“I’m so grateful for the opportunity I had to be part of something at Heart of the Horse. It completely turned my life around. Growing up, I was never the best-behaved kid and always found myself in trouble. But working with David and the horses gave me something more meaningful to put my energy into than running around in the streets.

I’ve learned responsibility, hard work, and how to be accountable for my actions. I’ve also learned that hard work is the foundation for a successful future—and when you work hard, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.

Before the ranch, I’d been to all kinds of therapists—drug counseling, anger management, ADHD groups—but nothing ever stuck. I had never even been around horses until I met Cheyenne. That first moment at David’s ranch changed everything.

Horses read your emotions. You can’t hide anything from them. They help you face what you’re feeling, no matter how complicated. They teach you to be confident while being vulnerable. They teach you empathy, compassion, and how to be a better human. And sometimes, they’re just a really good friend.

The lessons I’ve learned on the ranch—I’ll carry those with me forever. Thank you.”

— Darne Jackson