Kids & Horses was founded in 1999 by local businessman Sam Waldman and his wife Lorri to enhance the physical and mental well-being of children and adults with disabilities. When Mr. Waldman passed away, Lorri along with a devoted board of directors, staff, and volunteers resolved to carry on.

Today, Kids & Horses keeps Sam’s dream alive by continuing to provide a variety of services using the power of the human-horse connection. We are a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Center, and work hard to provide quality programs that meet or exceed the industry standards and provide life changing results.

When you support Kids & Horses, you are helping to make life changing programs available for those in need.

Scientific studies have shown that equine-assisted services can provide a range of physical, psychological, and social benefits. Research indicates that these services can:

Improve motor skills and balance: The rhythmic movement of a horse helps enhance coordination, posture, and muscle tone, especially in individuals with physical disabilities.
Reduce stress and anxiety: Interaction with horses has been linked to lower cortisol levels and increased feelings of calm and relaxation.
Enhance emotional regulation: Working with horses encourages mindfulness, empathy, and self-awareness, which can support emotional healing and resilience.
Boost confidence and self-esteem: Successfully engaging with and caring for a large animal fosters a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.
Support social skills and communication: Equine-assisted activities often involve teamwork and nonverbal communication, helping participants build trust and improve interpersonal relationships.
Aid in trauma recovery: Studies suggest that equine-assisted therapy can help individuals process trauma by providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment for emotional expression.

These outcomes have been observed across diverse populations, including children with autism, veterans with PTSD, and individuals with developmental or mental health challenges.

Your support makes our mission POSSIBLE!

Learn more about us by visiting us at kidsandhorses.org

A special THANK YOU to Aloft Reno-Tahoe International Airport Hotel. 🥰

Aloft Reno-Tahoe International Airport Hotel takes pride in hosting a quarterly reception and selects a local non-profit as a beneficiary for their fundraising efforts. These events bring together clients, community partners, and guests to connect, give back and enjoy our lively, social atmosphere. As part of their ongoing commitment to supporting local causes, they have featured a wide variety of non-profits like Renown Children's Hospital, Girls on the Run, Spread the Word Nevada and the Nevada Humane Society. Kids and Horses was chosen because it is near and dear to our new Sales Manager, Lindsay Szalay's, heart. Read more about why she loves this organization:

"Why do I love Kids and Horses? For so many reasons. In 1999 my husband I were living in Incline Village and I was a special Education teacher at Incline Elementary teaching CLS. My husband and I both have Cerebral Palsy and Sam let us know what he was working on. He invited us to come to the ranch. We both started taking lessons that day. I started riding a sweet horse named Lark. Then, as I was getting better, Sam allowed me to ride his horse Pintoro. He told me he was a gated horse and their stride is similar to a person’s stride. I could feel a difference in my movement right away. I started bringing my CLS class to the ranch once a week. I saw amazing changes in my students. A child who had only ever spoken to her mother talked to a horse. Children with very few social skills became more confident. I could tell stories all day! So, I’ll leave it at that. I’m so excited to be able to raise some money and get the program some exposure."

Thank you Lindsay, and thank you Aloft for making this possible. You make it possible for us to keep making magic happen for those in need.

Hearts & Hooves

By KIDS & HORSES

Hearts & Hooves

A fundraiser for Kids & Horses hosted by Aloft Marriott Reno-Tahoe International Airport