Tucked away in a quiet rural corner of Minnesota, there is a place where healing doesn't come from white walls or waiting rooms. Instead, inner healing grows from open pastures, gentle hooves, and the warmth of connection. More than a nonprofit, Healing Horse Touch has become a sanctuary for those who need space to breathe, a moment to reflect, and a chance to rediscover their strength in the company of horses.
Here, we believe healing should be gentle. That it should meet you where you are, welcome you without judgment, and walk beside you—not ahead of you. With horses as our partners and compassion as our guide, we offer equine-assisted experiences that reconnect people to their inner calm, resilience, and joy.
Why We Started Healing Horse Touch
Hi! I'm Diana Kelley. I’ve loved horses for as long as I can remember. Growing up with my father in the military, our family moved often, which made owning horses impossible. But, I was so grateful for the kindness of those who invited me to spend time with theirs. I didn’t need to ride—I was happy just being near them. Grooming, mucking stalls, brushing manes… it was enough to be in their presence. Indeed, the quiet companionship of horses always gave me a deep sense of peace and belonging.
Years later, during one of the hardest seasons of my life—going through a painful divorce—horses once again became my refuge. I couldn’t keep them on my property then, so I made the daily trek—over 10 miles each way—to visit them. The only thing that kept us away was a blizzard too fierce to drive through. I didn’t need to ride; just walking into the barn, hearing a soft whinny of welcome, running my hand down a velvety nose—that simple connection would melt the stress and anxiety of the day. My family noticed the difference in me after every visit. The horses were, without a doubt, part of my healing journey.
From Healing Horse Moments to a Healing Mission
In 2021, after hearing countless times from friends and community members, “I wish you were closer—I’d love to just come and be with the horses!”, the idea for Healing Horse Touch began to take shape. I started looking more deeply into why so many people felt drawn to horses, yet couldn’t access them. For many horse lovers, the barrier is cost—owning a horse is expensive. Whereas, for others, age, disability, or life transitions make it difficult or impossible to care for one. I realized how many people needed exactly what the horses had given me: peace, connection, and healing.
A Place to Simply Be With Horses
As soon as we were able to bring the horses home to our own property, my family and I knew—we wanted to open this space to others. We wanted to create a welcoming place where anyone—regardless of age, ability, or financial means—could discover the joy and healing that comes from simply being with horses. You don’t need to ride to benefit from their presence. Horses have a way of helping us slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with ourselves.
That is why Healing Horse Touch exists today: to make these experiences accessible to all. In doing so, we invite others to Discover Healing, Connection, and Renewal through Horses. And above all, we strive to honor the gift these animals have always been in my own life—by now sharing that gift with you.
In addition, read on to learn more about the activities you can enjoy with our horses!
Who We Serve
At Healing Horse Touch, we serve individuals of all ages and backgrounds—especially those who have been overlooked, overwhelmed, or underserved by traditional systems. Basically, we are here for those seeking a softer way to heal, and who feel drawn to the calming, intuitive presence of horses.
Many of our participants come to us carrying invisible burdens. Whether it’s trauma, burnout, anxiety, or the stress of caregiving, they’re not looking for a diagnosis—they’re looking for peace. And our horses offer that peace without needing words.
Our key community members include:
The Caregiver
Always giving, often depleted. Parents of special needs children, adult children of aging parents, and those supporting loved ones through chronic illness. They come to refill their own cup, to exhale, and to feel seen.
The Trauma Survivor
Someone who has lived through abuse, grief, or difficult transitions and needs a space to feel safe again. Our horses offer a non-judgmental presence, allowing the nervous system to soften and the heart to open—on their own terms.
The Neurodivergent Individual
Children and adults with ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivities who thrive in non-verbal, calming environments. Our flexible, unmounted sessions help build trust, reduce overwhelm, and foster confidence through connection.
