Heart of the Horse Ranch - Tucson, Arizona

Shanytel Weathersby “The NurseDoc”

Hands down, I look forward to my sessions every week! Which to me means self improvement every week for me. I’m worth it! It’s an investment and you’re worth it!

Do not hesitate if considering your options, this is the place for you! #countrygirl #equinetherapy

Hilary Dowson

This review is long overdue. I had the pleasure of doing some therapeutic sessions many moons ago that still have a great impact today. David has a brilliant mind and shared great wisdom with empathy. His words were a great comfort during a difficult time. A lot of healing is done in the guise of having fun with horses here. This was the greatest place to be when I was having the hardest time with my life.

I’m leaving some carrots for Monty ? ? ? ?
He’s the goodest boy.

Jamie Cerretti

I started taking riding lessons at Heart of the Horse a couple of months ago, after about a 30 year break from regular horseback riding. It has been an absolutely wonderful experience. The horses are all very loved and Robert is a fantastic instructor -- I've been having deeper conversations with him during lessons than I have with a lot of other people I've known for years! Easy scheduling communication, easy payment via Venmo, and a beautiful barn and surrounding landscape. I see a lot of kids riding, which is great, but if any other middle aged horse girls such as myself want to get back in the saddle, Heart of the Horse caters to us as well.

Danielle Gorman

My three family members had a wonderful experience at Heart of the Horse ranch. We did horse therapy, trail rides, lessons in the ring— and thoroughly enjoyed each of those experiences. David Lavin and the rest of his staff are dedicated to ensuring that all visitors have a meaningful experience.

David knows the horses incredibly well, obviously takes excellent care of them, and is very thoughtful about how he chooses which horse each person rides. He was able to create memorable moments for all four of us, crafting the right experiences for our unique personalities and experience levels with horses. Shelly gave a few of us excellent riding lessons/sessions in the arena, and Kaitlyn (spelling?) and Lauren were great accompaniments on the trail. David did most of our therapy sessions, and those were excellent as well.

In case helpful for others deciding whether Heart of the Horse would be a good fit for them, our group included:
1) a 60+ yo, very confident beginner/intermediate rider who wanted to gallop on the trail
2) a young woman who was completely new to horses and very nervous, but wanted to try out the therapy (she ended up getting comfortable enough to ride a bit!)
3) a 26 yo rider who had riding experience from growing up, but was quite nervous about riding after having been thrown many times by a spirited horse as a child and wanted to regain her confidence
4) a 30 yo rider who also had riding experience and had been bucked many times, who was excited to trot/canter on more cooperative horses

I’d recommend Heart of the Horse for anyone and everyone, including the skeptics! David and crew will win you over.

Vanessa

I love this Ranch! David and the staff are incredible! My daughter started riding as a form or therapy. She looks forward to every lesson. She has learned so much thanks to her instructors patience and knowledge. I 100% recommend Heart of the Horse Ranch! Thank you for helping my baby find her confidence. She has found a new love and I'm so happy for her and the progress she has made. ❤️

Violet Red

I had a wonderful experience ☺️ Jordan was my instructor and Kidd was my ride. Kidd is such a great sweet horse , Thank you ! 10 stars ?

Mark Biery

I can't rave about this ranch enough! I'm a middle-aged guy, who has always wanted to study riding. Weekly lessons have been great! David, Jordan, and the rest of the staff are as sweet as pie, and great instructors. The horses and healthy, loved, and well cared for. If you're on the east side and you want to ride, this is the place!

Alison Beck

David is wonderful with the kids and teaches them to trust themselves. I can't monetize how important that skill is. It's a beautiful place, ran by beautiful people and I would highly recommend it.