- 323-833-0984.
- info@zenhearthorse.org
- Tax ID Number: 88-1024891
At Zen Heart, we grow, nurture, and heal. From horses to humans, our program focuses on developing the unique experiences, needs, gifts, skills and interests of our riders and our horses in order to support each spirit in realizing their true dreams and fullest lives.
Zen Heart offers a variety of equine-based services and outdoor programming including horseback riding, equine therapy, competitive show jumping, and outdoor education. Zen Heart actively partners with its sister organization, Let’s Ride Equine Therapy, as well as other local partners to deliver services and activities to communities and youth across Los Angeles.
Zenyatta is a champion American Thoroughbred racehorse, and an inspiration for our organization. Foaled (born) in Kentucky, Zenyatta’s racing career truly began and bloomed in California at racetracks including the historic Santa Anita Park in Arcadia and Hollywood Park (formerly sited in Inglewood, at the current location of SoFi Stadium). Winning a remarkable 19 out of 20 starts, Zenyatta holds world-class accolades including becoming the first mare (female horse) to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2009. Zenyatta was also the 2010 American Horse of the Year and joined the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2016.
But perhaps what makes this mare and her story so magical, is her spirit. Zenyatta is known for her incredible heart and determination. Zenyatta is proof that no matter where you find your start in life – you will find your stride, finish strong, and succeed in the ways that matter when you believe in yourself. This is the heart of a champion. This is Zenyatta’s legacy. We are Zen Heart.
Robin Gilliam is a Los Angeles native, a lifelong horse enthusiast, and a dedicated advocate for equity, justice and representation. Robin has a passion for building meaningful, mission-driven collaborations between organization, projects and communities. She founded Zen Heart as a way of connecting communities, both within and outside of the horse industry, to impactful and dynamic opportunities that foster positive change in the lives of the people and horses. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from the University of Southern California and a Master of City Planning from the University of California, Berkeley.
Chanel Minnifield is an upper-level Eventer that has achieved many accomplishments in the competitive show circuit. Starting showing at the age of 7 in Kentucky, Chanel has successfully shown in the Hunter, Jumpers, and Eventing show ring. She has a passion for the tradition of the sport, and teaching young equestrians the joy of the competitive riding.
All students entering our RACE program participate in basic horse safety, knowledge, and skills. We believe that it is important for students to gain a strong foundation in horsemanship, which spans horseback riding as well as education and training in horse care best-practices. Partnering with Let’s Ride Equine Therapy, students in our program take part in activities including:
RACE intentionally fosters a nurturing and supportive environment for students. We believe in the power of community and mentorship. Our students are our family and their personal growth and development is a big part of our purpose. We hope to see our students thrive and have positive experiences and discoveries through the program, where they learn more about themselves, and cultivate deep values in understanding the power of caring for others. RACE also prepares students interested in advancing to other program areas including competitive riding.
Our Competition Riding program supports advanced riders on their journeys to train and show at the competition level, both amateur and professional. This program trains riders in English disciplines, focuses on matching the right horses with the right riders, and custom-building a pathway that supports the wellness and success of our horse and rider teams.
Zen Heart partners with Let’s Ride Equine Therapy to support students of all ages with emotional or developmental disabilities in exploring the positive effects of horses. Through the natural movements and energy of horses, students in the Equine Therapy program area experience mind-body benefits and lifelong memories through activities designed for the unique needs of each student.
Our training program is grounded in the fundamentals of natural horsemanship, a style and philosophy of horse training that bridges communication between horses and humans by understanding the nature of horses and building trust. All horses at Zen Heart receive foundation or re-start training in natural horsemanship, as it is incorporated throughout all of our program areas and at every level of riding and horse care.
Zen Heart holds a special place in its community for American Thoroughbreds. As part of our mission, Zen Heart works to identify, receive and retrain Thoroughbreds, including Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTB), for new careers through our Competition Riding program area, or through a 90-day rehabilitation program for horses in need.
As a core diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) initiative, Zen Heart centers the role of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in the remaking of Thoroughbreds (Off-the-track-Thoroughbreds, commonly referred to as “OTTBs”, and unraced Thoroughbreds) as a way of supporting opportunities for Thoroughbreds to have second careers and careers outside of racing, promoting the breed, and pipelining a mission-driven Olympic-level show jumping team,
88-1024891
323-833-0984.
info@zenhearthorse.org
