The environment at Hearts Landing Ranch is perfect for healing and learning. This place can have an incredible impact on people from all walks of life. As a previous volunteer, I am very grateful for this place and the people who work and serve here.
As a volunteer at Hearts Landing Ranch, I've seen firsthand the incredible support and healing that happens here through Equine Assisted Therapy. The team is deeply dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. They use rescued horses, which are trained to help people dealing with mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Volunteering at Hearts Landing Ranch has shown me how a place of hope and transformation can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community.
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I have been volunteering at Hearts Landing Ranch for a few years helping with their Photography and Social Media needs. It has been rewarding and so much fun !
I love helping them give back to our community. Great group of people who have huge hearts ! -MM
I have been a donor and volunteer for many years now. The operations of the organization are streamlined, donations go directly for scholarships and horse care and community education. I recently helped out with a parental grief workshop and "on fire for marriage" workshop. The outcome and "ah ha " moments were fast and profound. I got chills just writing that with the memories of how couples came together in an arena doing an activity with a horse - led to deep, vulnerable conversations that changed their relationship and life for the better.
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My horse saved my life. At 13 years old I felt alone, hopeless, not good enough and I was going to make a life altering decision. I am now in my 50s and had no plans or idea Hearts Landing Ranch would be part of my legacy. Watching the magic of hope, growth and belonging happen between Traumatized humans and horses also from broken backgrounds is a powerful, whole body transformation for the participants, horses as well as the volunteers.
I appreciate the heart of this organization and its commitment to the community. Their hearts are steadfastly focused on making a difference in the lives of the people they minister to.
Additionally, they have the utmost integrity and character with the use of the donations they receive. Because I am involved with accounting as a profession, this is an important aspect of any non profit. Everyone wants to feel confident that the donations they contribute are being spent wisely. This is one of those organizations that does.
In my opinion, Hearts Landing Ranch is a pillar of light for the Sacramento region.
Hearts landing ranch has been a blessing to be apart of. To be apart of the team and provide a much needed service to the community is one of the highlights of my life. The staff goes above and beyond and the results show. They love what they do and the impact they have is ever lasting. I’m grateful and blessed to call hearts landing home and to be able to give my time and give back to the community
Heartslanding Ranch is a Blessing. It is a safe haven for individuals and families that have gone through horrible trauma. The equine therapy they offer is outstanding. Seeing the healing that comes from working with the horses is Amazing. Donna and her Staff are hands down some of the most special, caring and supportive people I have ever met. They take helping others to another level and don't even stop there. This Ranch is Special with a capital S! If someone is hurting, abused or lost and doesn't know where to turn this Ranch is the place! They have been there for my family since the moment I called and I know they always will be. I am forever grateful to and Love Heartslanding Ranch!
I have loved volunteering with Donna and her amazing team at HLR. The more I learn about this amazing organization, the more inspired I become to contribute to the cause and get more involved. The work they do truly touches lives and impacts this community in an overwhelmingly positive way. Thank you for your commitment to mental health and to healing hearts.
The staff are amazing. The program is a miracle for people who have lost hope. Come by and meet the humans and horses behind the healing.
Donna Eckwortzel and Hearts Landing Ranch are the real deal!! They truly deliver on their mission of helping teens and veterans (and more) sort through their traumas using equine therapy - and a lot of heart ❤️. Donna has a solid reputation in our Sacramento community, amongst other nonprofit leaders, and with her staff and volunteers. She leads well, knows her stuff, and works well with others in the field. I highly encourage supporting Hearts Landing Ranch both financially and as a volunteer.
My family is so thankful for the programs. My sons have greatly benefited from the mentoring at hearts landing ranch. Their confidence has been greatly improving as they spend time leanring important skills while talking through their struggles.
