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Connected Horse

Life Affirming Programs

for Living with Dementia

Connected Horse provides innovative equine-assisted workshops and training that inspire connection and engagement and improve the lives of those impacted by dementia together with their care partners. Our pathbreaking equine programming is driven by research conducted at Stanford University and UC Davis and is designed to help those who can attend workshops in person at local barns and those who need programming to come to them at home or in senior communities and day programs.

Make A Difference

Connected Horse is changing lives by helping people build meaningful connections.Listen to Tammy Maida’s story to learn how Connected Horse helped her and her family find understanding, connection, and acceptance.

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Our Programs

A caregiver and participant interact with one of our horses during a workshop.

Trained facilitators guide on-the-ground interactions between horses and participants, who report a greater sense of awareness, confidence, and social connection.

In-Person Workshops
A recipient unpacks a Sensory Engagement Kit. The Virtual Barn interactive activity is in the foreground.

Whether you are participating at home or in a community program, interactive sensory activities and playful engagement are designed to wake up the senses and affirm social bonds.

Sensory Engagement
Facilitator Training at a Certified Barn in Minden, Nevada.

Explore the methodology behind our unique equine-guided programming. Enroll in our Training Institute to learn more and become a certified Connected Horse facilitator.

Training Institute
The stables at one of the Connected Horse certified barns.

Bring life-changing programming to your community. Qualified barns throughout the US and Canada can complete a rigorous training program to become approved Connected Horse workshop facilities.

Barn Certification

Latest News

Paula Hertel works with a participant and their caregiver during a workshop at 5 Star Equestrian in Pleasanton, CA.
Press Releases

Connected Horse Receives Community Health Grant from Three Valleys Community Foundation to Expand Social Prescribing Engagement Program

— Connected Horse, a nonprofit organization offering equine-assisted programs for people living…
Lassos with Love 2026: Year of the Fire Horse - Igniting Connection, Care, and Community
Press Releases

Join Connected Horse for an unforgettable afternoon of igniting connection, care and community.

Lassos with Love raises funds for free equine-guided programs that reduce isolation…
Nancy Schier-Anzelmo and Paula Hertel, co-founders of Connected Horse
News

Women’s History Month: The Power of Connection, Compassion, and Courage

Women’s History Month is a time to honor the quiet revolutions —…
Kansas Carradine, Year of the Fire Horse
General

The Year of the Fire Horse: A Time or Connection, Courage, and Community

Kansas Carradine and Dude performing at Lassos with LoveDo you remember those…

Join Our Team

Join a community that is passionate about helping those facing dementia to feel closer and more alive through the beauty of the human/horse connection.

Join Us