Who are We?

Horses for the Spirit (HFTS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity organization serving Northern Nevada.  Founded in 2005, through the help of volunteers who have donated in excess of 13,000 hours, HFTS has built a successful youth program.

Our organization works closely with and helps shape the major systems that impact the youth, adults and families in our community and state. In 2008, we have completed 10-week programs with Hands Up Home for Youth, the McGee Center and a 5-week program with Washoe County School District. Efforts are on-going to contract for future programs with these and other youth organizations.

Staff

Key Horse and Human Players

Robbie Maus, Board President /Youth Program Co-Director
Certified Parelli Level 2; Horse Trainer; Certified EAGALA Level 1 Equine Specialist, 30 years combined general horsemanship and training experience
Email: robbie@horsesforthespirit.org

Erin De Los Santos, Board Treasurer / Operations Director
Finance Graduate and Horsewoman
Email:  erin@horsesforthespirit.org

Juanita Chapman, Board Director
Certified EAGALA Level 1 / Licensed Psychotherapist
Email:  juanita@horsesforthespirit.org

RanDee Greif, Board Director
Certified Parelli Level 1, Ground Trainer / Certified EAGALA Level 1 / Pediatric Nurse
Email:  randee@horsesforthespirit.org

Angela Dazey, Board Director
Email: angela@horsesforthespirit.org

Deb Conrad, Board Secretary
20 Years Small Business Experience / Freelance Writer / Parelli Student
Email: deb@horsesforthespirit.org

Diane Crowne, Youth Program Co-Director
Certified Equine Assisted Training Specialist / Acupuncturist / Sound Healing
Email: diane@horsesforthespirit.org

Landess Witmer, Fund Development Director
20 years of fund raising and public relations experience in health, education, social service and marketing organizations. 
Email:  landess@horsesforthespirit.org

Henry is a young mustang with a bold attitude. He's very gentle with people and despite his large size, the kids seem very comfortable with him.

Dudley, an older gentleman, is a kind, generous and much loved horse teacher. Most of the kids who work with him are very protective of him. He really locks on to his human with great expression. Dudley is partially sponsored.

Kiowa, a mustang mare, is one of the most challenging horses for the kids to work with, but for that reason, she is one of the best teachers. She requires good leadership and boundaries combined with a sensitivity to her stress level.

Otis, our pony-sized mustang, is a one-of-a-kind character. He's often seen avoiding any herd dynamics and hanging out by the fence waiting for a human to come by and say hello. He is, however, not the easiest horse to motivate. He'll really test his human partner to be very clear and demonstrate good leadership, otherwsie he's likely to just camp out and look at you in his deceivingly innocent fashion.

Bella, Miss Bella... the princess of the herd. Another wonderful mustang among the group, Bella is a very special mare. She has had many, many hours of Parelli training and although occaisionally willful, she relates to the kids in a soft and gentle fashion and is very happy to do what is asked of her with just a thought or very light energy sent her way. She loves to be loved on and does not like to be bullied, so the kids who work with her have to learn that she cannot be "made" to do things.

VENUS - Picture Coming Soon

Venus is a young PMU mare. She's a big draft cross with a ton of spunk. She really requires patience, clarity and a sense of humor. She's likely to test the boundaries of those who work with her and try to demonstrate the she's the boss. Surprisingly enough, though, she is very light in her responses when she's approached with strong focus and intention. Although she can be intimidating because of her size and playfulness, as our programs progress with the teens, she becomes a horse they aspire to play with because she is more challenging. The confidence the kids gain during the program shows when they ask if they can work with Venus.

DAKOTA - Picture Coming Soon

Dakota's full name is Dakota Chili. This blood bay mare is a rescue from a horse "puppy mill" from Susanville Ca. She was estimated to be 8 months old at the time she was purchased and the people at this "farm" said they had already been riding her! She is definitely a quarter horse as noted by her build. She is currently 9 years old. From her "early" years, she showed a wonderful temperament and a love for young kids... this trait alone makes her perfect for the Horses For The Sprit program. She can be very stubborn and cocky at times, but she is ruled by her stomach! She LOVES brownies, Dr Pepper, and bagels.

COWBOY - Picture Coming Soon

Cowboy is an 18-year-old registered paint quarterhorse. His real name is Flying Delta Doc. He is currently working on his Level 2 in Parelli Natural Horsemanship. He is a very sweet horse, but prefers to just be with you versus being touched and "petted". He is very intuitive in knowing what you want before you even want it, so by asking in the right way, he is very quick to respond. He also learns quickly and is very eager to please. He loves to play games with you, which can sometimes be frustrating, so it takes lots of patience when he gets in one of those moods. One of his games is to come to you, or have you come to him, then just when you're within close range, run away! You can almost see him laugh. Cowboy will respond to any request if asked in a clear and concise manner, which makes for a good teacher for the students. And he is very forgiving for all the un-"horsey" things we humans do. He is also quite handsome, so when he gives you the "got a cookie" look, its hard to turn him down.