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Myself and my boys have had the honor and privilege to be apart of not just participating in the family nights but to volunteer. It has been an amazing experience for us. We have gained so much that we never even imagined would happen just by being apart. We have gained so much valuable time spent as a family building connection through serving and being apart. We have gained laughter that we needed because we were faced with hard situations in our life that because of the time we spend on the ranch helping and spending time with the horses has brought healing to our hearts. We have gained friends we wouldn't have gained without being apart. This has given my boys an opportunity to learn and be around the horses and the ranch life which is something they want to do as part of their life dream so this give them some hands on experiences. We have grown so much as a family over coming hard things but individually as well. It has been tears of joy to see my boys grow in their healing because they can relate to the story of the horses and have compassion for them and love every moment they get to spend with them. We are truly grateful for Hearts Landing Ranch and how they are serving thw community and also giving us the privilege to serve. This place has truly enriched and blesses our lives.
Hearts Landing Ranch feels like a home away from home, having very recently transferred to the area from another country. The staff and volunteers are a genuinely, kind hearted, hard-working people who do their very best to serve the community. Their services help, not only their patients, but those people’s families and loved ones. The acts of kindness performed by HLR have a huge positive ripple effect on the community.
I have been volunteering for Hearts Landing Ranch for over 4 years now. I love working around the herd and with the other volunteers. The atmosphere is very welcoming and therapeutic. While I don't work directly with the clients, I feel that I can still contribute to the ranch by helping with the day-to-day chores. If you ask me which horse is my favorite, my answer is all of them. They have such different and unique personalities; from the spunky attitude of Sparky one of the miniature horses to Flint the graceful Tennessee Walker.
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Hearts Landing has been close to our hearts for a little over a year now. My daughter volunteers there and we have spent a lot of time at the ranch. HLR is an invaluable gift to the community and to all the clients they serve. Their mission to provide hope and healing through equine therapy to those who struggle with mental health and emotional issues is remarkable and amazing. It's always exciting to hear how the rescued horses are used to touch the hearts and lives of the clients!! We are thankful and honored to partner with the ranch by volunteering, and my 14 year old daughter feels a passion to raise money with the help of friends and family to donate to Hearts Landing for her birthday, which definitely shows our hearts for this non profit!!!
I've been at this ranch the past three years, starting as as volunteer and recently hired as an equine specialist apprentice. This ranch is amazing- the people are so intentional and focused on how to serve the community. Whether working alongside their volunteers or serving the clients, Hearts Landing is focused on building a community to reach a community. I love Hearts Landing because they care for all who walk onto their property. They work alongside their volunteers, getting to know and invest in each person. The ranch diligently serves their clients, working hard to help them see goals reached and obstacles overcome. This ranch is focused on helping those in need by working alongside and training up. Everyone should get involved and help build the ranch so together we can reach the community!
Hearts Landing Ranch has done a phenomenal job showcasing what they do for our community with the help of their horses and atmosphere. Very welcoming, kind, helpful staff who are always there to help and support one another. Their events were a blast and very informative for what they are doing for our community. Great volunteer opportunities also.
HLR serves as a fantastic non-profit in the Placer Community! Their focus on mental health issues with the horses shows their compassion. With mental health on the rise, it's great to have them in our area.
We are proud to be one of their many fans and donors.
I love the mentoring, learning and mental health work we do with horses.
No matter how talented a mentor, coach, counselor, therapist, clients don't always share everything, sometimes because they don't have the words or don't know how to explain it until they see or experience it. Equine-assisted therapy is client driven and impactful because it help people connect dots in their own lives. These dots are pieces of their life, experiences, words said long ago they only know but often cannot find the words or the connection until seeing it in action in a session. We write curriculum to help bring out concepts and help make the connection.
Hearts Landing Ranch is dedicated to helping their clients with the best possible care. The therapies are creative and allow the clients to express their emotions in a safe environment. I highly recommend their therapy.
