BELLA TERRA STABLES

New Moves for Old Horses is a core program to provide care for a special population of aged or injured horses who are no longer wanted as school horses or recreational guides but are especially adept at demonstrating essential traits of resilience, patience, and caring. Typically older, these retired or rescued horses have special medical or dietary needs, the cost of which is fully covered by contributions. In 2024, BTS supported 12 of these special horses, 8 of which were acquired from a lesson and trail program in Washington DC that suspended operations during the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to struggle to support the horses. This herd supported 576 individual and group equine assisted psychotherapy and learning sessions in 2024. Direct expenses include hay, feed, medical supplies, bedding, veterinarian and ferrier services. In addition to salaried directors who manage the program, BTS relies on volunteers for daily and special care services. Expenses reflect direct costs and do not include indirect expenses for rent, utilities, and general operations.

Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy programs create an emotionally safe space for children and youth struggling with a wide range of mental and behavioral health concerns and those who support them, including family, schools, social groups and community leaders. In 2024, BTS trained, certified and licensed professionals, together with a team of trained local volunteers, worked with approximately 384 clients on site and 840 off-site (responding to communities dealing with grief and loss) who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger and grief, among other stressors that impede personal growth and stability. In one-on-one experiences and in specially designed group settings, this experiential modality engaging the participant with a horse in a natural setting fosters resiliency, self-respect, teamwork, and forgiveness, among other life skills. Direct expenses include fees for professional licenses and insurance, specialized registration and billing software to adhere to privacy regulations, training for volunteer corps, equine transportation expenses and program supplies. BTS volunteers provide program support in nonconfidential settings. Expenses reflect direct costs and do not include indirect expenses for rent, utilities and general operations.