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“Cheers to right hand turns and may we always take them!

On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, I began to take the familiar left hand turn away from my boss’ house, when suddenly I felt the urge to take a right hand turn instead and headed straight over to WindWalkers.
I was greeted with a warm welcome from Gabrielle and her amazing staff. They asked about my daughter as she had taken lessons there in the years past. It felt really nice being there surrounded by kindhearted people, beautiful mountain scenery and impressive herd of horses.
I offered to volunteer and help how ever I could in hopes that I would enjoy being around horses. They were happy to have me. Every day after work I looked forward to that right hand turn to WindWalkers and everyday I would learn something new. I started connecting with the horses, I loved their unique personalities and found I would talk about them while at home. The therapy side of WindWalkers was fascinating to me as I witnessed the connection between the human and the horse. Seeing smiles on the riders faces is a true testament to the program! Whether or not we have a physical or mental challenge , I found that horses can provide the best therapy to everyone as they are great listeners and wonderful companions.
My time at WindWalkers became less about me helping with the horses but rather, more abuot the horses helping me and I will foreverr be grateful that I took that right hand turn.”

Laura JolgrenVolunteer

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"This past summer we had a 4 year old boy in our autism camp who had his first horse back riding experience at WindWalkers. The WindWalkers staff is wonderful and caring and their expertise made it a perfect experience for such a young first-timer. His parents were thrilled for his love for this new activity and are searching in California to make sure he grows in his confidence and love for being active."

Deb GravelleREC Program Director

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"Watching Arlette grow as a rider at WindWalkers has been a remarkable journey. Her dedication, courage, and ever-growing skills have transformed her story and inspired everyone around her. Her progress is a testament to the power of determination and the magic of equine partnerships."

Natasha GitlitzFundraising & Event Coordinator

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Our daughter, Ann, was diagnosed at age 7 with generalized anxiety disorder, and at age 11 was reassessed with a diagnosis of high functioning autism. At age 13, she began having seizures and we soon learned she had a very rare genetic mutation that was the root cause of both the autism and the epileptic seizures.
Ann, no 15 years old, has been going to WindWalkers for equine assisted learning, summer camps, and most recently for therapeutic riding sessions since she was 8 years old. We were attracted to WindWalkers from the beginning as a way to fuse Ann’s innate love for horses and all animals with our exhaustive search for the most effective therapeutic support.
With years of trials and error, going from one therapist, social worker and counselor to another with little to no positive outcome, we are certain that Ann’s experiences at WindWalkers have had the most lasting and profound impact on her emotional well-being. The cumulative positive effect she has received from all of the years at WindWalkers is immeasurable.
WindWalkers is a beautiful facility with a large family of gentle, soulful horses guided by PATH Certified instructors, bringing joy to children and adults alike who come for this special form of therapy. The ability to keep this huge operation running from day to day never ceases to amaze me. Because of its magical healing atmosphere and ethos, WindWalkers attracts a remarkable army of volunteers. But they cannot run on volunteers and magic alone. This is why we are taking the time to share our experiences as beneficiaries of this outstanding facility. Please consider supporting WindWalkers at the highest level so they can continue to serve those, like Ann, who greatly benefit from their amazing work.

Sue Shufro & Bob PerlmutterParents

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”I’ve witnessed a young boy, too shy to speak, blossom after 3 sessions and begin telling his stories; now he approaches his weekly sessions with a smile and eager to tell the events of the week. No one leaves unchanged.”

Myriah WalkerMountain Valley Developmental Services

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My son, Zac is 33 years old and on the Autism Spectrum. He lives with me and has since birth!
Zac is my favorite human. He is capable of some tasks and has succeeded at a few community jobs in maintenance work.
Zac is kind and quite dependable . His needs are fairly basic.
Zac's greatest happiness is realized in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Windwalkers in Missouri Heights, Colorado.
Zac has been lucky enough to participate in equine therapy since he was three years old.It has been my focus to keep him involved in all appropriate therapies and activities.
There is nothing that has enhanced his life more than interacting with the gentle beasts at Windwalkers. He has learned self confidence, kindness, enjoyment and hope from the horses and from the loving care provided by the beautiful, competent, gifted humans at Windwalkers.

Each life has value and significance in this world. This ideal is promoted and validated sincerely and deeply at Windwalkers. How fortunate we have been to be a special part of this magic place. It has served as the most beneficial of any intervention in Zac's and my lives.
Each week, as we drive an hour to the top of splendid Missouri Heights, Zac and I express awe and gratitude for Windwalkers, Gabrielle, Beth and the patient volunteers who maintain the ranch and lead the horses transporting Zac for a ride that brings peace and balance to my dear son and to the many other people who are part of Windwalkers.
Of all of the things that this beautiful Valley provides, I know that Windwalkers personifies the good, the healthy, the kind, the comforting, the dependable and the magical touch of the blending of horse and human in a dance of love and healing.
Thank you, Windwalkers for enhancing our lives and feeding our spirits, always.

Maureen FoxMEd, EdS, LPC