Hoofbeats and Heartbeats Equine is an Ottawa-based therapy and visiting program built around a small herd of specially trained miniature horses — and the simple belief that everyone deserves a little joy in their lives.
Since 2020, we’ve been bringing our minis into seniors’ residences, special needs programs, schools, community events, and backyard celebrations across the Ottawa region. What started as a few visits has grown into a full program of therapy visits, pony parties, group farm experiences, and custom community events — each one designed to create real connection between people and these gentle, curious little horses.
Our work is guided by three words: Trust. Believe. Connect. Trust yourself. Believe in yourself. Connect with yourself. Whether it’s a child meeting a mini for the first time, a senior reaching out from their wheelchair, or a team-building group discovering what these horses can teach them about presence and patience, every visit is built around that core.
We’re proudly volunteer-run, powered by a wonderful team of staff and volunteers — Debra, Loni, Amber, Lori, Sheila, Stef, Val, Britney, Max, Kim, Hailey, and Ryleigh — alongside our beloved minis. It costs over $2,000 a month to keep the program running, and every visit we offer is made possible through community support and generous donations.
Based ten minutes outside Kanata at 295 Upper Dwyer Hill Road, we travel throughout the Ottawa area to bring our minis to the people who need them most.
Everyone deserves a little joy. We’re just lucky enough to deliver ours four hooves at a time.