My daughter attends equine assisted psychotherapy at Hearts Landing Ranch. She absolutely loves working with the horses and her therapist. Heart's Landing Ranch has been a complete God send for my daughter and her mental health. They have an amazing staff and take wonderful care of their clients and all of the animals on the ranch.
My family and I enjoy volunteering at Hearts Landing Ranch. HLR is an incredible ministry that is truly changing lives in our community. Donna has a huge heart for people and animals. She always makes each person that steps foot on the property to feel welcome. We are grateful to be able to volunteer here.
Hearts Landing Ranch is a non-profit close to my heart. As a Marriage Family Therapist Trainee, I spent a year working alongside Donna and staff providing much-needed equine-assisted psychotherapy. Each person that spends time at the ranch whether a client or volunteer leaves the ranch feeling cared for and has experienced some type of inner healing that happens from the experience only this model of therapy provides! I am grateful to be part of the HLR family!
Hearts Landing Ranch is a place where people can come as they are. Equine therapy is a powerful experience where our clients can discover a deeper understanding of their pain, and find healing. The horses speak for those who can't find the words to explain what they are feeling, or experiencing, as well as provide an unconditional love and safety that is indescribable. I'm so grateful for Hearts Landing Ranch.
Hearts Landing is a place for healing. The transformation of lives has been an amazing journey to see. The therapy with the horses is superior to what patients get with standard firms. I support this organization both personally and professionally.
I've volunteered through my families church here annually. My own adversities at a young age coupled with my passion for horses lead me to resonate with Heart's Landing's Mission. I always knew I wanted to be of more service to their program. Fortunately, an opportunity came up where I was able to work out an internship for my degree requirements at CSUS to serve Hearts Landing. I'm happy to be a part of Heart's Landing and support them as they provide community and connections that are built are life changing for at risk youth and our soldiers.
This is an incredible ministry that is serving the hurt, the wounded and the ones afflicted with trauma in a way like no other. Equine therapy is something that we did not know much about it but once we learned of the impact that it is having, we just had to support it!! Donna and her team are amazing!!!
Could not ask for a better place to volunteer. The mission is easy to get behind. Everyone is happy to see you and grateful for your effort. The horses are lots of fun. I have even bonded the evil rooster.
Hearts Landing is so wonderful! We partner with them to bring joy to our community. They graciously let us grow flowers on their property to add beauty to our bouquets! Thank you!!
Heart's Landing Ranch...I can not say enough good things about this organization! The people involved and the impact on people's lives are both amazing. My wife and I recently attended Heart's Landing's 1st ever fund raiser..."Harvest Pour". Very well organized, informative and purposeful. We circulated amongst six stations where we heard the stories of men, women and children who had been impacted...lets say "transformed" by the impact of loving care and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Thank you for your loving contribution to those in need in our community. We wish you continued success as you expand your support to veterans of our nation.
We've been following HLR for the six or eight months and have been so impressed with their sense of mission around helping damaged people navigate the healing process using equine therapy. Donna obviously has a heart for serving people, for listening to people, to asking great questions and finding answers.
We recently attended their Harvest Pour fund raiser event where they had six or more stations set up with staff and volunteers explaining how and what they do for their patients. It was obvious that each of these presenters loved being there, working there, serving there and that the culture that Donna has been building is spreading through the organization. I highly recommend this non-profit as an amazing service to our community.
I had the privilege of attending the Harvest Pour last Friday. I am not a horse person, however the message of Hearts Landing touched me beyond belief. This is a fabulous non profit that is serving our community in a rare and unexpected way. Kudos to Donna and all her volunteers for bringing this program to South Placer County.
Hearts Landing Ranch creates an atmosphere of love and acceptance from the moment you step onto the property. The owner, Donna, let's you know that she sees your value as a human being and encourages you to see it in yourself even if all you can see is your woundedness. Her expertise with the horses and with humans has helped her to build an incredible organization. She has acquired an exceptional herd of horses who came from troubled backgrounds, and trained them to be used to help hurting human beings. Then she hires exceptional people who care deeply about others and want to help them grow in whatever ways they need to. HLR is a little oasis of healing for anyone needing a helping hand.
