Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center Must Move by December

Source: Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center 

Hearts has existed at its current location on Santa Barbara County property for 23 years. For years, Hearts has understood that the County may one day need this area to meet the community’s needs for debris management. After the debris flow in January 2018, there was an imminent need for this land , and Hearts began planning for a move to adjacent County property 2021.

 Due to the continued wet weather and movement of material below recent burn areas, the land that Hearts occupies is needed to manage potential debris next winter. Hearts’ new facility will need to move to the new location up the hill by December 2019.

As Santa Barbara continues to recover from the Thomas Fire and subsequent debris flows, Hearts is committed to assisting the County to prepare for the impact from future rain events by providing a much-needed facility for County recovery operations. Hearts will continue to work with County personnel to plan a smooth transition for their move in the coming months. The impact of such a rapid timeline for this move will be a challenge for the organization, but Hearts stands ready to help the community in every way possible.

Hearts Executive Director Pamme Mickelson said, “In addition to providing for people of all ages with special needs, we feel honored to be able to help the County and the members of the greater Santa Barbara community by freeing up this location for needed debris containment. Having the support of the County in our mission, and being able to serve the highest good to the community at the same time, makes for a wonderful partnership.”

County Public Works Director Scott McGolpin said, “The County is committed to collaborate with Hearts to continue their great work and ensure a successful move to a new location on the same property that will allow us to better serve the community’s disaster debris.”

For more information, please contact Pamme Mickelson at 805-364-5201, [email protected],  or visit our website at www.heartsriding.org. For contributions, please contact Laurie Barene, at 805-364-6266, [email protected].

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Established in 1985, Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center employs equine assisted activities to inspire, strengthen, and motivate children and adults with special needs in Santa Barbara County. Hearts is a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization and is recognized by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) as a “premier center” — the highest possible level of accreditation, demonstrating a superior level of adherence to national industry standards.  For more information, please visit www.heartsriding.org or call (805) 964-1519.