Hidden within a lush 15-acre pocket of countryside rests a peaceful refuge where the scent of hay mingles with the early fall morning air. At first sight, it’s clear this is more than a farm. It's a place where every corner pulses with quiet compassion. Here, Erin Chimberoff, founder of Hand, Hoof and Heart, built a thriving sanctuary where animals and people discover passion, purpose, and joy together.
Having struggled with anxiety for much of her life, Erin discovered a unique peace in the presence of horses. Being around them, she explains, gave her a sense of purpose and calm she couldn’t find anywhere else, helping her feel confident, capable, and grounded.
Drawing on her journey and the skills she gained working with the special needs community, Erin saw a way to unite her two passions. She envisioned a place where people could build confidence, learn life skills, and feel supported through hands-on work with animals and the land, creating the same healing connection she had experienced.
After finding this special property in Acworth, she began expanding her dream, eventually assembling a team of seven staff members and ten horses who now welcome nearly 50 students. Volunteers are essential to daily operations. “I’ve hired many volunteers and former students to work here," Chimberoff says. "Once they start working here, they never leave. We don’t have a very high turnover rate. We’re just one happy FARM-ily!"
Barn manager and volunteer coordinator Raven Redd began volunteering with her teenage daughter four years ago and has since joined the full-time team. She agrees that the horses all have a purpose in helping humans. “I would tell my daughter to go groom the horses and tell them your problems," Redd says. "Forty-five minutes later, she would come back and declare that she felt better.”
This sense of connection runs deep in the symbiotic relationships between humans and animals that Erin and her team foster to serve children and young adults of all abilities. Children and adults of all abilities visit throughout the week to interact with a diverse array of farm animals and learn to care for and handle them. Likewise, the therapeutic horseback riding program, an adaptive sport, is designed for those with neurodiverse challenges. “Every part of our program is designed to create connection, offer support, and give people a place to grow,” Chimberoff explains.
Allison Ferrer, a longtime student, is learning natural horsemanship and groundwork with her White Arabian horse, Puddin’. “Puddin’ is so nice to me, and he’s a special horse because I ride him a lot," Ferrer says. "We have done a lot together, and we have a special relationship.” Ferrer's lessons have translated meaningfully to everyday life as she now works at Chick-fil-A, assisting guests in the dining room.
However, the program is meant to meet students where they are without imposing set milestones or rigid goals. “Some parents enter the program not knowing what their child is capable of, so it’s a real celebration when we see them using all the brushes in the correct order on their own, or even putting their helmet on, when at first they refused a helmet,” Chimberoff adds.
Yet, the program’s true stars are its ten horses, each with a unique personality and role. Princess, Chimberoff’s own horse, serves as the farm’s mascot and inspiration. Carlie, a retired mare, gently welcomes timid children, while Angelina suits both beginners and skilled riders. Chunky Boy teaches assertiveness and patience, working especially well with severely disabled or autistic children. Five horses were purchased for their special talents, and five were brought into the program through private owners in exchange for care or socialization. Every horse undergoes a six-week evaluation to ensure the right fit.
Hand, Hoof, and Heart faces daily costs in resources, time, and staffing, relying on events, fundraisers, and private donations to cover expenses like veterinary care and daily upkeep. Initiatives like the Tidal Wave Auto Spa Charity Day and the annual Lasso the Night Gala raise both awareness and essential funds. This year, the gala was so successful that it raised $50,000 for the program, solidifying it as an annual event.
Erin envisions continued growth for Hand, Hoof, and Heart as community needs and interest rise. “We are currently searching for another horse to join the program,” she says, confident that expanding the FARM-ily will enable it to keep sharing its gifts with families and groups for generations to come.
Every part of our program is designed to create connection, offer support, and give people a place to grow