Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center will host its annual Barn Dance Fundraiser & Auction, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at the Carriage & Western Art Museum, 129 Castillo St., Santa Barbara.
The benefit is designed to raise support for equine-assisted services for children and adults with disabilities; veterans; and other community members in need.
Proceeds will help fund scholarships, horse care, facility improvements, and year-round programs that make equine-assisted services accessible to people of different ages, abilities and financial circumstances, organizers said.
“The Barn Dance is one of the most important nights of the year for Hearts because it allows the community to see, celebrate and sustain this work,” said Andrew Wilson, board chairman of Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
“Every ticket, donation and auction bid helps keep these programs within reach for local families, supports the care of our horses and strengthens the place where participants come to build confidence, connection and independence,” Wilson said.
The evening will include a barbecue dinner from Oak & Fired; music by Caught Red Handed; live and silent auction packages; raffle prizes; and a paddle raise supporting Hearts’ Summer Camp Scholarship Fund.
The featured live auction item is the Central Coast Luxury Escape, including a two-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara; golf and lunch for four at Alisal Guest Ranch; and wine country tastings in Santa Ynez.
The silent auction will offer seven packages, including family activities at the Santa Barbara Zoo; a hotel stay at the Santa Barbara Inn with coastal cruise tickets on the Double Dolphin; Paso Robles wine tasting; and a Pismo Beach getaway.
Event attendees will receive one complimentary raffle ticket upon arrival and may choose among three prize packages. Additional raffle tickets will be available during the event.
Speaking at the event will be Jessica Simon, a Hearts participant who has Down syndrome and served as a Special Olympics Global Messenger in 2016.
Simon has previously spoken publicly about the role Hearts has played in helping her manage anxiety, develop confidence and experience support through her connection with the horses and volunteers.
Founded in 1985, Hearts is the only nonprofit equine therapy center in south Santa Barbara County.“The organization was created to inspire, strengthen and motivate people of all ages and capabilities through programs built around the connection between humans and horses,” Hearts officials said.
“To date, Hearts has served more than 7,000 children and adults and engaged about 4,240 volunteers, creating a positive ripple effect estimated to touch the daily lives of about 31,000 people,” the organization said.
In 2025, Hearts received the City of Santa Barbara’s Nonprofit Champions of Accessibility Award for its commitment to inclusion, accessibility and equitable opportunities for people with disabilities.
At Hearts, participants work with trained instructors, volunteers and therapy horses through equine-assisted services that can support physical, emotional, cognitive and social development.
The program includes adaptive riding and ground-based work designed to help participants build communication, listening, patience, empathy and confidence.
“First and foremost, our participants are learning horsemanship and riding skills, but the work reaches far beyond the lesson itself,” said Kelly Gould, Hearts head instructor and program coordinator.
“Horses offer a special kind of connection,” Gould said. “They help people feel seen and supported while they practice skills that can carry into daily life, from communication and focus to confidence and trust.”
Hearts’ herd includes 16 specially trained therapy horses. It also provides a home for rescue and senior horses that might otherwise have limited options. Since its founding, Hearts has cared for more than 100 horses.
The organization relies on donor support to maintain accessible programming. Contributions help cover the cost of scholarships, horse care, instructor support, volunteer coordination, facility needs and equipment.
“Support from the Barn Dance helps Hearts continue serving participants who benefit from therapeutic riding, adaptive horsemanship and connection with horses,” the organization said.
Heart’s programs are designed to meet participants where they are, with instructors adapting each session to individual needs, goals and comfort levels. For some riders, that may mean balance and coordination.
For others, it may mean emotional regulation, confidence, communication or a stronger sense of belonging.
Tickets for the Barn Dance Fundraiser & Auction are available here. Donations may be made at https://heartsriding.networkforgood.com/.
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information or to make a donation, visit http://www.heartsriding.org or email info@heartsriding.org.
Top sponsors for the 2026 Barn Dance include Mission Equine Associates, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Kittle Motorsports, Montecito Bank & Trust, Marabella Stable — A Gaited Community, Lexus of Santa Barbara, The Lieberman Family, Jim and Chana Jackson, Reid and Robin Cederlof, The Weintraub Family, Sandy Lovett and Duane Harsh, Carol Kallman and Don Barthelmess, Lynn P. Kirst, Petrine Day Mitchum, and presenting wine sponsor Pelletiere Winery.