Origin Story

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Art, Heart, and Hoofbeats (AHH) was founded in August 2023 by Anne Krocak, a professional artist and her husband Chris Voigt. Anne had long been rescuing horses independently and creating community-focused public art for years. After Covid she saw the need for both equine care and mental health support, recognizing the healing power of horses and art.

AHH was born out of Anne’s vision to provide a safe, nurturing space where rescued horses could heal, and people could connect, reflect, express themselves and grow. Combining equine-assisted activities, therapeutic art programs and nature immersed wellness classes AHH offers over 20 hours of programming each week to build resilience, compassion, and connection.

With a focus on accessibility, AHH serves diverse individuals, from youth to adults, helping them process emotions and build stronger relationships while supporting horses who’ve experienced neglect.

Horses First in all equine programs

At AHH, the horses always come first. These kind and resilient animals have worked hard to rebuild their trust in humans, and everything we do is centered around their well-being.

All other activities and benefits are secondary to supporting the herd. The therapeutic benefits for humans are natural byproducts of this process. When humans step into the role of teacher, caregiver, herd member and emotional regulator they quickly learn and adapt learning skills and becoming a more empowered version of themselves.

Therapeutic Equine Volunteers-

At AHH, Therapeutic Equine Volunteers focus on helping our rescue horses maintain calmness and relaxation in various experiences.

By fostering connection, establishing boundaries, building self-confidence, and promoting feelings of safety, volunteers support the horses while also developing their own emotional regulation, mindfulness, self-confidence, and inner peace.

This mutually enriching process enhances the well-being of both the horses and the volunteers, fostering personal growth, meaningful connection, and a strong sense of community.

Therapeutic Art Programming-

A structured approach to healing through guided creative expression, promoting emotional release, self-discovery, psychological well-being, and personal growth through intentional and non-judgmental art-making.

Wellness Through Mindfulness-

Promoting wellbeing and health through mindfulness practices including Yoga with Horses, Mindfulness retreats, Reiki with horses, Breathing with horses, Mindfulness Walks, and Life Coaching with horses.

Kristin Lebben Photography-440_edited_edited.jpg

Corporate Programs

Therapeutic Nature Immersion-

Nature Immersion is a holistic healing approach that intentionally connects individuals with natural environments and animal companions to promote psychological, emotional, and physical well-being through sensory engagement, mindful presence, and deep ecological interaction that reduces stress, enhances self-awareness, and supports nervous system regulation.

Painting by Anne Krocak

Common Questions

Do we offer “therapy”

No- We offer Therapeutic programming a healing approach that intentionally connects individuals with natural environments and animal companions to promote psychological, emotional, and physical well-being through sensory engagement, mindful presence, and deep ecological interaction that reduces stress, enhances self-awareness, and supports nervous system regulation.

Can I come on my own to visit with the horses?

No, Insurance allows only supervised visits for volunteers

Do we sell our rescue horses?

No, Our herd has a safe home for life at AHH. Their health and special needs will met here and it would not be fair to the horse or the new owner

How can I help?

Volunteer, donate money, time, gift certificates, purchase gift cards at Fleet Farm or UFC in Cologne for food to support our herd, tell others about our activities, come to one of our art classes, retreats or fundraisers

Can I ride one of AHH’s rescues?

No, It would not be safe for volunteers to ride our horses and it would not be fair to the horses. Also we do not carry insurance for that activity.

What should I expect the first time I volunteer/participate in Art, Heart and Hoofbeats-Equine Rescue and Sanctuary?

Wear comfortable appropriate clothes. Expect to work around the farm for ½ hour of each 2 hour visit. Chores may include gardening, moving hay, picking up poop..ect. We are a volunteer organization and rely on volunteer support. Expect to learn about yourself. Be prepared to fill our a survey pre and post visit.

AHH focus's on the horses needs vs. humans needs.

Due to our insurance people under 18 who volunteer or visit will need a supervising adult. We are located on a beautiful, peaceful farm outside of Chaska. A 30 min. drive from Mpls. MN. AHH is a 5013c and run by a team of dedicated Board and volunteers.

Expectations for Volunteers

All volunteers will support both the horses and the farm by doing a few chores and picking up after horses and around the barn for 30 min. with each 2 hour visit. If volunteers want to make a donation instead of chores it will be 50. donation per visit.

Before arriving

-fill out our waiver & pre survey (both are on the site)

-Plan on having fun and meeting a bunch on cool animals!

We can not wait to meet you and have you be part of our herd!

Origin Story

Horses First in all equine programs

Common Questions

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info@artheartandhoofbeats.org