Enriching lives
through the Power, Beauty and Magic of Horses.
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Our focus
is Connection and Relationship with horses
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Improving
the mental health and well-being of children in our community.
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Your journey to connecting and growing with horses begins here.

Welcome to Horse Sense for Kids, where we believe in the transformative power of horses. Our western horseback riding lessons, Ride N Play programs, fun days and special events provide a unique opportunity to develop both horsemanship and life skills.

Our horsemanship programs include all the traditional riding skills however we add in the most powerful component – CONNECTION AND RELATIONSHIP.  Learning to ride and handle horses from this perspective opens the door to developing a deeper understanding and growth as a horseman. It is through appreciation and empathy that the full gift of what horses can do for us is experienced. 

Join us at Horse Sense for Kids and embark on an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, growth, and a deep appreciation for such incredible animals.

Click here for information on our horsemanship programs.

Mission Statement

To enrich the lives of youth through their interactions with horses. We provide an emotionally and physically safe place for all youth that is fun, fair, respectful, and compassionate.

Vision Statement:

We believe every child should have equal access to horses and all the life enhancing attributes they offer.

“Participating in HSFK’s programs positively impacted my emotional health and well-being through teaching me that I can be accepted and loved for who I truly am.”
After School Program Participant
“Participating in HSFK’s programs positively impacted my emotional health and well-being through teaching me that I can be accepted and loved for who I truly am.”
After School Program Participant
“The program became a social-emotional lifeline for some of our students and it changed the trajectory of their lives in such a positive, safe and healthy manner. As their principal, I will be forever grateful for the way that HSFK has supported my students in the hours after school that they very likely could have headed down a much different, darker path.”
DSBN Principal
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Colin’s Story

Colin’s Story

Colin attended the pilot after-school horsemanship program in the spring of 2019 and has continued in the riding program. Here is what he has to say about his experience: Until grade 5, I was extremely quiet in groups. I didn’t ask questions at school, I would wait for teachers to notice me doing nothing and when they asked what was wrong I would
tell them I didn’t understand. I was afraid of dogs and doing things without a grown up. Then I went to the After-School Program at Horse Sense for Kids and I changed. My parents say I grew – not taller but braver, more confident and responsible, which is true, but I did get taller too.

Brenda, Rob and the other staff encouraged us to learn the skills, work together and build our strength to take care of animals. Knowing I had a responsibility to work together to get the work done made me speak up and ask questions and give directions. Now, when I need help I ask for help and I like to help too. One of my neighbours got sick and couldn’t
walk his dog, so I volunteered to walk his dog and he trusted me to do it. Me, who was afraid of dogs, loved walking and helping take care of his dog so much that now I have my own dog.

Be part of the magic and help more children!

Horse Sense for Kids’ recognizes that empowering children by addressing their mental health needs is one of the most impactful things we can do to put them on a better path. Embracing the magical power of the horse-human connection, our programs succeed in reaching at-risk children (those from low-income homes and/or foster homes, and/or those with mental health challenges, and/or Indigenous) where other approaches have failed.

Many families in need of our horsemanship programs are not in a financial situation that allows for their children to participate. It is our goal to help as many children as possible to have access to our programs, regardless of income.  The Horse Sense Subsidy Program provides  financial assistance to families in need that complete the application process and meet the criteria.

Would you consider donating to the Horse Sense Subsidy Program and help transform a child's life?

Horse Sense Subsidy Program

Donate Now!

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Thank you to our generous supporters!

  • The Branscombe Family Foundation
  • Labourers’ International Union of North America Local 837 (LiUNA Local 837)
  • Inframe Designs Inc
  • Bricon Construction
  • Hallmark - Seaway Mall, Welland - Fourth Ave, St. Catharines- Morrison and Dorchester Steets, Niagara Falls
  • Court Holdings Limited