The Overwhelmed Seeker
A person at a crossroads—perhaps experiencing anxiety, burnout, or emotional disconnection. They come to reconnect to something real, grounded, and nurturing. Our horses help them listen inward again.
We also welcome families, veterans, teens, and individuals simply seeking emotional renewal in a space that feels kind and slow.
What We Offer
We offer equine-assisted experiences that are unmounted, trauma-informed, and deeply intuitive. Our work is rooted in mindfulness, emotional wellness, and holistic self-care—not clinical therapy. Moreover, we create sessions where horses help humans reconnect to their breath, body, and sense of belonging.
Our experiences are:
- Donation-based, so that finances are never a barrier to healing
- Customizable, to meet individual emotional and sensory needs
- Gentle and unhurried, with a focus on emotional safety and presence
- Guided, but never forced—we follow the horse, the moment, and your comfort level
More Ways to Connect and Grow
Beyond our in-person sessions, we offer a variety of online courses and guided journaling practices. In addition, we provide inspirational content to support your healing journey—no matter where you are.
Our online offerings include:
- Self-paced courses on gratitude, mindfulness, and emotional resilience
- Horse-inspired self-care practices for grounding and reflection
- Daily affirmations, journal prompts, and uplifting insights
- A growing shop filled with calming, horse-themed products that carry our message into your everyday life
Every resource we create is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and rooted in compassion. Whether you're walking beside a horse or watching the sunrise from your window, our tools help you stay connected to your healing path.
Our Team
Healing Horse Touch is a family-led nonprofit, born from lived experience and nurtured by love.
Benjamin Hooper
Ben grew up alongside horses and understands the challenges of ADHD firsthand. His ability to connect with younger visitors—especially neurodivergent individuals—adds an invaluable dimension to the team. His empathy, patience, and lived experience create trust and openness.
Diana Kelley
Diana is the founder and heart of Healing Horse Touch. Her journey through trauma, caregiving, vision loss, and burnout led her to rediscover herself beside her horses. A certified life coach, Reiki master, and lifelong horsewoman, Diana blends her personal story with professional tools to hold space for others to heal gently and authentically.
Bob Kelley
Bob, Diana’s husband, is the quiet strength behind the barn. With a calming presence that horses and humans alike gravitate toward, Bob helps maintain the physical space and supports participants during sessions with his steady, reassuring energy.
Galaxy & Flicka
Alongside this human team are the true co-facilitators of healing: Galaxy and Flicka. The horses serve with open hearts and intuitive grace. Galaxy, a calm and wise partner, holds space for quiet healing. Flicka brings playful resilience and curiosity. Together, they offer presence, patience, and a deep well of acceptance.
Our barn cats, tucked into warm corners of the property, are quiet companions to our space. Everything here has a purpose. Everything here is loved.
Join Hoofbeats of Hope
Healing Horse Touch is more than a place—it’s a growing movement of people who believe in healing that’s gentle, real, and rooted in connection.
We invite you to become part of that movement by joining Hoofbeats of Hope. Our online community is where the mission of Healing Horse Touch lives and breathes every day. For example, this is where you’ll find:
- Daily affirmations and reflection prompts to ground and inspire you
- Access to our growing library of courses and horse-inspired self-care tools
- A community of like-hearted individuals who value authenticity, healing, and kindness
- Invitations to virtual events, sneak peeks at new offerings, and member-only resources
Whether you live nearby or across the country, Hoofbeats of Hope is your place to reconnect, grow, and feel supported—through words, stories, and the spirit of the horses who guide us.
Healing doesn’t always happen in big moments. Often, it begins with a breath, a gentle touch, or a shared presence that says, “You belong.”
If you're ready to take that step—toward stillness, toward healing, toward yourself—create your free account today. While you're here, let the quiet rhythm of hoofbeats remind you that you're not alone. And that it's never too late to begin again.
Join Hoofbeats of Hope and discover the healing waiting for you.
Healing Horse Touch: Discover Healing, Connection, and Renewal through Horses
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