Since our participation in the Seen Through Horses 2025 campaign, the demand for our H.A.P.Y. (Hug A Pony) Mobile Outreach Program has grown beyond what we ever imagined! Funds raised during this year’s campaign will directly support Open My World’s innovative initiative that brings our miniature horses, Thunder and Lightning, to memory care communities, hospice facilities, autism centers, and residential programs.
Part of our mission is to remove barriers to healing. Many of the individuals who would benefit the most cannot physically travel to our ranch. So, we will come to them! Through structured, trauma-informed visits led by our specially trained staff and volunteers, participants engage in grooming, various sensory based interactions, guided activities, and organic social connection.
To meet this growing demand, we are working to make H.A.P.Y. a full-time program. That means:
- Hiring a dedicated staff member to coordinate, schedule, and manage outreach visits
- Completing formal training to ensure we are delivering the highest standard of equine-assisted mental health services
- Repairing our donated horse trailer so we no longer have to rent one for every off-site visit
- Purchasing safety and grooming supplies to keep Thunder and Lightning clean, comfortable, and presentation-ready for each facility visit
Every dollar raised through this campaign will directly strengthen and expand our ability to bring connection and comfort to individuals who cannot come to us. This isn’t just about transporting ponies. It’s about delivering dignity, healing, and human connection, one hug at a time.
