difference?

Join our incredible team of volunteers and experience the joy that comes from helping children and adults with disabilities, challenges, and limitations connect with the healing power of horses.

 

Whether you're assisting a participant during a session, helping care for our horses, or just lending a hand around the barn — every hour you give brings smiles, confidence, and connection to those who need it most.

 

Horse experience is welcome, but not required

Volunteers typically commit 1–3 hours per week

Make real impact while being part of a supportive and fun volunteer family

 

Ready to become one of our treasured volunteers? Getting started is simple:

  1. Complete and submit a Volunteer Application

  2. Complete a Background Check (ages 18+)

  3. Read our Volunteer Handbook (online training)

  4. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator to confirm your spot at the next in-person orientation (see date below)

Visit our website to begin your journey — and join a team that gives back in the most heartwarming way!

 

https://healinghoofsteps.org/become-a-volunteer
 
Next orientation is scheduled: Thursday, 17 July @5:30pm

JULY RECAP

 

8th Annual PTSD Awareness Ride - Poker Run

Thank You to American Legion 235 and everyone who made our 8th Annual PTSD Awareness Ride a success! We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to American Legion Post 235 for graciously hosting our 8th Annual PTSD Awareness Ride & Poker Run. Your support and hospitality helped make this event one to remember once again! Each year, this ride not only raises critical awareness for PTSD but also helps Healing Hoof Steps, providing healing and hope to those who need it most.

We were especially honored to have Wings & Steel join us to hand out guardian bells—a powerful and meaningful tribute that touched us all. Thanks to the dedication of our riders, staff, volunteers, and all who participated in the raffles and festivities, the event was a resounding success. We are so grateful for your time, energy, and heart. We’re already looking forward to riding together again next year!

Summer Camps

This summer, Healing Hoof Steps has proudly hosted summer horse camps! Open to both our current riders and the public, the camps were a great success. With activities ranging from arts & crafts, movie nights & our very first Summer Camp Equestrian Challenges, there were smiles all around! A special thank you to our wonderful instructor, Debbie, and dedicated volunteers for their hard work in ensuring that each child had a joyful and safe experience.

Debbie and her summer camp students (pictured above)

 

Our Summer Camp Equestrian Challenge Winners

(pictured below)

2025 Volunteer Appreciation Banquet

Our Therapeutic Riding Program celebrated 5 years of providing services this past June. In celebration, we took the opportunity to host a banquet to celebrate, honor and thank our staff and volunteers - both past and present! Their gift of time, hard work and dedication has been transformational to our program and individuals who have come through our gates. There's nothing strong than the heart of a volunteer! We cannot express our endless gratitude towards our volunteers enough. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the Crestview Elks Lodge 2624 BPOE for the delicious barbecue and birthday cake.