(Happiness Through Horses “Champions”). The
organization has gone from helping a few kids at one
barn in the first year, to nearly fifty youths in the course of
the last two years. They see 2018 as the year set to help
at least forty kids. They are growing and reaching the point
that the demand is outpacing the funds.
The Happiness Club is currently full but has plans to
expand by developing a mentor program to incorporate
more adults in order to expand the number of kids we can
help with their wonderful animals. Swaney is also currently
developing a program to be launched this summer called
Self Leadership for Teens that will be eight weeks long
and include topics such as conflict resolution, nutrition,
self-confidence and self-awareness to name a few. In
order to allow expansion and launch these new programs
HTH will be looking for new creative ways to bring in
funding such as a “sponsor a child” and “sponsor a horse”
programs to cover program and staff expenses as well as
scholarships for children and teens.
Some of the traditional ways HTH raises funds to facilitate
their needs are through events, private donations,
corporate and business sponsorships and their online
store. They have recently started with grant writing as well.
HTH is a registered 501c3 foundation and registered with
the state of Colorado.
They hope to greatly expand the awareness of their
program and what they do. Families in crisis are dealing
with an overload of emotions and challenging life events
and it is hard for them to find help. Their program is a
natural attention grabber – it is a unique approach and the
horses themselves are the best ambassadors for what
they do. In April they host signature event called the
Happiness Hoedown and as well as several other events.
To assist in their success and growth, they are currently
seeking volunteers. HTH is especially open to incorporating
FFA members, veterans and mature adults who can help
in a leadership capacity as they serve as mentors for the
youth and serve as goodwill ambassadors.
Happiness Through Horses has had the honor to
participate in many fun events around Colorado such as
the Boulder County Fair and Parade and booths at many
vendor events. HTH appeared in the Reba McIntire Video
Pray for Peace and they have held three major fundraisers
since 2014. HTH is a member of two Chambers of
Commerce: The Self-Leadership Global organization and
The Colorado Women of Influence. In 2016 Kim Swaney
was honored as one of the Colorado Women of Influence’s
Women of Vision because of her passionate mission of
empowering young people to become effective leaders in
our communities.
For more information or to find out
how you can help, please visit
happinesshorses.org
Photos by DeAnna Weyhrich,
Owner and Photographer at ddWeyhrich Photography
Rodeo LIFE 153
/happinesshorses.org