Hearts Landing is and has been ,for the years I have been associated with them, an outstanding provider of care for their animals. I donate when I can and I know the $$$ go towards caring and feeding the animals. If you want to donate, you can also request that the $$$ go to a specific item or animal. They are just plain great!!
Heart landing ranch is run by the most phenomenal people. The atmosphere is so warm and inviting and I highly recommend them.
I love working at HLR because of the way Nichole and Donna reach out to all the volunteers and teach them new things despite how busy they are. They’re heart for helping people is such a influence to me and is such a blessing to watch. They really do make an impact in peoples lives, even mine. The horses are so fun to be around and to get to know the differences between them. They’re personalities are all so different and unique in their own ways. I have enjoyed my time making memories at HLR and can’t wait to make more with such amazing people and horses!
I have been a partner with HLR from it's beginning... I have known Mike and Donna for many years and am so grateful to see the vision go from concept to reality! Personally, I have brought my high school students multiple times to serve as part of our school's Service Learning Program and Heart's Landing Ranch has always been a highlight of our year for the diversity of opportunities AND the education that is also a value to HLR. Our students really enjoy coming and I we can be of service in the future!
I’m a volunteer here and I can’t get enough of the atmosphere and community! Such a wonderful place to gather and be apart of!
It is beautiful watching the ripple effect of love and healing that happens here. The time and effort put in to rehabilitating rescued horses, of it's own is beautiful, yet somehow it creates healing for the volunteers as well as the therapy participants, which in turn flows out to families, friends, and the whole community. So many good hearted people giving of themselves here, and really wanting to make a difference.
Beautiful ministry ...lovely horses and horse handlers. I so enjoyed visiting, the grounds and garden with yummy cherry tomatoes and manure turned potting soil. Such a family environment to learn of the love of God through horses and activities in nature.
WOW. I can not say enough good things about this organization. The work they are doing in the community through the activities and therapy sessions provided is truly life changing. My daughter and I enjoy our Saturday's volunteering for Hearts Landing. The care of the animals is superior to any organization I have worked with in the past. The positive energy with the volunteers is contagious. Everyone truly cares about the mission of this organization. I encourage anyone interested to take a tour, volunteer time, donate, and spread the word!
Hearts landing have the most kind and caring staff anyone could ever want! Everyone is so kind and helpful, they have personally helped me in my recovery and my path too god.
Both of our kids struggled with severe social anxiety as a result of the pandemic. Hearts Landing Ranch gave them a safe place to explore their boundaries and acclimate back into society. Donna, the equine specialists, the therapists and the horses have all been so helpful during this process, we just can’t say enough good things about them and the amazing work they do. Hearts Landing Ranch has been such a blessing for our family.
Hearts Landing Ranch and it’s people has such a big impact and place in my heart already! I’ve only been around for a couple weeks and it already feels like a 2nd home to me. I love what the Lord is doing here and will continue to do. Such an amazing place to be and to volunteer at. Can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Hearts Landing Ranch hosted an EAGALA training that allows certification to extend their reach to even more clients and youth that are helped by Equine-Assisted Therapy. The volunteers that have put in hours and passion to help individuals with trauma, depression, abuse, and human trafficking are amazing! They work tirelessly to make a difference to hurting youth and their families. EAGALA training is a 5-day workshop that is the global standard for psychotherapy and personal developement incorporating horses.
This group truly has a big heart! Through their kindness they planted and tended to flower boxes at Hearts Landing Ranch. The fruits of their labor were buckets of beautiful flowers that they donated to "The Petal Connection." By their support our non-profit TPC was able to create many small floral bouquets to give to hospice and seniors in need of a smile. Thank you for your support and giving heart!
