Olive’s Branch Healing was established with a simple mission: restore horses, restore people. Over the years, they have provided the Dover, Pennsylvania community with equine-assisted learning and healing services, as well as equine rescue services. Through summer camps and private horsemanship sessions, Olive’s Branch Healing works to increase access to the magic of horses to all.  

Tell us about Olive’s Branch Healing and the work that you do there. 

We are a Christ-centered organization dedicated to creating access to horses for individuals and families who typically wouldn’t have the opportunity due to ability, location, finances, ethnicity, or gender. Our programs are built around equine-assisted services, horsemanship, and personal growth. Whether it’s a child experiencing confidence for the first time, or a rescue horse learning to trust again, we offer a safe, affirming space where transformation happens—one step, one session, one connection at a time.

What are some of the biggest challenges your organization currently faces?

Our biggest challenges are finances and people power.

As a small, Black-owned, healing-centered equine ministry, we’re often faced with limited funding and limited help. It takes time and trust to shift public perception— especially in rural spaces where horses are often seen more as hobbies than healing partners. Sustaining our rescue horses, managing programming, and building a team that shares our values can be difficult. But we remain deeply committed to the work and are focused on building long-term, mission-aligned partnerships.

How has this grant impacted Olive’s Branch’s ability to serve your community?

This grant has been a game changer! It allowed us to offset essential care costs for our rescue horses, ensuring they remain physically healthy and emotionally sound. The foundation’s grant empowered us to expand our services, launch new programming (including equine-art experiences), and welcome participants who otherwise couldn’t afford it. Most importantly, it reminded us that we’re not doing this work alone and that others believe in our mission, too.

Can you share a success story of a horse or participant who benefited from your program?

There are so many stories we could share, because the healing flows both ways, between horse and human, fear and courage, disconnection and belonging.

One of our young participants, Liberty, shared this in her own words:

“This is Liberty and I have learned how to correctly ride and take care of horses and make sure that they feel like they’re in a safe environment. I feel like it makes me feel better after the sessions and I feel like in some ways it has made me a better person.”

Another participant, Izzy, told us:

“I have learned a lot from Olive’s Branch. I’ve learned how to take care of horses, learn their backstories, and actually learn how to connect with them. Taking care of animals has been one of my really big things, so they’ve really helped me. And another big thing at Olive’s Branch is the people there, because I don’t think I’d be who I am without them. They’ve always made me feel really welcomed and like I could trust them.”

We also received this note from the parent of a middle schooler selected as a counselor for our summer program Hearts, Hooves, and Heroes:

“My daughter is so excited about being a camp counselor. She’s been talking about working with the horses and helping the younger kids for weeks. Even if the camp doesn’t happen, she’s already gained confidence just preparing for it.”

It’s quiet but powerful stories like these that keep us going.

What future goals do you have for your program and how can additional support help?

Our vision is to establish a permanent farm home, a sanctuary where people and horses alike can heal, learn, and grow.

We dream of building an inclusive barn space, creating sensory-accessible experiences, offering community garden spaces, and traveling with our horses into urban areas where kids rarely get to encounter them. With additional support, we can offer scholarships, expand staff, transport horses, and invest in the infrastructure needed to serve more people while maintaining the deep, personal care that defines our work.

Is there anything else you’d like donors/grant supporters to know about the impact of their support?

When you support Olive’s Branch Healing, you’re not just supporting another run-of-the-mill riding program– you’re restoring futures.

Every dollar, every word of encouragement, every open door has a ripple effect. You’re helping people come back to themselves. You’re helping horses find purpose again. You’re helping communities reconnect to truth, trust, and healing. Your support makes a mighty difference.