We’re looking forward to introducing you to Melissa Sargent. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Melissa, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Heart and Hooves Therapy is often misunderstood in two main areas. First many people think that we are just “pet a pony” or a petting zoo and discount our service until they have been educated on the beneifits animal assisted therapy and activitives has to offer the special needs community. Secondly many people misunderstand what the different is between animal assisted therapy/activities is verse equine therapy. We have many potential clients who call with the impression we offer riding therapy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Melissa has over 27 years of horse experience, beginning at age 12 when she earned riding lessons by scooping stalls. Her passion for horses was shaped by her adoption journey, offering her a positive outlet during challenging times. Over the years, she has been involved in training, showing, and breeding horses.
Melissa participated in 4-H showing rabbits and in arts and crafts, and in high school FFA, where she showed beef, competed on livestock and horse judging teams, and served as Chapter Recorder. She holds certifications as a Veterinary Assistant, Life Coach, Autism Specialist, and Grief Educator, and has studied animal behavior extensively. She is also a certified Pet Partners Animal Therapy Handler and a METSA (Miniature Equine Therapy Standard Association) Handler and team member.
Melissa is the founder of Heart and Hooves Therapy, a Ramona-based nonprofit that has been serving the community for 11 years. The organization’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals of all ages and abilities through a different kind of therapy—using animal-assisted therapy and activities. They offer sessions on their farm and travel to local memory care facilities, hospitals, schools, and more to bring healing through connection.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
From a young age I have to say my Dad has taught me the most about work. His work ethic has always been amaing. Get up early,work hard and come home to family.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In 2021, My 18 year old son, Kulten was tagically killed in car accident. For almost 9 months I was thinking of giving up the non profit and closing it down. How would i ever be able to help others with a broken heart myself. Through a ton of community,family and friend support i was able to push throught and not give up. I started slow and worked with clients as i could.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
All my friends know that my family is what really matters to me. We are a tight knit,do everything together and be able to share memories as we grow together.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Unfortunately I have the deep understanding of child loss. This is a loss that you can never imagine or even begin to understand. The loss of a child is soul crashing and is a daily struggle even when you seem to be doing good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heartsandhoovestherapy.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555252964954
Image Credits
1st pic-Gianna and Tori at our farm- Autism
2nd pic-Sams posse expectional rodeo at Ramona Rodeo off site
3rd pic-Sarah grooming AJ at our farm- Gloabla delay
4th pic- Kylee and Bubba with Oatmeal the goat at our farm
5th pic- Blind man at a local memory care facility brushing AJ offsite