Hearts Landing Ranch is a safe environment where kids can experience healing through equine therapy. Therapists and volunteers are caring and loving and the contribution to the community is huge. Donna is incredibly passionate about this work and it shows...from the devotion to the kids as well as to the rescue horses they work with. Amazing non profit.
This organization utilizes its resources very well: its land, volunteers and donations that I know my donations go far and even farther because my company matches 1:1 my donations. I like their mission for individuals as well as the greater community. I've attended some of their family movie nights about ~250 adults and kids. It's cool hearing some of their stories, feels like a big family having fun outside with each other. Keep on doing the good work!
Hearts Landing Ranch is an absolutely wonderful , god led, and beautiful ministry that saves the lives of at risk youth. In addition to providing a safe, tolerant, and positive environment , Hearts Lansing Ranch empowers the kids that they should remain determined to reach the ultimate goals within their life and take advantage of the second chance life has given them. I have witnessed , first hand how the lives of youth are impacted and transformed in such a positive manner that it has provided my heart with so much promise and joy for the future.
Hearts Landing Ranch is an amazing non-profit to volunteer with. They are so caring with the Youth they work with. They go above and beyond in providing a program that helps enrich the lives of the Youth that come to the ranch for equine therapy by assisting the Youth in developing relationships with the horses and learning skills that the Youth can take into the future in their own relationships. The staff work hard to build into the lives of the people they work with and truely care about each and every person they come in contact with!
Hearts Landing currently works with the high-risk teens from our behavioral and mental health programs. Their staff are engaging and supportive, meeting the needs of our youth in a myriad of ways. The Hearts Landing team is absolutely the best!
The transformation I have seen with at-risk boys is unbelievable. On a second session, One young man who was terribly afraid of the horses, found a best friend and a sense of belonging when a horse walked up behind him and gently put his head on this young man's back. He said "This is the first time I felt I could ever belong to anything other than a gang." wow, just wow!
M.F.
We have partnered with Hearts Landing Ranch for years now, sending volunteers to help with their projects and events. It is always a very rewarding experience for our volunteers. We love the important work they do with foster youth and their families. We'll always support this incredible nonprofit!
Donna and her team are EXCEPTIONAL... not enough words to describe how amazing they are at reaching the hearts of the kids they love on as well as the horses they save! Hearts Landing Ranch and Donna and her team empower humans and horses, raise them up, and SAVE LIVES... ***They make this world a better place.*** My son Gideon and I were blessed to visit from Colorado for almost a week and watch transformations happen first hand, and it was an incredible experience we will always be grateful for!
My boys and i were at a 2 yr program for women and children we all had suffered so much trauma . we went with 8 ladies and their kids and saw all the horses and chickens .. I rememeber kidd the white horse the most. I also rememeber the chicken coop because my son and i reached in their together scared but when we pulled out an egg it was like a breakthrough for us. Hearts landing a year prior donated a christmas tree to my family when we dis not have one . Donna is such a sweetheart and so is everyone there thank you for the opportunity to come and have this wonderful experience with my kids i will never ever forget it
Hearts Landing is a well run organization that does exactly what it promises to do. It helps the horses by removing them from abusive situations and it helps the people by allowing them to care for the horses. Both benefit.
Hearts Landing Ranch is an amazing family-focused ranch devoted to the enrichment of underserved kids and teens.
I was first introduced to Donna & Hearts Landing Ranch last year and I have to say I am extremely grateful that! The Mitry Group started to work with the ranch in sponsoring the movie nights, Pumpkin patch & Christmas tree farm in 2018 and after every event, I fall more in love with that place. Hearts Landing Ranch is a blessing to so many and I pray it continues to be.
Hearts Landing is a beautiful property with great animals. The owner, Donna, is super amazing and always available to help. Love this place!
There is such incredible warmth and love at Hearts Landing Ranch. My teenage daughter and I have been volunteering regularly and I am amazed at how much joy our time with Donna and her horses has given us. The gift of purpose has been extremely important for my daughter’s growth and development. Thank you!!!
