Our Story
Welcome to Houghton Healing & Therapy — a sanctuary where horses and humans find peace together.
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Nestled in the quiet beauty of Calhan, Colorado, our nonprofit equine sanctuary is dedicated to giving elderly, neglected, and unrideable horses a safe haven to live out their days with dignity, comfort, and love. At Houghton Healing & Therapy, every horse’s story matters — and every life is treated with the care and respect it deserves.
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These once-forgotten souls now spend their days surrounded by peace and care — grazing freely in open fields, forming lifelong friendships, and receiving the compassion they were always meant to know.
Yet, our mission reaches far beyond the pasture. The horses of Houghton Healing & Therapy give back in extraordinary ways — bringing their gentle energy and quiet wisdom to others through therapeutic visits to senior centers, hospitals, and community programs. Their calm presence offers comfort, connection, and healing to those who need it most.
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Every meal, every vet visit, every soft blanket on a cold night — all are made possible by the generosity of donors and volunteers who believe in our vision:
A world where every horse is cherished, respected, and free to simply be.
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Together, we’re doing more than rescuing horses — we’re restoring hope and healing hearts, one soul at a time.
We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) equine sanctuary devoted to giving every horse the peaceful retirement and lifelong care they truly deserve. Our organization is entirely volunteer-run — with no paid employees — which means 100% of every donation directly supports our horses. All contributions are fully tax-deductible and make an immediate impact on the lives of the animals we serve.
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Beyond providing sanctuary, we love sharing our passion for horses with others. Through our lesson program, we teach students about horse care, preparation for riding, and western riding techniques, along with essential knowledge of equine nutrition, farrier work, veterinary care, and dental health.
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In addition to our sanctuary and educational programs, we also accept horses for training, helping them grow in confidence, ability, and partnership with their riders.
At Houghton Healing & Therapy, our mission is not only to give horses a safe home but also to inspire compassion, understanding, and lifelong learning within the equine community.
We specialize in the rehabilitation of horses—focusing on improving body condition, relieving pain, and addressing behavioral challenges with patience and compassion. Working closely with our trusted veterinarian, we ensure that every horse at our sanctuary receives the highest standard of care and lives a pain-free, comfortable, and fulfilling life.
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Each of our horses is routinely cared for by an equine dentist every 6–12 months, follows a regular farrier schedule, and receives up-to-date vaccinations and deworming. Many of our residents also require daily medications and specialized diets tailored to their individual needs.
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To help sustain this level of care, we are constantly developing new fundraising initiatives, including a monthly raffle for our amazing donors. It’s our way of saying thank you for your continued generosity and for helping us provide these deserving horses with the loving retirement they’ve earned.
Our Mission & Values
Every horse receives daily feed, veterinary care, and emotional enrichment.
Compassionate
Care
We believe in the mutual therapy between horse and human.
Once a horse arrives here they are home- for life.
Lifelong
Commitment
Healing Through Connection
We rely on generous donations to provide lifelong care for our sanctuary horses. Every contribution - big or small- goes directly toward feed, veterinary care, and daily needs. All donations are tax-deductible and deeply appreciated.
You can donate through:
Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile
Venmo: @houghtonhealingtherapy
Donors are entered into a monthly appreciation raffle!
We also have sponsorship opportunities for individuals and businesses. Sponsors receive special recognition, updates on their sponsored horse, and other exclusive perks.
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If you're interested in becoming a sponsor please contact us to learn more about the available packages.
Meet the Heart Behind the Herd
About Jennifer Houghton
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Founder of Houghton Healing & Therapy
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My name is Jennifer Houghton, and horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up on a ranch, I developed a deep connection and respect for these incredible animals from an early age. Over the years, I dedicated my life to training horses and studying their behavior, gaining extensive experience in equine medicine, care, and communication.
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Throughout my training career, I often came across horses with injuries or behavioral challenges that made them “unrideable.” Many of their owners no longer wanted them and would mention sending them to auction. Instead, I chose to give these horses a forever home—a place where they could feel safe, loved, and valued again.
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As time went on, the number of horses needing refuge grew. Seeing senior and unwanted horses end up at auctions—emaciated, scared, and heartbroken—was something I couldn’t ignore. That’s when I decided to officially establish Houghton Healing & Therapy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to giving these horses the lifelong care they deserve.
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With my background in horse training, behavior, and equine health, I wanted to create a place where every horse receives proper medical attention, farrier care, and nutritional support. Beyond physical healing, I also wanted to show that even horses who can no longer be ridden still have purpose. Through our equine therapy programs, many of our sanctuary horses now help bring comfort and joy to people in need—both at our ranch and through mobile therapy visits to those unable to come to us.
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At Houghton Healing & Therapy, every horse is more than a rescue—they’re a life with meaning, love, and a story worth sharing.