I recently learned that working in animal assisted therapies is considered to be #10 in the top ten largest growing careers. It is wonderful that more and more people are coming to value these therapies and are making careers in this field. These careers can become more professional and offer better pay as we develop a scientific body of knowledge around the phenomenon of the human-animal bond.
Horses and Humans Foundation promotes research in the field of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies, EAA/T. From our earliest beginnings in Flagstaff, AZ, in May of 2002, it was believed that if we “offer the money, they will come.” And now, for HHF’s very first grant cycle, twenty-seven of them did come, from a broad geographical area and covering a wide range of therapies. It constantly amazes me the many ways that horses can be engaged to help so many different people!
There are many questions about EAA/T that need to be asked, and answers that need to be proven, but it now looks like we have a growing group of people that are up to the task. HHF is proud to be spearheading efforts that will lead to a better understanding and appreciation of the horse and human bond.
We wish to thank all of you who have assisted us with your time, your encouragement and your money. We need your support more than ever now to continue our funding efforts through the years ahead. Then EAA/T just might become the #1 largest growing career.
-Molly Sweeney, Board President

The William J. and Dorothy K. O'Neill Foundation of Cleveland, OH recently awarded HHF a grant of $40,000 for capacity building purposes. The funding will be used for several important projects: a strategic planning session, organizational audit, an integrated software system, and developing a marketing program. As HHF continues through a very rapid growth period, these are especially critical areas of focus. The visionary support of the William J. and Dorothy K. O'Neill Foundation will ensure the highest quality development, and is deeply appreciated.

HHF is pleased to welcome Robert Crump to the board of directors. Mr. Crump is a partner at Walter & Haverfield LLP, Attorneys at Law, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a founding trustee at Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center (FFTRC) in 1978, illustrating a decades long interest in Equine Assisted Activities. He has been president of the FFTRC board twice, and also serves as trustee on the the Therapeutic Riding Center Foundation. Mr. Crump holds a BA from Ohio Wesleyan University and a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University.

Many find tax season to be so. . . taxing . . . that they hire an accountant to prepare their returns. Your accountant knows the breaks to help your bottom line most of the time, but may neglect to inform you of an exceptional way to simultaneously save you money while also greatly benefiting your favorite nonprofit - like HHF!
A lesser known method of receiving a greater tax break is gifting long-term appreciated securities.

Full colored note cards are now available for purchase! Great gift idea for program staff, volunteers or others.
Thanks to a generous sponsor, 100% of the purchase price goes directly toward research efforts of HHF.
Cost is $10 per set plus $2 shipping and handling. $4 shipping/handling for any order of two or more!

The Visionaries Circle is a group of forward-seeing investors who support the rigorous research goals of the Horses & Humans Foundation.
To continue promoting EAA/T research, HHF seeks continued support at the visionary levels ($1,000 and up). Your gift can be designated toward research, capacity building, endowment or other areas – and will be doubled through our matching grant opportunity.
Visionaries Circle membership is a worthwhile holiday gift (or for any occasion!) for a program executive director or staff, a loved one, your board members or others.
Use the link below for more information on the Visionaries Circle, including an impressive benefits list.

Adventures in Awareness, LLC
Lasell Bartlett
Janet Brown
Alison Darrell
Susan Dees
Martha & Richard Dubensky
Fieldstone Farm TRC
Jane & Robert Fitzpatrick
Donna Frankel
Good Hope Equestrian Training Center
Betz Haartz & Walter Davis
Victoria Haehl
Kathleen & Kent Harbaugh
Susanne & David Haseman
Horse Sense of the Carolinas, Inc
Horses Help
JF Shea Therapeutic Riding center
Annette Kornbrekke
Patti Kortkamp
Judith Lightfoot
Loudoun Therapeutic Riding
Karen McPhail
Kevin & Kelly Sweeney McShane
Lee Morgan
Barbara Rector
Ride on LA
Jessica Saalfield
Marilyn Sokolof
Strides to Success, Inc.
Richard & Lynette Stuart
Brian & Debbie Sweeney
Molly Sweeney
Jose Szapocznik
Talbot Special Riders, Inc.
Clare Thomas
Thorncroft Equestrian Center
William J and Dorothy K O'Neill Foundation
Special Gifts:
Breeana Bornhorst, in honor of Bruce and Margaretta Bornhurst
Dana Butler, in honor of Anthony Busacca
KC Henry, in honor of Pat Mullins
KC Henry, in memory of Dr. John Carr
Mary Vallier-Kaplan, in honor of Horsepower staff
Sandra Wellford King, in honor of all the volunteers at Talbot Special Riders
Brad & Terry Lewis, in honor of "Scintillating" Sara and "Proper Donut" Sasha
William & Katherine O'Neill, in honor of Molly Sweeney
William J and Dorothy K O'Neill Foundation, in honor of Molly Sweeney and all the work she has done for HHF