named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Corporate Retreats & Team Experiences
Customized experiential learning programs for businesses focusing on leadership, communication, and team cohesion through ground-based horse interactions.
Equine-Assisted Bowenwork
Non-invasive wellness sessions combining gentle Bowen therapy with the calming presence of horses to support nervous system regulation and emotional grounding.
Equine-Assisted Programs
Ground-based therapeutic sessions for individuals and groups, including veterans, first responders, and those navigating trauma or personal growth, facilitated by certified professionals using EAGALA, E3A, and Natural Lifemanship models.
School and Community Education
On-site and off-site educational programs for schools, youth groups, and community organizations, including field trips and mobile visits with miniature horses.
Youth Development Program
Hands-on program for children and teens to build confidence, communication, responsibility, and empathy through structured interactions with horses; no riding involved.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Therapeutic Equine-Assisted Programs 2 activities
- Delivers equine-assisted programs for mental health and personal developmentProvides ground-based, non-riding interactions with horses to support emotional healing, self-awareness, communication, and personal growth for individuals including youth, women, veterans, first responders, and those experiencing trauma or stress; offers individual sessions, group circles, and retreats facilitated by certified professionals using evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
- Runs youth development and educational programs using equine interactionsOffers structured, hands-on programs for children and teens that build confidence, communication, empathy, responsibility, and social skills through activities such as grooming, leading horses, and barn chores; includes school field trips, group programs, and a youth development program led by trained facilitators.
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Event Venue Rental Services 1 activity
- Hosts events and rentals at the sanctuary facilityMakes sanctuary facilities—including a 11,000 square foot arena, barn, and 42 acres—available for external events; offers event hosting services with pricing available upon inquiry.
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Onsite & Outreach Environmental Education Programs 1 activity
- Offers on-site and off-site educational outreach and public engagementHosts school field trips, community group visits, public tours, and guided encounters to educate visitors about horse rescue, animal welfare, and the organization’s mission; provides public access during designated hours and offers tiered tour options including volunteer-led and founder-led experiences.
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Leadership Development Programs 1 activity
- Provides equine-assisted learning and team development for corporate and leadership groupsOffers customized programs for businesses and organizations focused on leadership development, team building, communication, and employee retention using hands-on equine activities; includes leadership workshops, executive coaching, and team retreats combining experiential learning with classroom instruction.
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Equine Education and Riding Instruction 1 activity
- Provides mobile and off-site equine education and visitation servicesBrings ponies to external events for hands-on educational experiences and offers mobile programs where participants learn about pony care and behavior; supports community engagement through off-site visits and pony appearances.
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Equine Rescue and Retirement Care 1 activity
- Provides permanent sanctuary for rescued and retired horsesOffers a permanent home for unwanted, abused, neglected, or retired horses, including Thoroughbred racehorses transitioning into therapy roles, and maintains a sanctuary with 42 acres of land, barns, and an 11,000 square foot arena to support their care.
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financials · form 990 · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$585K
Contributions & grants$523K89%
Program service revenue$62K11%
Investment income$290%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$675K
Program expenses88%
Admin / overhead10%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$309K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$679K
Cash$110K
Investments$0
Liabilities$7K
Net assets$672K
Liquid reserves1.9 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2025 · YoY revenue +1.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deanna Hearn | Executive Director | 40 | $87K |
board members · 14
- Alex Baxter thru Jan 25 — Chairperson
- Alexander Othmer thru May 25 — Vice Chair
- Chelsea Hanlon from June 25 — Director
- Eric Sutherland — Director
- Jamie Vitiello — Director
- Kimberly Haight from Nov 25 — Secretary
- Kimberly Haight thru May 25 — Secretary
- Kristan DeGrazio — Chairperson
- Morgan Rappa thru May 25 — Secretary
- Nicole Improta from Nov 25 — Treasurer
- Robert Ranieri thru May 25 — Director
- Roy Callender from June 25 — Director
- Terry Roth thru May 25 — Treasurer
- Victoria Isaacson from June 25 — Director
relationships · 28
Who they work with
- ARCH Partner — Staff are certified in equine-assisted programs through ARCH, indicating alignment with its model and standards.
