Horses Help SWI

Equine Therapy center in Council Bluffs, Iowa now OPEN!!

11/11/2024

11/07/2024

Our beloved horse Opal passed away this week at the age of 21. Although we are very sad and will greatly miss her, we are relieved that she is no longer in pain. We like to remember her galloping through green pastures, eating all the apples she desired, and being groomed and loved on by so many.
Opal, a Gypsy Vanner cross, black and white pinto, came to us three years ago. She was our first therapy horse and instrumental in getting the programs of Horses Help SWI started. She was sturdy, patient, gentle and willing to do anything asked of her. Balancing on Opal's broad back, riders completed various activities gaining confidence, knowledge, and acceptance - and they had fun doing it!
She did not come to us alone, unbeknownst to her previous owner and to us, she was with foal! Four months later, at the age of 19, she gave birth to an adorable, frisky filly JoJo, her mini-me. She was a nurturing and protective mother, and it was a joy to watch the two of them together.
Opal not only left us the legacy of JoJo, but she also showed us the power of the horse-human connection and the healing and happiness that partnership can bring. She was truly beautiful inside and out.
Rest in peace Dear Opal. We will never forget you.

10/31/2024

One of our volunteers sent this image to us saying it reminded her of Santiago. We agree and wanted to share! HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone 🎃🧙‍♀️👻

10/30/2024

Team Skeleton (Peanut) or Team Pumpkin (Scout)? Either way... Horses Help SWI had a great time at the Lewis Central Community School District Trunk or Treat event last night!!

Comment Team Peanut or Team Scout below.

10/29/2024

A big THANK YOU to the Henry K. Peterson Foundation for providing funds to allow us to host Council Bluffs CARES Inc. at Horses Help SWI for multi week programming.

10/26/2024

GIDDY UP!! Big day at the ranch! We are hosting a Side Walking training from 12 to 1pm followed by our FALL FLING Open House from 1.30 to 3.30pm. Come join in all the fun!!

10/21/2024

Sidewalking training will be held this Saturday, October 26 from 12noon to 1pm in our arena at 14679 230th Street, Council Bluffs. Please RSVP to Andrea Dunn our Volunteer Coordinator at 712.339.4058 or [email protected]. *Please note, sidewalkers must be at least 16 years old, lift 50 lbs, and be able to stand, walk and possibly jog (for brief amounts of time) next to a horse.

Stay after the training and join us for our "Fall Fling" open house from 1:30 to 3:30. Tell your friends and please SHARE!!

10/15/2024

Sidewalking training will start tonight at 5pm. Feel free to join us!! It will last one hour and is held in our arenas at14679 230th Street, Council Bluffs. Can't stop by tonight? Thats ok, we will have another training session on Saturday, October 26 from 12-1pm. Please RSVP to Andrea Dunn our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].

09/26/2024

Nature journaling, horse herd observation, reminiscing, puzzle art, a hayrack ride into the pastures, and good conversation made for a beautiful evening with Council Bluffs CARES Inc.
Thank you Henry K. Peterson Foundation for making these outings possible!

09/24/2024

We have been having amazing weekly sessions with Council Bluffs C.A.R.E.S. Here are just a few photos...but stay tuned for more!! Thank you to the Henry K. Peterson Foundation grant fund for making these opportunities possible!

09/10/2024

Thank you to the Henry K. Peterson Foundation 2023 Grant program for making these group outings possible!!

09/09/2024

A big THANK YOU again to St. Albert for their $500 donation to Horses Help SWI. With this gift, we were able to acquire two new saddles (one with a horn and one without) to be used for a variety of our program needs. We so appreciate your kindness & generosity!

08/13/2024

Thank you, McVey family, for cleaning out one of our barns last week! This family team (including a Grandmother, along with her sons and grandchildren) have done many chores at Horses Help SWI and we appreciate their hard work!

08/09/2024

Wishes for a good evening everyone.😀

06/15/2023

Luke: "What's on your face?"
Will: "Not sure. What's on your face?"

Address

14679 230th Street
Council Bluffs, IA
51503

Website

https://horseshelpswi.org/

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Our beloved horse Opal passed away this week at the age of 21. Although we are very sad and will greatly miss her, we are relieved that she is no longer in pain. We like to remember her galloping through green pastures, eating all the apples she desired, and being groomed and loved on by so many. Opal, a Gypsy Vanner cross, black and white pinto, came to us three years ago. She was our first therapy horse and instrumental in getting the programs of Horses Help SWI started. She was sturdy, patient, gentle and willing to do anything asked of her. Balancing on Opal's broad back, riders completed various activities gaining confidence, knowledge, and acceptance - and they had fun doing it! She did not come to us alone, unbeknownst to her previous owner and to us, she was with foal! Four months later, at the age of 19, she gave birth to an adorable, frisky filly JoJo, her mini-me. She was a nurturing and protective mother, and it was a joy to watch the two of them together. Opal not only left us the legacy of JoJo, but she also showed us the power of the horse-human connection and the healing and happiness that partnership can bring. She was truly beautiful inside and out. Rest in peace Dear Opal. We will never forget you.