The Horses N Heroes program is unique to the Marion County community . Students who participate in the program experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. While all students learn a valuable lesson in compassion from the unique relationship formed with a horse they also gain confidence, patience and self-esteem.

Many of the students, all coming from families with extreme financial constraints, are considered "at risk". Statistics show us that "poor" children are more likely to get involved in gang activity, drug abuse and violence. Horses N Heroes introduces these children to equestrian sports and offers a constructive outlet for their energies while presenting a healthy alternative to the negative outcomes of poverty.

The girls, ages 7 and up, are taught all aspects of horse care, from grooming and feeding to training and basic first aide. The girls get the opportunity to observe the farrier as well as the veterinarian. The program operates daily and the girls attend all day Saturday as well as after school during the week and during the summer a day camp operates 5 days a week.

Horses N Heroes continues to reach out to the community by offering its program to children in Foster Care, Home Schooled children, local schools and word of mouth.

Some of the true heroes at Horses N Heroes are the horses themselves. Most have been donated to the program following careers as polo ponies, hunter/jumpers show horses and race horses. A few have been abused and carry scars from a difficult past. They all seem to sense how much they are needed and loved and thrive on the excess of attention they receive from the students and volunteers. All 23 program horses receive superior care from all students, volunteers and attending veterinarians.

Horses N Heroes has been profiled by numerous publications including the Ocala Star Banner, Ocala Style Magazine, Show Life Magazine and numerous others. Horse N Heroes is located in beautiful Citra Florida, just outside of Ocala, "The Horse Capital of the World." The property, a 15 acre pres tine farm right on Highway 441 is donated for our use, by the owner, who chooses to remain anonymous. Horses N Heroes receives all of it's operating funds for the feed and care of all 23 horses through small private donations as well as some public grants. There is no cost to any program participant and their are no paid staff positions. All donations are applied to the operation of the program, no administrative costs whatsoever.