Heart and Hooves Therapy Brings Healing and Connection to San Diego Country Estates
For more than a decade, Melissa Sargent has used the healing power of animals to bring comfort, confidence, and connection to children, families, and seniors throughout San Diego County.
Tucked away in nearby Ramona, Heart and Hooves Therapy has been quietly transforming lives, one interaction at a time. Since 2014, founder Melissa Sargent has dedicated her farm and her passion to helping individuals of all ages through animal-assisted therapy.
Many residents of San Diego Country Estates are already familiar with the program, and several local families regularly participate in its services, especially children in the special needs community.
At her Ramona-based farm, Sargent works with a unique team of therapy animals, including miniature horses, full-sized horses, goats, a mini pig, and chickens. Alongside three core volunteers and 22 trained therapy teams, she provides hands-on experiences designed to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and encourage communication.
Heart and Hooves Therapy is a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity. They are here to enhance the lives of children and adults, of any age and ability with a different kind of therapy. They use AAA (animal-assisted activities) and AAT (animal-assisted therapy) to offer on-site sessions and off-site visits with mini horses and other farm animals. They serve all, regardless of location, what they are going through, or financial need.
Her program serves individuals ranging in age from 2 to 100, including those with developmental delays, Down syndrome, mobility challenges, and medical fragility. The impact goes far beyond the farm.
“We go wherever we’re needed,” Sargent says.
Heart and Hooves Therapy regularly visits memory care facilities, assisted living communities, hospitals, libraries, and senior centers. They also partner with organizations such as Ronald McDonald House and Saddleback Church, supporting families and foster youth through multiple events each year.
Locally, Sargent collaborates with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Wellness Program, offering deputies a place to decompress after difficult calls. She also works with youth in juvenile programs in Otay Mesa and participates in transition programs near Rady Children’s Hospital.
At the heart of the program is a simple but powerful idea: animals as teachers. Participants are encouraged to guide and direct the animals, creating a sense of leadership and accomplishment. While the animals are well-trained, the experience allows individuals especially children to feel confident, capable, and in control.
“It’s about building courage, respect, and compassion,” Sargent explains. “Even the smallest achievement is something to celebrate.”
In addition to her therapy work, Sargent also hosts a monthly Grieving Mothers Retreat, providing a supportive space for connection and healing among local families.
Upcoming Fundraiser: A Night of Fun for a Great Cause
Residents are invited to support Heart and Hooves Therapy at an upcoming community fundraiser:
Heart and Hooves Therapy Quarter Auction
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Ramona, CA
Guests can enjoy dinner, prizes, and a lively auction—all while supporting a meaningful local nonprofit. The evening will feature an 80’s theme, so attendees are encouraged to dress up for a chance to win a best-dressed prize.
Through her work, Sargent continues to make a lasting impact on families throughout Ramona and the surrounding communities, including San Diego Country Estates. By combining compassion, dedication, and the unique bond between humans and animals, Heart and Hooves Therapy offers something truly special: connection, healing, and hope.
For more information or to get involved, visit their website https://www.heartsandhoovestherapy.org or reach out to learn more about programs, volunteering, and upcoming events.
Photo provided by Melissa Sargent