- Bentley Motors Partner — Supports the organization through service contributions or discounts
- Better in Balance Bookkeeping Partner — External bookkeeping service supporting financial management.
- Bolton Reuter Photography Partner — Provides photography services to support organizational advocacy and horse care
- Certified Horsemanship Association Network — Accredited facility upholding national standards in horsemanship safety and education.
- DCSPCA Partner — Collaborates with DCSPCA to foster horses seized due to abuse or neglect.
- Danielle Partner — Certified Bowenwork practitioner and wellness partner who facilitates Equine-Assisted Bowenwork sessions at Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue.
- E3A Partner — Staff are certified in equine-assisted programs through E3A, indicating alignment with its model and standards.
- EAGALA Partner — Staff are certified in equine-assisted programs through EAGALA, indicating alignment with its model and standards.
- EQUUS Foundation Network — Accredited equine charity demonstrating excellence in equine welfare and program integrity.
- Equine Experiential Education Association Partner — Collaborates with Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue to support equine-assisted corporate development programs.
- Facebook Partner — Uses a Facebook page to share updates about the Youth Development Program.
- Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Network — Accredited facility meeting rigorous animal welfare and sanctuary operation standards.
- Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Network — Accredited member of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
- JDV Media LLC Partner — External media support for communications or outreach.
- Natural Lifemanship Partner — Staff are certified in equine-assisted programs through Natural Lifemanship, indicating alignment with its relational, trauma-informed framework.
- New York State Office of the Professions Government — Permitted by the state to offer mental health and personal development services.
- Not specified Partner — Schedules tours, encounters, programs, retreats, and group experiences in coordination with external groups or organizations.
- Prime Print Shop Partner — Provides print services with discounts to support organizational operations
- Savarese Construction Partner — Provides construction or building services to support facility needs for horse rescue
- The Dodo Partner — Featured Lucky Orphans in media content highlighting the sanctuary's mission and impact.
- Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Network — Accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for providing aftercare to retired racehorses.
- Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Network — Accredited facility providing high standards of equine care and safety.
- Today.com Partner — Featured Lucky Orphans in a published story about the organization's therapeutic work with rescued horses and adults.
- Williams Lumber Partner — Supplies lumber materials to support infrastructure and facility maintenance for horse rescue operations
- businesses Partner — Partners with businesses to develop tailored leadership development programs.
- institutions Partner — Collaborates with institutions to deliver comprehensive leadership development programs combining classroom and equine-assisted learning.
- non-profit organizations Partner — Provides team building retreats and development programs for nonprofit teams.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Customized Experiential Learning for Leadership Developmentmethodology: equine-assisted_experiential_learningBy designing equine-assisted experiential learning programs tailored to client goals, the organization enhances leadership and personal growth, because personalized, relational challenges with horses reveal behavioral patterns and build self-awareness more effectively than traditional methods.
- Reciprocal Human-Animal Healingmethodology: reciprocal_healing_human-animalBy engaging people in the care of rescued horses, the organization facilitates emotional and psychological healing in both humans and animals, because the mutual, non-judgmental bond fosters trust, self-awareness, and emotional release.
- Story-Based Mission Engagementmethodology: story-based_engagementBy sharing individual horse stories during visits, the organization fosters public connection and support, because personal narratives increase empathy and deepen understanding of the rescue mission.
- Trauma-Informed, Relationship-Centered Equine Therapymethodology: trauma_informed_equine_assisted_therapyBy using certified, evidence-based therapeutic frameworks (e.g., EAGALA, Natural Lifemanship) in ground-based interactions with horses, the organization supports psychological healing, because these models create safe, relational experiences that enhance emotional regulation and client-centered growth.
- Youth Development Through Animal-Assisted Experiential Learningmethodology: animal-assisted_youth_developmentBy engaging youth in screen-free, hands-on interactions with rescued horses, the organization fosters confidence, communication, and compassion, because experiential learning with animals builds responsibility and emotional connection in ways that traditional settings cannot.