APRIL & MAY NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH

Join us at our next event:

5th Annual Par 4 Patriots!

Presented by our community partners, Eglin Federal Credit Union; this year's event will be held on:

Saturday, September 19, 2026

located at: Pines Course at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club.

This event benefits Healing Hoof Steps and Defenders of Freedom Florida.

We will have a 4 person scramble, hole-in-one, longest drive, AR golf ball launcher, and more! Lunch and cart fee included.

Our Early Bird Registration has begun - sign up now!

UPDATES

Mental Health Program Updates

At this time, our mental health and equine-assisted therapy program has limited availability due to high demand for services. However, individuals and families are still encouraged to reach out to be added to our waitlist.

To join the waitlist, please call, text, or email our office and provide the individual's name, date of birth, and the form of insurance that will be used for services. We appreciate your patience and look forward to supporting more members of our community as openings become available.

Property/Program Updates

THANK YOU, IMPACT 100!

With every project completed, our gratitude toward the women of Impact 100 grows. Our hay building and main office are now complete. Next, we will be extending our barn to aid in our riding programs. Big things are coming!

Autism Acceptance & Mental Health Awareness

April was Autism Acceptance month and May was Mental Health Awareness month.

These months are dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging conversations surrounding these topics. At our organization, we see first-hand the positive impact that connection, support, and the human-equine bond can have on individuals of all ages.

These months serve as important reminders that mental health matters, and that seeking support, practicing empathy and acceptance, and fostering meaningful connections are all vital steps toward building a safe and suppportive community.

Summer Camps!

Summer Camps are available for sign ups, beginning June 26th!

Children aged 7-17 can enjoy horseback riding, horse-themed crafts & games, learn about horse care & anatomy, and make new friends along the way!

Spots are limited - sign up today! Visit our website and find "HORSE CAMPS" under "Events."

Meet some of our Board Members!

Thank you!

Thank you to Freemasonry for their generous donation to our organization!

Freemasonry is a brotherhood rooted in integrity, service, and personal growth. Masons believe in building stronger men, stronger families, and stronger communities through charity, leadership, and compassion.

Their mission is simple: to make a positive difference in the lives of others while living by values that stand the test of time.

We appreciated the opportunity to share our story and demonstrate the meaningful impact their donation will make.

Our newest Adaptive Riding herd addition, Domino, made her first Healing Hoof Steps debut.

ADAPTIVE/THERAPEUTIC RIDING & VOLUNTEERING

Meet Some Volunteers

Our Volunteers are such an important part of our team and we could not provide the support to our participants in the Adaptive Riding program without them!!

Our program continues to grow in demand throughout our community and we owe thanks to some of these volunteers who have spent a lot of their time at our barn both during lessons and beyond!! 

Jazelle K.

Jazelle is a hard-working young adult who loves to spend her time with our staff; two-legged and four-legged.  She is determined and dedicated to helping our herd and our participants, and nothing scares her... except a bug here and there, haha. Jazelle is a human favorite among our herd and we appreciate the love and care she continues to show our organization, our humans and our equines!

Ray S.

Ray has spent many hours on site these last few years, directly supporting our program participants and building things in support of our mission. The adaptive riding program participants love when they see Ray, and continue to inquire about his whereabouts as he travels every year. Ray’s giving spirit is truly felt across this organization, as the staff and herd enjoy and utilize many of the items he has donated and built throughout these last two years! 

Sue W.

Sue has been a part of our team for several years and unapologetically shares our mission with everyone she meets! As a horse owner and lover, we are blessed that she shows that same love and care for our herd and our program participants.  She also supports and promotes our annual events, including our Pickleball tournament, as she, herself, is a pickleball enthusiast. We thank Sue for her ongoing dedication and support of our mission and many of our annual events!

Ready to make a difference? We need you!

We’re looking for volunteers age 14+ to support riders with unique abilities. Step into the arena, lend a hand, and be part of something truly meaningful!

We appreciate those who choose to give of  their time in support of our mission and to  the community.

Horse experience is helpful but not required.

Please visit our website to apply: https://healinghoofsteps.org/become-a-volunteer 

We are heartbroken to announce our first equine loss since opening our doors in 10 years.

On the afternoon of May 8th, Pricilla crossed the rainbow bridge following unforeseen medical circumstances. She was a sweet, timid, loving girl who quickly found a special place in the hearts of those around her. Pricilla loved her meals, treats and being groomed, but more than anything, she loved the riding participants who rode her week after week.

Pricilla joined our herd in April of 2023 and spent her time bringing comfort, joy and connection to so many people through her work and gentle presence. In her final moments, she was surrounded by the love of our staff and was able to say her last goodbye to her longtime pasture mate.

Pricilla's impact on our program and the lives she touched will never be forgotten. She will forever be remembered and deeply missed.