SpiritHorse Kingsburg, a sanctuary of healing and empowerment through equine therapy, is proud to announce a new partnership with the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation. With a generous grant of $277,802.00, the foundation will fully fund the construction of a covered arena, allowing SpiritHorse to provide year-round therapeutic services to children with special needs, veterans with PTSD, individuals who have endured trauma, At-Risk Youth, and the terminally ill.
SpiritHorse Kingsburg began as a vision to create a safe and nurturing environment where children with special needs could thrive. Since opening its gates in 2012, the ranch has grown into a vital resource for Kingsburg and surrounding communities, currently serving 125-150 students weekly, with a waiting list of at least 60 more. The program is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and leaders who guide the riders through a 97-step program tailored to specific disabilities. The ranch is home to 30-40 horses, with 20 actively participating in the therapeutic program.
Families from across California’s Central Valley travel to SpiritHorse Kingsburg to experience the supportive and inclusive atmosphere of this unique ranch. The facility provides a secure environment where individuals of all abilities can engage in therapeutic horseback riding, fostering mental and emotional well-being. The impact of SpiritHorse extends beyond children with special needs to include veterans, at-risk youth, and terminally ill individuals, all of whom find solace and healing through their interactions with the horses.
However, the intense summer heat in Kingsburg, often exceeding triple digits, has posed a significant challenge, particularly for the students who are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Recognizing this need, the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation stepped in to support the construction of a covered arena, ensuring that SpiritHorse can continue its mission even during the hottest months. This new facility will enable the ranch to operate year-round, providing a consistent and comfortable environment for its students.
Shannon Coats, a parent of a special needs child who attends SpiritHorse, emphasized the importance of this new addition. “Consistency is so important for my son; it motivates him to get up every morning and gives him purpose. The arena is a game changer. It’s going to impact so many families who have kids who get too hot or too cold.”
Kasey (Okland) Thiesen, Co-Founder of SpiritHorse Kingsburg, expressed gratitude for the foundation's support. “The ability to serve the families that we do for the whole year and not just half the year is going to be huge. This arena will help us expand our reach and make a bigger difference in the lives of the families we serve.”
The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation's Neighborhood Grant Committee, which focuses on funding community projects in Kingsburg — Larry Hillblom's hometown — commended SpiritHorse Kingsburg for its dedication to addressing the needs of countless Central Valley families. The foundation’s support exemplifies the power of community collaboration in making a lasting impact.
Tiffany Jost, a riding instructor at SpiritHorse, highlighted the significance of the covered arena. “It means everything, not only for our students to be out here more often but also for them to be comfortable while they’re here. This generous support from the Hillblom Foundation allows us to continue our journey of inspiring hope and fostering resilience in the hearts of many families across the Central Valley.”
As SpiritHorse Kingsburg looks to the future, it remains committed to enriching the lives of its students and their families. The ranch stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, dedication, and generosity come together. With the covered arena soon to be a reality, SpiritHorse Kingsburg is excited to welcome more families to experience the profound benefits of their programs, making a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.
About the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation
Established in 1996, The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation is a California non-profit organization founded through the generosity of Larry L. Hillblom, one of the three founders of DHL Worldwide Express. While the foundation primarily supports diabetes and aging research through the University of California, its Neighborhood Grant Committee also focuses on funding impactful community projects in Kingsburg, Larry Hillblom's hometown, ensuring his legacy continues to create positive change where it matters most.
About Larry Hillblom
Larry Hillblom was a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of DHL Worldwide Express. His visionary leadership revolutionized the logistics industry, transforming DHL into a global leader in express delivery services. Beyond his remarkable business achievements, Larry was deeply committed to education, innovation, and community development. Through his generous philanthropic efforts, he supported numerous initiatives aimed at advancing scientific research, fostering educational opportunities, and improving the quality of life for individuals around the world. The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation continues to honor his legacy by empowering future generations and driving meaningful change in society.
Media Contact
Company Name: Larry L. Hillblom Foundation
Email: Send Email
City: San Francisco
State: California
Country: United States
Website: https://llhf.org/
