Whether through a peaceful trail ride or basic one-on-one interaction, bonding with horses is one of the most natural forms of therapy. At Pine Hill Ranch in Little Rock, this healing connection is made accessible to everyone through its equine-assisted therapy program.
Initially founded by Bob Mullenax in 2018 as a riding academy, the ranch expanded its mission in 2024 by partnering with Healing Hooves, a nonprofit organization that promotes physical and emotional well-being using equine therapy.
“We utilize the amazing power of horses for your place of rest, discovery and restoration,” says Stacey Garrett, director of the ranch.
Set across 250 rolling acres, the ranch features a lodge, a horse farm and eight miles of manicured riding trails. The landscape is alive with Arkansas wildlife and home to horses gathered from across the country, like Baron, a member of the Professional Rodeo Association, and Wilbur, the attention-loving miniature donkey.
“Each one of these horses has just as much of a story as every one of their people,” Stacey says.
The Healing Hooves program centers around mind, body and spirit by incorporating therapeutic activities such as grooming, feeding and horseback riding. Research confirms that any interaction with a horse is beneficial, from the rhythmic movement of riding one to what their nonverbal cues reveal about our stress levels.
“So much teaching can come from our horses that wouldn't necessarily be set up in a traditional therapeutic office,” she says.
Horses can sense a human heartbeat within a four-foot radius and even sync their own with it. This intuitive ability allows them to pick up on anxiety or calm, helping people better understand their emotional state.
“They are a true mirror of what we feel on the inside and an honest one,” Stacey says. “They have nothing to gain on the other side of this, nor will they pass judgment.”
Healing Hooves is open to anyone ages 3 and older, and no prior horse experience is required. In each two-hour therapeutic lesson, participants are paired with a horse and an experienced mentor to learn the language of horse behavior.
“The amazing part of horse therapy is that the horse does that,” Stacey says. “We're here to facilitate, we're here to put together a package and a moment, but ultimately, it's that horse and that person that are going to make it happen.”
The program also includes volunteer training for those who want to learn how to support horses and participants.
“Depending on what brought you through the door, we're here to help,” she says.
Stacey’s love for horses took root early on a farm in northern Kansas, where she grew up with two Shetland ponies and felt firsthand how deeply they can impact a person.
“God has blessed me with amazing horses in my life that have all taught me and shaped my career, along with intentional and talented horse professionals that have shown me integrity and strength within the world of horses,” she says. “I now find myself in a place where I’m able to pass on knowledge and passion and a lifestyle that includes horses. I couldn’t imagine life any other way.”
For Stacey, the most rewarding part of her work at Pine Hill Ranch is witnessing the unspoken magic that happens between horse and human.
“I have people that come for the very first time for a horse riding lesson and then just instantly make that connection with the horse, and that still gives me chills,” she says.
At Pine Hill Ranch, the horses do the teaching, and everyone is welcome to learn.
To learn more or get involved, visit thepinehillranch.com.
We utilize the amazing power of horses for your place of rest, discovery and restoration.