When The Apopka Voice last spoke to horse ranch owner Angela Jackson, she was just getting started on building her equine therapy program. After months of expansion, network building, and a few more horse additions, Jackson finally achieved a dream that was years in the making. But there was something missing. For her, creating the Heartland Haven Foundation was the final puzzle piece.
The non-profit organization seeks to provide financial assistance to those who cannot afford the price of equine therapy. Jackson noted how important this sense of equity is when dealing with mental health and spiritual programs.
“As the business started growing, I got more and more messages saying how people wanted to do the programs and the only thing holding them back was cost,” said Jackson. “I knew we needed to bridge this financial gap because it should be affordable and accessible to anyone who wants it.”
After assembling a team of close friends and volunteers, Jackson hosted the organization’s first fundraiser and public opening on November 5. The event included a silent auction, tours of the grounds, demonstrations with the horses, and a food truck. Guests were able to get up close with the horses and learn about the power of animal-human connection.
Julie Baynum, the treasurer for the foundation, has been friends with Jackson for 25 years. As a result, she has gotten to witness firsthand the journey of the ranch and the programs it offers to people. For her, horses have been a “non-judgmental” access to her own emotions.
“Horses are really big so they can be intimidating but there’s a quality in their eyes that makes you want to get to know them and be accepted by them,” said Baynum. “These horses teach you to stand up for what you want, ask for what you want, and get what you want.”
Jackson demonstrated this sense of assertiveness in a live demonstration with Lulu, a miniature horse, and Squeaks, a quarter horse. Only holding a guiding rope, Jackson showed how the horses could understand boundaries and intentional assertiveness from their handler. Jackson would wave her hands and tell each horse to back up, to which they immediately took several steps backward and waited for further instructions. She also had Lulu and Squeaks run circles around her by only shaking the rope and saying instructions. To the crowd of guests watching the demonstration, Jackson explained how horses show the power of seeing results manifested from self-confidence and affirmation.
“Horses are so unique in that they are prey animals, so when they figure out that you aren’t going to hurt them, there’s a great level of trust built,” said Todd Strawn, boyfriend of Jackson. “I’ve seen Angela put her heart and soul into this. Marrying emotional support with equine therapy is such a great thing for the community, too.”
While the non-profit is set up to help humans in need, some guests pointed out that it also helps the horses in their own well-being. Having a purpose is something Jackson noted that keeps the horses motivated and happy. For them, training is a form of connection and mental gratification so that they are constantly stimulated from their environment. Denise Speere, an attendee at the first fundraising event, said she has noticed how much the horses needed the help of those volunteering at the ranch.
“I love what this program does for the horses because it feels like a saving grace for them,” said Speere. “It’s actually inspired me to look into sponsoring one of the horses because I love them and their energy so much.”
For the future, Jackson said she plans to work with a grant writer to fund partnerships with other local non-profits and mental health projects. This will allow certain groups to have their exclusive workshop to be able to have a safe space with more individualized attention. Overall, however, Jackson hopes she can lend a healing hand and a few hooves to any and everyone struggling.
Applications for financial assistance are now open on the program’s website, heartlandhavenfoundation.org and are open to both public organizations and private citizens.
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