HEARTS LANDING RANCH - Blog

Hearts Landing Ranch - Open house Event

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 16:35:25 GMT

How Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Can Help People Heal.

What Is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Recently, we welcomed a wonderful group of people to Hearts Landing Ranch to learn more about who we are, what we do, and why our rescued horses are such an important part of our work.

To everyone who visited the ranch, met our horses, asked questions, and took the time to learn about our mission, thank you .

We hope you left with a better understanding of how Equine Assisted Psychotherapy can create opportunities for healing, connection, and hope.

Supporting Veterans, First Responders and Families

Why Rescued Horses?

Be Part of the Story

Is Your Child Being Bullied? Signs Every Parent Should Know

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 22:28:00 GMT

A Child Who Used to Talk, and Now Doesn'tSilence is rarely nothing. A child who once shared every detail of their day and now offers one-word answers may be protecting you, or themselves, from something painful.Sunday Night StomachachesHeadaches, nausea, or a sudden reluctance to go to school, especially on a predictable schedule, are often the body's way of saying what a child cannot.Friends Who Quietly DisappearNotice when certain names stop coming up. A chi [...]

Why Do People with PTSD Avoid Asking for Help?

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

"I just wish they would let me in."It's a phrase we hear often from spouses, parents, children, and close friends of people living with PTSD.You may have watched someone you love become quieter, more withdrawn, or more easily frustrated. They may insist they are "fine" even when it's clear they are struggling. They may avoid conversations about their feelings or refuse offers of support altogether.If you've ever wondered why someone with PTSD won't ask for help, you are not alone.The answer has [...]

The Science of the Snuzzle: Why Horses Help Us Heal

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:10:00 GMT

When you feel anxious or scattered: The horse may become restless, set boundaries, or step away.
When you take a deep breath and settle: The horse will often drop its head, chew, or step closer, signaling that it feels safe around you.

Decreased heart rate and blood pressure
Lower levels of cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone)
Increased production of feeling-good endorphins like oxytocin

What The "Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins Can Teach Us About Healing with Horses

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:51:00 GMT

There are certain books that entertain us, others that educate us, and then there are those rare books that quietly change the way we see ourselves and the people around us.The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins is one of those books.Its central message is remarkably simple: we spend far too much of our lives trying to control things that were never ours to control. Other people's opinions. Their choices. Their reactions. Their approval. We exhaust ourselves trying [...]

5 Signs Equine Therapy Might be Right for your Family

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT

There are some wounds that do not respond to more words.Some struggles sit too deep for another office visit, another worksheet, another conversation across a desk under fluorescent lights. Families try everything they know how to try. They keep appointments. They read books. They tell themselves healing takes time....And still, something feels stuck.At Hearts Landing Ranch, we meet families every week who arrive carrying that exact feeling. Parents exhau [...]

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Veterans

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:44:00 GMT

There are moments at Hearts Landing Ranch that remind us exactly why we do what we do. Our recent Veterans Reunion was one of those moments.As we look through the photos from the evening, we see more than smiles and snapshots, we see connection, camaraderie, understanding, and the unique bond that exists among those who have served our country.Veterans from different backgrounds and experiences came together to share stories, meet new friends, and enjoy an eve [...]

Big Day of Giving (BDOG) has officially kicked off

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Big Day of Giving (BDOG) has officially kicked off and runs through May 7th, 2026!For 2026 Hearts Landing Ranch is saddling up for a Virtual Pony Express Ride covering 4,000 miles as part of both a fundraiser and card writing effort to send words of hope.Fundraising goal is 4,000 miles x $20.00 = $80,000 to sponsor 40 people and 9 horsesEach $20 donated to Hearts Landing Ranch moves a horse ONE MILE.Everyone knows someone living in quiet desperation, someone living in emotional pain or has lost [...]

I am not Homeless anymore

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 01:38:00 GMT

Hello and happy Summer!I wanted to share two grateful clients who have benefitted from HLR Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and how impactful your gifts to Hearts Landing Ranch are.Once such client, "Mikayla" who has seen such dramatic improvement in her mental health, is so thankful for her scholarship because she is scraping together her contribution for sessions with rolls of quarters. Mikayla could not receive [...]

our 10 year birthday party

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 21:44:00 GMT

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"From Panic to Peace: My Journey of Healing through Exposure Therapy"

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:21:00 GMT

"Every time I stepped foot into TJ Maxx, Homegoods, or any similar store, my mood would instantly shift, my palms would become sweaty, and my heart would race. I felt an overwhelming urge to leave, yet I couldn't understand why these reactions were happening.Then, I received a candle as a gift for my new apartment. As soon as I smelled it, I was transported back to the same intense emotions I experienced whenever I entered those stores.Thankfully, I confided in my therapist about this pec [...]