Hearts Landing Ranch is an incredibly special organization that gives back to their community daily. Donna devotes so much time to the people and horses in need of her love and care; and has family fun community events as well. Hearts Landing Ranch is one of a kind
It is a place to get equine therapy and feel that you belong
to something bigger than yourself. I have been a volunteer for 11 months and the words of affirmation and the courage to move forward has made my life happier and has brought joy into my life. Donna has been an inspiration to me and has taught me more about the horses and myself. I would recommend this non profit ranch to everyone I meet.
This ranch and the mission behind it are a blessing to the children and the community. I can’t think of a better non-profit to support. It is a beautiful ranch, with rescued horses, helping at-risk kids in our region to heal and gain confidence. There isn’t a better cause on this earth.
Love the environment and the horses and especially Donna.
She works with my granddaughter and allows her to figure out how to proceed with situations and talk about that process. Last week TRUST was the word most used to describe the relationship of the horses with my granddaughter. Trust is a very big issue for my granddaughter so recognizing how it worked with the horses was just where she needed to be.
AND, I got to muck the arena and be helpful also.
I met Donna just over a year ago, and have followed her love for animals, and in particular horses that have been abused or going to the grave. She has rescued some near death horses and has brought life into their bodies and souls.. These horses are loved and cared for. I realize we all do not have deep pockets to assist with these animals, but a few $$ now and then are a big help, a really big help.. Come see what she and her volunteers have accomplished, and you will love all that has been done. Regards Tony Rishe
Donna and her crew pour their heart and soul into HeartsLanding in order to help all who come to them for support and guidance. I love they are vision and will continue to support him in every way I can.
Gretchen Thomas
Hearts Landing ranch is doing AMAZING work. From the horses to the people to the vegetable garden, it is all so very important and good. The healing that takes place here is significant and the personal experience of being there is nothing short of magical. 10 stars!
Hearts Landing Ranch in Granite Bay ~ slice of heaven for hurting youth. Beautiful ministry. Stop by to pet horses, hear roosters, pick tomatoes or simply reflect on how horses and community come together to teach how to trust again. Donna and Mike and team take deliberate steps to build a safe loving community. Healing happens at this ranch- for children,adults, families and horses. Beautiful place filled with everyday life to stop the cycle of past and present hurting youth - a non profit deserving of local community support both financially and through active volunteers.
Heartslanding is INCREDIBLE!! Donna's vision is inspiring, and its been a blessing being a part of the ranch. Truly a place where broken people and horses can find hope, healing, and community.
My experience with Heartslanding Ranch!
Meet Rowdy Boy!
He has made such a transformation in just one year. He used to be very mouthy, had a attitude of don’t come near me and would not allow people around him. He was a nursing Foul that was taken from him Mom and put to slaughter. Now he is calm and content with me hanging on him while he eats. He was saved from Slaughter a couple times. That experience was very traumatic for him. He is just one of the many stories at Heartslanding Ranch.
As some of you know, I have had some major health hurdles and had to overcome a lot of adversity in my life. Due to that struggle, I had tattooed on my arm that I have been “Saved by Grace”. I whole heartedly believe that. There was a point when I was physically and emotionally dying. I was bedridden for two year until I had finally gotten a diagnosis. Many surgeries later, many lessons later...I am starting to see God had other plans.
I found it very fitting for Rowdy to share this same quote. He was Saved by Grace too! God wastes nothing! He is going to use both of us and this ranch to help people suffering. I am so humbled to be a part of this plan and for such a great group of people who share this vision. I can’t wait to see what God does next.
If you are interested in contributing to Rowdy and/or Heartslanding Ranch please reach out to me or visit @heartslandingranch.
There isn’t a more noble cause in my books.
Helping trauma victims through Natural Horsemanship and Rescue. ReBuilding both from the ground up!