Satterberg Foundation

Friendly Horse Acres
$20,000 (Invitational Grant for capital needs November 2007)

Friendly Horse Acres, bringing together horses and humans healing each other physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

What a summer it has been! As you can see we have not finished our project, and we will be continuing on as long as we have dry enough weather… Since this is the first time we have tried a project like this we find ourselves somewhat surprised.

We have found that horses are healers …most of our “students” are children … We also do work with the “clients” at Rainier State School, the state run facility for mentally handicapped adults … (and) over the past years we have helped children sent to us by counselors at the Whit River School District, and also Good Samaritan Hospital. We have worked with a social worker … who has brought us children who enjoy the horses with regular weekly lessons.

Of course, we try to accommodate all the children in our community who are interested in learning about horses, not just the “at risk” youngsters. For most people, horses are an expensive luxury. We want to share our love of equines with everyone who desires the company of these healing animals.

It seems the new fences are attracting friends and the promise of a new arena is bringing new people…Friendly Horse Acres still has sixteen equines on the property right now. All of the animals are loving and affectionate from the smallest Miniature Horse to the largest of the two draft horses. All the horses are working with patience and kindness, even if they are often putting in long hours with our students.

We teach about caring for horses, but at the same time we also teach a better way to live. Since the start of this project they (many parents) have found a way to show they care… The biggest change has been capacity to grow within our own community. We have been amazed at the outpouring of support. Our board meetings have become general meetings since more people feel that they have a vested interest in our success. …People are delighted with the new fencing, love the idea of a second arena and want us to succeed. We did not expect the numerous good wishes and help. Kindness cannot be measured, but it is always appreciated.