Unleashing Inner Strength: How Equine Assisted Psycotherapy empowers veterans to overcome ptsd

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 02:04:00 GMT

Mark had always dreamed of serving his country, and when the opportunity came to join the Army, he jumped at the chance. He underwent rigorous training, both physically and mentally, preparing him for the challenges he would face. Little did he know, the greatest battle was yet to come.During his deployment, Mark experienced traumatic events that would forever change him. The sights, sounds, and constant state of alertness ingrained themselves deep within his [...]

Finding Comfort and Guidance in the Equine Herd: A Client's First Visit to Hearts Landing Ranch

Fri, 19 May 2023 17:55:00 GMT

The arena is filled with boys. Well, male horses. 3 big ones and 3 minis. Two of the minis are twins and they are following each other around. Two of the bigger horses are white and one is black/brown. One of the white ones (the one with the black specks) put his muzzle on my belly. I think he knows that I am pregnant. As I stand there in the arena surrounded by these beautiful animals, I can't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. I've heard about the he [...]

"Let's Talk About It: Tips for Parents to Start the Conversation on Mental Health with Their Kids"

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 18:33:00 GMT

Try a different approach: If your child isn't comfortable talking face-to-face, try writing a letter or email to them, or even talking while doing an activity like going for a walk or cooking together.
Use open-ended questions: Instead of asking yes or no questions, try asking open-ended questions that encourage your child to express themselves.
For example:

What's been on your mind lately?
How are you feeling today?
What's something that's been bothering you lately?
Can you tell me more about what you're feeling?
What do you think would help you feel better right now?
How can I support you?

We are bursting with excitement!

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 22:33:00 GMT

Introducing the latest newsletter from Hearts Landing Ranch, where we bring you the latest updates and trends from our Equine Assisted Therapy program.Our team has been working hard to curate a comprehensive newsletter that caters specifically to our Ranch community.Whether you're a therapist, a volunteer, a donor or a client, we've got you covered.In our newsletter, you can expect to find program updates, inspiring stories from our clients, and important anno [...]

"Making a Positive Impact on mental health"

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 23:10:00 GMT

"Making a Positive Impact"Donna Eckwortzel recognized - Hearts Landing Ranch We are thrilled to announce that Hearts Landing Ranch has been recognized by Granite Bay View / and Placer County Supervisor -Suzanne Jones . This is very exciting for HLR and our community, as EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy) provides invaluable mental health support to those in need.At Hearts Landing Ranch, we specialize in providing therapeutic services to those struggling with mental health issue [...]

Hearts Landing is Grateful for you ! Happy Thanksgiving

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 17:54:00 GMT

We Are Thankful for You!

How to choose an Equine Assisted program that is right for you. - Client Testimonial

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 21:48:00 GMT

Why Equine Assisted Therapy?The human-horse connection is a special one. It can go beyond the physical, and into the emotional and spiritual realms. Horses are known for their calming effect on people, and for their ability to help people find peace. In recent years, equine therapy has become more popular as a form of treatment for mental health needs. In some cases, it’s used in conjunction with traditional therapy to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and many other men [...]

World Mental Health Day

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 22:22:00 GMT

PTSD- Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Hearts Landing Ranch is “building a community to impact a community”. This includes a newer Military PTSD program. According to the Veterans Association 1 in 5 women will experience sexual abuse while serving in the military.While the statistic for men is 1 in a 100.This data coupled, with the tragic statistic that 20 of our veterans are committing suicide every day suggests a very large need fo [...]

What is Equine Assisted Therapy?

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 20:22:00 GMT

Hi there- and thanks for taking a moment to visit our Blog!I decided to share another book that I feel really explains at a high level what Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is and how it can help people suffering from various mental health issues, The book is called “Riding Home – The Power of Horses to Heal”by Tim Hayes. I read this book last year when I started volunteering at Hearts Landing Ranch here in Granite Bay, CA. I was interested in learning [...]

Practice of journaling for mental health

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:04:00 GMT

Write down one good thing that happened to you today.
What are five personality traits that you are most thankful for?
What about your upbringing are you most grateful for?
Are you happy with how your day turned out? Can you do better tomorrow?
Name 5 things you are doing well currently.
What family members are you most grateful for? Write about what makes them special.
What is something nice you did for another person today or this week?
Who or what in your life are you happy to have let go?

Constructing “Chicken Mansion”

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 07:00:00 GMT

Lead by Jacob Moss in pursuit of his Eagle Scout award, Jacob consulted with chicken breeder and contractors to design the coop and then rallied volunteers to build it. See the production of those chickens in the photos. [...]

Construction of Chicken Yard