色色啦

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 18, 2025

Acworth's Hand, Hoof and Heart plays key part in enriching Field Station

Located about two miles from Kennesaw State University鈥檚 Kennesaw campus lies the Field Station, an important asset in the university鈥檚 ever-expanding research portfolio. 

Recently, the Field Station underwent a significant landscaping transformation, thanks to a partnership with KSU鈥檚 Marietta campus. To facilitate construction of a new interdisciplinary STEM building, a substantial quantity of Georgia red clay was excavated and transported to the Field Station with the cooperation of the construction crews.

While this clay expanded the Field Station鈥檚 usable terrain, it lacked essential organic matter and nutrients. Associate Professor of Biology Mario Bretfeld, whose research at the Field Station focuses on crops, native plants, and endangered species, recognized an opportunity to address this deficiency while solving another issue.

In his spare time, Bretfeld volunteers at , an equine-focused nonprofit where a herd of horses generates a consistent supply of manure鈥攁 natural fertilizer ideally suited to enrich the heavy clay soil. He proposed the idea to Michael Blackwell, the Field Station鈥檚 operations manager, who enthusiastically supported the plan.

Together, they coordinated with Hand, Hoof and Heart to collect the manure, alleviating the nonprofit鈥檚 costly disposal burden. These savings now enable the organization to invest in facility maintenance, equipment upgrades, and enhanced support for its programs, while simultaneously improving the soil quality at the Field Station.

Hand, Hoof and Heart provides therapeutic riding and animal-assisted education through four programs: therapeutic riding, therapeutic horsemanship, equine-assisted learning, and horse-powered reading. Each of these offer unique experiences that not only help the client learn about horses but teach them how to cope with anxiety or low self-esteem in individuals with and without disabilities. 

鈥淟essons consist of learning how to groom, tack, ride and safely work with the horses from the ground,鈥� said Erin Chimberoff, founder of Hand, Hoof and Heart. 鈥淥ur lesson plans emphasize teaching basic riding skills while instilling a sense of responsibility, and independence and encouraging participation in social engagements.鈥�

Chimberoff has ridden horses her entire life. As an adult, she discovered her passion for working with cognitively disabled people when she took a job as a caregiver for a young boy with autism. Chimberoff, having had social anxiety herself that she worked to overcome with her original horse, Princess, seized the opportunity to combine her two passions, ultimately creating a place for individuals like her who needed a little extra help. 

Hand, Hoof and Heart provides therapeutic riding as an adaptive equestrian activity designed to support the development of riding and horsemanship skills. While not considered a clinical therapy, therapeutic riding offers physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits by encouraging balance, coordination, communication, and confidence through structured interaction with horses.

鈥淚 allow a lot of my students to pick their own path,鈥� Chimberoff said. 鈥淔or example, I have one student who is interested in equine massage, so that is what we learn about.鈥� 

Bretfeld and Chimberoff have worked together for more than a year, which began in early 2024 when Bretfeld started volunteering. He, like the other volunteers, assists the staff with stall cleanliness, animal care, and general maintenance around the property. 

The success of this collaboration serves as an example for partnerships between the Field Station and local organizations, highlighting the potential for innovative, community-centered solutions that benefit both research and regional nonprofits.

Hand, Hoof and Heart is always looking for more volunteers and requests that if anyone is interested, they visit their website or send an email to volunteer@handhoofheart.org!

鈥� Story by Alyssa Ozment

No posts found.