Enhancing the bond between horse and human, Faithful Hearts Equine Learning Center treats clients on a ranch north of Woodland Park.  

“Horses are highly motivated and play off human emotions, respond to whatever state you’re in,” said Stephanie Smith-Zaruba, co-founder of the nonprofit organization with Holly Fletcher.

Founded in 2020 in Fletcher’s backyard, the learning center opened with six clients and two horses. Weeks later, the worldwide COVID shutdown halted operations for three months.

But the partners used the time to purchase 126 acres on CO 67 N. and reopen in November 2021, following health guidelines.  

“We found that children who went through COVID were stressed,” Smith-Zaruba said. “We have modalities to help people heal, grow and learn.”

With a yearly average of 350 clients, adults and children, Faithful Hearts helps people with dementia and depression, for instance.  

But first there is an unspoken agreement.

 “If you come in with a lot of nerves and anxiety, the horse will not want to connect or cooperate with you,” she said. “It’s a big animal, doesn’t have to do anything.”

Clients, however, soon learn what works.

“If you want to connect and complete these activities with a partner, healing happens quicker than talk therapy and that’s why a lot of people bring their kids here,” Smith-Zaruba said. “We work on emotions, relationships, problem solving and managing your frustrations.”

A horse’s heart beats about 40 beats per minute while a human’s heart is faster, creating a constant rhythm.  

“For people who have trouble communicating, you can see them start to improve when they’re on the horse,” Smith-Zaruba said.

For kids with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, for instance, riding a horse helps build muscles because it’s the same as a human’s walking gait, she added.

Smith-Zaruba recalls the Faithful Hearts client with Down syndrome, who, after working with one of the horses, started running and singing. Each instructor is PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certified.

The organization offers a free program for Teller County veterans on Thursdays.

Many of Faithful Heart youthful clients have emotional problems, anxiety, depression, social problems, low confidence, she said.

Rather than a result of isolation during COVID, Smith-Zaruba blames social media.

“It started in 2010, with the evolution of the smartphone when we started seeing mental decline,” she said.

Faithful Hearts recently started taking Medicaid for children who need behavioral health services, in partnership with Four Feathers Counseling.

With 16 horses that each require $100,000 annually in upkeep, the organization supplements its annual budget of $250,000 with sponsorships, grants, donations and fundraisers.

To highlight their work with clients, Faithful Hearts Equine Learning Center hosts the fourth annual Fall Skill Show & Community Showcase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 26, a fundraiser sponsored by Park State Bank & Trust.

Smith-Zaruba emphasizes the effective nature of therapy with horses.

“Horses don’t have an ego; they’re pleasant and offer immediate feedback,” Smith-Zaruba said. “They’re honest and respond to who you are.”