Our Story

Meet Marianne & Joe, The Founders of Horses Healing Hearts, Inc.

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After nearly twenty years away from horses while building their business, Marianne and Joe began to feel a familiar pull, a sense that something meaningful was missing. Horses had shaped their early lives, taught them responsibility, confidence, patience, and connection. 

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In 2006, they decided it was time to return to their roots. They purchased a small, rundown farm in Salisbury, Massachusetts, and Lazy J Ranch was born. What began as a personal return to the lifestyle they loved quickly became something much bigger.

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As they opened the ranch to the community, Marianne and Joe witnessed firsthand how many people were searching for what horses naturally provide: grounding, healing, confidence, structure, empathy, and a sense of belonging. Parents, children, teens, veterans, first responders, people from every walk of life were looking for support and connection.

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But they also saw an unfortunate truth:
Most equine-assisted programs weren’t covered by insurance, and many families simply couldn’t afford them.

Families were eager, committed, and hopeful… but doors were closed to them because of cost. Marianne and Joe were not willing to let financial barriers decide who could heal at the ranch.

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That realization became the turning point.

To make these programs accessible to everyone, they founded Horses Healing Hearts, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to remove cost as an obstacle. The organization supports tuition, program expenses, and operational needs for:

• Equine-Assisted Learning
• Horse Powered Reading & Math
• Therapeutic Riding
• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy & Mental Health Services

These services take place at Lazy J Ranch ensuring that no one is turned away because they lack funding.

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Today, Horses Healing Hearts exists for one reason:
to ensure that the life-changing power of the horse–human connection is available to anyone who needs it regardless of age, background, or financial ability.

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Lazy J Ranch may be where the programs happen, but Horses Healing Hearts is what makes them possible.

Together, Marianne and Joe have created more than a ranch.
They’ve built a place where people are seen, supported, and welcomed, and where horses help change lives every single day.