Frequently Asked Questions

flying horse foundation mission statement:

The mission of the Flying Horse Foundation is to advance the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of at-risk children, youth, families and seniors in our community.  

We accomplish this mission through free programs, grant-making and the in-kind donation of facilities use for charitable purposes.  

What is Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)?

Our first and largest program is our free equine assisted learning program for our community’s at-risk children and youth. It is an experiential and curriculum-based approach to learning that promotes the development of life skills in order to advance student wellbeing. The goal of our program is to increase student proficiency in five key areas of wellbeing identified in the literature, including: Connection; Self Awareness; Resiliency; Empathy and Self-Regulation (CARES). 

How is it done?

Our trauma-informed, research-based approach uses equine assisted activities that create connection in the student’s mind from the lessons learned with the horse to skills for daily life. For instance, a student who notices a horse’s response when the student is loud and demonstrative can then become aware of how his actions might affect others at school or home. Prioritizing both child and equine welfare is a hallmark of our program and we couldn’t do it without our herd members.

Is EAL different than equine assisted therapy?

Yes. Equine assisted therapy or psychotherapy must be provided by a mental health professional and is designed to address specific mental health and emotional issues set forth in a treatment plan tailored to the individual.  The FHF does not provided equine assisted therapy to individuals or groups. 

Who do we serve?

Students aged 8-21 years in foster and adoptive families, group homes, residential facilities and homeless shelters or any student who has experienced trauma. 

Before the required, temporary closures caused by COVID-19, our equine program enrollment was nearly 130 students per week.  We had 7 group facilitators, nearly 30 volunteers and 18 horses.  Groups of 3-8 students are two hours long and we operate Monday through Saturday.  

Where does the program take place?

Programming takes place at the scenic Flying Horse Ranch on the El Paso, Douglas County border three miles east of Highway 83 on the Palmer Divide.

Why do we do this and who is behind the Flying Horse Foundation?

To give back to the community in gratitude for God’s grace. 

The FHF is a private, charitable foundation funded through the generosity of local real estate developer and philanthropist Jeff Smith and his wife, Cindy, who take great pleasure in touching the lives of the people in their community.

How can the community support this effort?

We are always looking for program volunteers and financial contributions are tax deductible.  For more information, visit our website at FlyingHorseFoundation.org/volunteer

Our free program allows seniors in assisted living facilities to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to spend time in the tranquil setting of the Flying Horse Ranch.  While seniors don’t ride horses, they are visited by our miniature horses while enjoying the wide-open spaces and spectacular views along the front range.

Before the required, temporary closure caused by COVID-19, our Seniors at the Ranch Program partnered with 25 senior facilities along the front range whose residents had either visited or were scheduled to visit the Flying Horse Ranch.