Why We Joyfully Founded Healing Horse Touch in 2024
Hi! I'm Diana Kelley. I’ve loved horses for as long as I can remember. Growing up with my father in the Air Force, 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, before we had our own property, there were countless times when friends and community members would share, “I wish you were closer—I’d love to just come and be with the horses!”.
This desire planted a seed and 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, in Kenneth, Minnesota, 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.
Our Team
Healing Horse Touch is a family-led nonprofit, born from lived experience and nurtured by love.
Benjamin Hooper
Ben grew up alongside healing 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 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.
Adora Hooper
Vice President
Adora brings compassion, advocacy, and lived experience to Healing Horse Touch through her work in mental health awareness, neurodiversity advocacy, and animal-assisted support. As a homeschooling mother, autism advocate, survivor, and lifelong horsewoman, she understands the healing power of connection, safety, and being truly seen.
Equine Coaches of Healing Horse Touch
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.
The barn cats, tucked into warm corners of Healing Horse Touch, are quiet companions to our space. Everything here has a purpose. Everything here is loved.
