Grant Stories
HorseSense begins move to new home with help from La Crosse Area Community Foundation grant
Two of HorseSense’s miniature horses stand inside the organization’s new horse trailer during its first use Tuesday as HorseSense began moving to its new home at Deep Roots Community Farm. The trailer was purchased with a $14,000 grant from La Crosse Area Community Foundation.
One by one (or in this case, two by two), HorseSense’s horses are making the trip to their new home this week, marking the first journey in a horse trailer the organization can finally call its own.
A $14,000 grant from La Crosse Area Community Foundation made the purchase possible, giving HorseSense dedicated transportation for veterinary care, emergencies, outreach programs and, fittingly, the move to its new home at Deep Roots Community Farm.
For more than 35 years, HorseSense has used equine-assisted services to promote physical, emotional and mental well-being for children, adults, and military veterans throughout the Coulee Region. The nonprofit serves more than 60 participants annually, and demand continues to grow, particularly through partnerships with local schools.
Until now, transporting horses often meant borrowing a trailer when one was available.
Owning a trailer gives HorseSense immediate access to transportation when horses need veterinary care, speeds emergency response, allows the organization to safely bring new horses into the program, and expands opportunities to bring miniature horses into schools and community settings for equine-assisted learning experiences.
“Watching our horses step onto this trailer for the first time is incredibly meaningful because it marks the beginning of a new chapter for HorseSense,” said Ashley Adams, director of advancement at HorseSense. “For years, we’ve relied on the generosity of others whenever we needed to transport a horse. Having a trailer of our own gives us the independence to care for our horses when they need us, while creating new opportunities to reach more people through our programs.”
Today’s move to HorseSense’s new location marks the trailer’s first use, while also beginning the organization’s next chapter.
“It’s exciting when the impact of a grant is something people can see from day one,” said Lauren Journot, impact director at La Crosse Area Community Foundation. “A horse trailer may seem like a simple purchase, but it removes a barrier that HorseSense has faced for years. It gives the organization greater flexibility, strengthens its ability to care for its horses and helps ensure these programs can continue growing for the people who rely on them.”
The grant was awarded through La Crosse Area Community Foundation’s competitive mini-grant program, which supports nonprofit projects that address community needs and improve quality of life throughout La Crosse County.