Taylor Goeltl had to fight with her father to get him to let her attend an all-abilities summer camp back in the summer of 2004. Little did they know what they were getting themselves into. Once they set foot on the property, they were in love...in love with the horses, the people, the place. Hearts & Horses has a reputation for pulling people in and connecting them on a profound level. 

The father and daughter duo quickly developed a passion for H&H and saw it as an opportunity for some father-daughter bonding. The more time that passed, the deeper their volunteering went and they were soon helping with horse care and facility issues. Dennis joined the Board of Directors in 2008, served as Board President for a year, and then took on a paid position as the Facilities Director.

Dennis worked closely with donors and volunteers to get ahead of many of the facilities issues and played an integral role in numerous beautification and structural projects and improvements. He was also the kind of leader who was extremely kind and patient, always wanting to give everyone a second (and third) chance to improve.

He didn't move fast...ambled along at a slow yet consistent pace and encouraged all around him to slow down and be present in whatever conversation or activity was taking place. Dennis loved his horses and his children even more. No matter what was going on, he always had time to lend an ear or mediate an escalating situation.

He made a huge difference in the lives of so many and in the continued success and progress of Hearts & Horses. He is already greatly missed. Rest in peace, dear friend.