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THE HALT FOUNDATION

Advancing
EQUINE-ASSISTED
SERVICES

We are here to Amplify Awareness about and to Advance Access to life-changing mental health care and personal development using Horses!

REACH OUT
Logo for The HALT Foundation featuring a stylized blue and white illustration of a horse’s head and a person’s arm embracing it, with “HALT” in large letters and “Foundation” written below in script.

Our Vision and Mission

HALT stands for Horse Assisted Learning and Therapy.

Our Vision is to be a leading Advocate of Equine-Assisted Services throughout VA and beyond.

Our Mission is to both amplify and advance the life-changing field of Equine-Assisted Services.

Founded in 2020 as a 501(c)(3), The HALT Foundation is passionate about serving the mental health and personal development needs of communities in Virginia and beyond through advancing availability and access to Equine-Assisted Services.

Our Strategic Priorities

  • Financially supporting individuals and groups seeking Equine-Assisted Services.
  • Financially supporting the professionals that work in the field through scholarships for training and certification.
  • Financially supporting the needs of centers providing Equine-Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy.
  • Financially supporting the healthcare needs of our equine partners.
  • Hosting awareness and educational events, such as The Rescued Hearts Documentary.
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Financially assisting Individuals seeking Equine-Assisted Services who have a financial need.

APPLY HERE
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Supporting EAS professionals with grants to receive special certifications required.

APPLY HERE
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Supporting Equine-Assisted Service Providers through grants for underfunded program initiatives.

APPLY HERE
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By contributing financially to the care and overall wellbeing of our equine partners working in the industry.

MAKE A GIFT
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Sponsoring awareness and educational events.

View Calendar
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Our Impact

Because of the continued support of our generous donors and our partnerships with local service providers, our impact has consistently grown every year since our beginning in 2020.

Our impact multiplies as we enable service providers to see more clients and as we educate the public about both the mystery and the science behind the benefits of the horse-human connection in a therapeutic context. Every financial gift we receive makes a difference in broadening our reach and our impact in the industry.

Dollars Raised
$ 0
Partial Grants for Professionals
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Partial Grants for individuals
to receive therapy
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Individuals impacted by
community education events
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ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

White logo featuring a horse’s head within a ribbon shape, next to the words Horses for Mental Health Campaign and the initials HMH below the ribbon.
Three people interact with a white horse outdoors, surrounded by trees. Text reads: Lets prove whats possible when community shows up. Horses for Mental Health Campaign.

OPEN HOUSE

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month we are hosting an Open House at Rocky Hill Stables in Linville on Sunday, May 17, from 3:00–5:30 PM.

LEARN MORE>

The Horses for Mental Health Campaign

May 1–31 during Mental Health Awareness Month

We’re proud to be one of 120+ organizations selected for this national initiative—our primary fundraiser of the year. This is a national awareness campaign, educating the public about the benefits of the Horse-Human connection, and is our Primary fundraiser for the year.

  • Matching Gift Days: Although gifts will be received all Month, each Monday in May gifts will be matched (up to a total of $500 each match day) due to the donations of generous sponsors.
    • May 1st – Opening Day Match sponsored by ITA International
    • May 4th – Sponsored by The Foster Foundation
    • May 11th – Sponsored by Farmers and Merchants Bank
    • May 18th – Sponsored by Park View Federal Credit Union
    • May 25th – Sponsored by Lynn Rogers
  • 50 donors will unlock a $1,000 generous sponsor gift from the Wharton, Aldhizer and Weaver Law Firm
  • Reaching our goal of $10,000 will unlock a $1,000 generous sponsor gift from Dianne and Chris Fuller

Help Us Reach Our $10,000 Goal!

GIVE TODAY

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Real Stories. Real Impact.

"Horses are so stoic, and it was not until they had their first exam by a veterinary equine dentist that we learned that Magic and Girl Scout, two of our new senior horses, required major dental surgery. Just like with people, dead and misaligned teeth can cause digestive problems, infection, and pain.

The HALT Foundation stepped in to provide financial support that eased the burden of this very expensive, unexpected surgery. Within weeks we began to see a real difference in both of them, with brighter affects, and more engagement and curiosity with people. They have both put weight on and are now able to enjoy a wider range of forage. Thank you so much, HALT Foundation, for your swift response to our ask and the difference you made for our Magic and Girl Scout."
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Amanda Graham, LCMHCFounder, Unbridled Way Forward
Because of the support I received through The HALT Foundation scholarship, I was able to continue pursuing additional professional development opportunities, including the H.E.R.D. Institute Foundation II program. That scholarship support created momentum and allowed for continued growth that may not have otherwise been possible.

The impact of scholarships like those provided by The HALT Foundation extends far beyond one course or one moment. They help build skills, credibility, and capacity that can then be poured back into the communities being served. In my case, that growth directly supports the work of Mended Sparrow, Inc. and the populations we serve through equine-assisted services..

I am truly grateful for The HALT Foundation’s support and belief in this path.
Shahnaz Deyette
Shahnaz DeyetteFounder & Executive Director, Mended Sparrow, Inc
"We would like to thank The HALT Foundation for their continued support. They have supported our continued education of our instructors and Equine Professionals in order to better serve our community. This organization is always ready to step up where they see a need helping others to help others. It is organizations like The HALT Foundation that allow places like Healing Strides to serve our communities with excellence. I would like to personally think Barbara Robbins and the Board of Directors."
Carol Young
Carol Young CEO, Healing Strides of Va
"I am so excited about what The HALT Foundation is doing to foster healing and hope for those who are struggling and hurting. I was a volunteer at the screening of the Documentary, Rescued Hearts that The HALT Foundation hosted. Watching the film, I gained a better understanding of the transformative power of people and horse relationships. Last year I began a journey of learning more about horses, equine therapy and began horseback riding lessons at the age of 66! I am also volunteering at an Equine program to assist development disability riders. Thank you HALT Foundation for enriching my life!"
An older woman with long gray hair and a pink scarf sits on a porch. She is wearing a maroon top with small patterns and is looking at the camera, with greenery and a brick wall in the background.
Dianne FullerVolunteer and Donor
"Thanks to scholarships from The HALT Foundation, my teanager was able to receive equine assisted therapy. This has been the least worrisome winter of the last several years. I think that speaks volumes to all the help and guidance my child received from the equine assisted therapy team, including the horse.
Sherrie
SherrieA Client's Parent

Upcoming Events

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Partners and Sponsors

Our faithful Financial Business Partners include:

  • Wharton, Aldhizer and Weaver law Firm
  • The Foster Foundation
  • Park View Federal Credit Union
  • Farm Choice, Inc.
  • Rocky Hill Stables, LLC
  • Brilee Farms, LLC
  • Broadway/Timberville Rotary

Service Providers we have partnered with to help build community awareness and promote professional development include:

  • Willow’s Haven Farm Sanctuary
  • Healing Strides of Virginia
  • Charlottesville Area Riding Therapy (CART)
  • Cross Keys Equine Therapy
  • Arenas for Change
  • Horses for Mental Health
A young girl with braided hair and a blue shirt paints pink and green designs on the side of a brown horse outdoors.

A Note of Gratitude

We are deeply grateful to those who partner with us in advancing the life-changing potential of the horse-human connection. Our work is made possible through the generous support of donors, businesses, volunteers, and industry professionals. Your commitment makes this impact possible, and we sincerely thank you.