Myrtle Beach Therapeutic Riding + Vaulting Club

08/28/2026

At the Human-Animal Alliance, we fund organizations using the human-animal bond to help people heal because this work is about more than a heartwarming connection.

There is science behind it.

Research has found that positive interactions with animals can affect both physical and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can increase oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and connection, while reducing cortisol, a hormone involved in the body’s stress response.

The CDC notes that having pets has been associated with decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as reduced feelings of loneliness. The American Heart Association has also reported evidence suggesting pet ownership may be associated with decreased cardiovascular risk and can help moderate the body’s response to stress.

The Human-Animal Bond Lab at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine continues to study how positive interactions with animals may provide therapeutic benefits, including among vulnerable populations.

This science helps explain what the organizations we fund see in practice: animals can create opportunities for connection, trust, emotional regulation and confidence.

That is why we invest in responsible, purposeful animal-assisted programs serving people in need.

The human-animal bond isn’t simply something we believe in. It is something researchers continue to study—and our grantees put into practice every day.
The Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA) is a nonprofit organization that deeply believes in the power and value of human-animal connection. Founded in 2022 by advocate and philanthropist Jackie Ducci, H-AA awards grants to charitable initiatives nationwide that recognize animals as essential partners in healing, connection, and purpose. Overhead expenses are privately funded, ensuring that one hundred percent of every donation directly supports impactful work.

08/28/2026

Deva's week 4 of summer riding weeks candid shots, learning and crafts.

08/26/2026

It’s easy to assume lesson horses just stand there and take care of it all because of how "simple" the lessons are.

It could be assumed they are born patient, steady, safe, and responsive.

There is a myth out there that lesson horses "know" when they are working with a student with special needs, so we don't have to be as worried about developing or maintaining their training.

Every. Single. Thing. Our lesson horses do out in the barn...from standing at the mounting area quietly, to stopping on voice command, to tolerating wiggly riders, props, games, and side walkers...is trained, maintained, and reinforced over time.

These are not “push-button” or “bombproof” lesson horses by accident.
They are educated.
They are trusted.
And they are teachers in their own right and should be, in most cases, more educated than the student they are paired with.

As adaptive/therapeutic instructors, we’re not just teaching our students.
We’re constantly training our horses too... whether we mean to or not.
Every interaction is a chance to reinforce what we want or- accidentally train what we don’t....

This is why intentional, consistent, kind, correct handling matters so much.
What’s one thing you do regularly to help train or maintain your lesson horses’ skills?
Maybe it's something that's overlooked as insignificant or so minor...but you know how valuable it really is! Comment below!

08/04/2026

08/03/2026

More week 4 pics! Huge thank you to The Human-Animal Alliance for the grant to cover the majority of camp costs for our 4 weeks of camp!

08/03/2026

We got so many pics of week 4 students working, riding, and team building. They unloaded a truckload of hay bales and took a trail ride. One student rode for the first time and one earned his level 2 certificate. They supported each other and gained a lot of independence in tacking, horse care, and independent riding skills.

08/03/2026

Confidence is contagious, especially with horses.

When you believe in yourself, your horse feels it. They take cues from your energy, your body language, and your mindset. If you’re unsure, hesitant, or doubting yourself, they’ll pick up on that, too.

Building your own confidence isn’t just about riding skills it’s about trusting your instincts, being clear in your communication, and staying present in the moment. When you show up with self-assurance, your horse will, too.

So, take a deep breath, trust yourself, and step forward with confidence. Your horse is ready to follow your lead!

08/03/2026

Deva's camp week 2 crafts and quiet moments photos. Bailey was a great big kid helper this week! Our youngest camper was 3 and1/2 years old and kept up like a champ! Already looking forward to next year...

08/01/2026

Week 2 summer camp. More cute little riders! Thank you to parents and grandparents for sharing photos! We had many volunteers and parents helping. Thank you so much for all the supporters we had to make this camp possible! And shout out to The Human-Animal Alliance for the grant to cover the majority of the costs for the 4 weeks! You can see the joy and confidence as these kiddos experienced interacting with the horses.