Events
Timmy Wright Memorial Spring Swing Golf Outing
The 11th annual Timmy Wright Memorial Spring Swing Golf Outing is happening again this year on Friday, May 3rd, 2024.
ABOUT US
The Inspiration that Began Horses with Hearts
Co-Founded by Kay Barkwill and Cathy Dodson, Horses with Hearts (HwH) is the enduring legacy of a most amazing young lady, Lindsey Connelly. In 1999, when she was only eight years old, the child had just undergone surgery for a cancerous tumor on her brain stem. The effects of the surgery left this once very healthy and vital girl blind and in a wheelchair barely able to move most of her body.
Over time, as Kay got to know Lindsey, her heart was overwhelmed by the girl’s love and unwavering determination to live life to its fullest despite her circumstances. Prior to her illness, Lindsey loved to ride. It became clear to Kay that there had to be a way to allow her to ride again.
Teaming up with Cathy and following hours of research, the dream was born. That dream would allow Lindsey and others with special challenges to experience the joy and growth made possible through their interaction with gentle yet big-hearted horses.
Lindsey brought smiles everywhere she went.
It is from her inspiration that the Horses with Hearts motto developed — Create a Smile, Grow confidence, Change a life!
In March 2006, Lindsey, who moved to North Carolina, was diagnosed with another cancerous tumor and sadly passed from our lives in July of that year. While this awe-inspiring child was not able to again ride a horse herself, it was her example in courage, strength and positivism that inspired and launched Horses with Hearts. Thanks to Lindsey, since 2005, hundreds of people have experienced the life-altering benefits of horseback riding.
Horses with Hearts is Lindsey’s legacy. And it’s in her memory that we will continue to pursue the dream – to grow, bring hope and strength to others through riding and interacting with the creatures she adored and the people she so captured with her unflagging love of life.
Who We Are
Horses with Hearts received its non-profit status from the IRS in 2005 and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The program started with one horse and one rider. In 2018, we are home to 13 horses that benefit 38 children, veterans and those struggling with physical challenges enabling them to thrive in the independence our program provides. Additionally, our participants blossom emotionally with the relationships they build with their horses, our staff and others who gain strength through riding.
We are now a PATH International Premier Accredited Center with five PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructors. Cathy Dodson is the lead instructor and has held PATH Intl Instructor Certification since October 2007.
People Always Ask
Why The Horse
The three-dimensional movement of the horse mimics the human walk. The corrective stimulation and exercise from this movement profoundly affects the physical, cognitive, sensory and vestibular systems, which in turn can create abilities in a person with a disability to accomplish things previously not thought possible.
The horse is also a tremendous motivator. Horses and humans together often create a natural bonding relationship. Participants have been known to say their first words, or have taken their first steps because of the powerful influence of the horse. Plus, it is just plain fun!
GENTLE GIANTS
Our Four Legged All-Stars
MEET THE TEAM
Our Two Legged All-Stars
Ms. Cathy Dodson
PATH Intl. Certified Lead Instructor
Cathy is the Executive Director of the Martinsburg Housing Authority. Cathy has 20+ years personal riding and showing experience along with 10+ years coaching experience. She received her PATH instructor certification in 2008. She coordinates the schedule to ensure each rider / horse / instructor are a good fit.
Courtney Frye
PATH Intl. Certified Instructor
Courtney is a 2012 graduate of Fairmont State University with a degree in Business Administration. She was one of our first volunteers in 2005 and has remained an active part of the team. She has over 14 years of horsemanship skills both in the saddle and in hand. She has shown both locally and on the APHA Zone 7 circuit as well as at the 2010 Paint World Show in Fort Worth, TX. She brings a lot to the table both with her administrative skills and horsemanship skills.
Janie Beale
PATH Intl. Certified Instructor
Janie is employed by Hillside Veterinary Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant. She has a BA in Psychology with a minor in Equine Management from WVU. She rode on the WVU English Team and was VP of the Collegiate Horseman’s Association. She has over 18 years of equine experience. She plans to attend NVCC to become a Licensed Veterinary Assistant.
Jasmin Duffy
PATH Intl. Certified Instructor
Jasmin has a BS in Recreation Science with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation from Shepherd University. She has 13 years riding experience with 8 years showing Hunter under Saddle and Hunter over fences. She plans to get her masters in Occupational therapy and obtain her hippotherapy certification.
Craig Eicher
PATH Intl. Certified Instructor
Craig is a National Board Certified Teacher who teaches 4th grade at Salem Avenue Elementary School in Hagerstown, MD. He earned his B.S. in Special Education and Elementary Education, and earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration. He has taught for the past 17 years, and has over 20 years experience working with horses. His experiences include working with therapeutic riding programs and working with retired race horses through the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. He is married and has two beautiful young girls who both love horses.
GET INVOLVED
Meaningful Impact is Fostered Here.
- Assist Instructors
- Care for Horses
- Walk with Riders
- Foster Friendships
Our Blog
From the Horses Mouth
Events
Leadership Development
We kicked off our 2022 Equine Assisted Leadership Development season on May 5 & 6. We provided our “Unleash your
Testimonials
Bryan’s Testimony
I have shared that the farm is where the magic happens. Monday, May 4 was no exception. We were blessed
Address
- PO Box 2186, Martinsburg, WV 25402
- 1952 Files Cross Road, Martinsburg, WV 25404
Horses with Hearts received its non-profit status from the IRS in 2005 and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The program started with one horse and one rider. In 2018, we are home to 13 horses that benefit 38 children, veterans and those struggling with physical challenges enabling them to thrive in the independence our program provides. Additionally, our participants blossom emotionally with the relationships they build with their horses, our staff and others who gain strength through riding.
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