About Us

Our trainers have over 50 years experience working and training horses in all disciplines as well as being PATH & CHA Certified Instructors.
We train these horses so they can be partnered with PATH and CHA Accredited Therapeutic Riding Centers, because of the high Standards they hold for their Instructors and Volunteers to assure the safety of both horse and riders of all ages and abilities.

Mickey Kissell
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning
CHA Certified Riding Instructor for Riders with Disabilities

Arizona Ranger - Mounted Unit

40+ Years Accounting and Bookkeeping

Mickey has owned and trained horses for over 35

years, she enjoys Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Team Penning, Mounted Shooting and trail riding. She is the Equestrian Director at a Therapy Center for adolescent girls, a Therapeutic Riding Instructor at HORSES WITH HEART in Chino Valley, and also an Arizona Ranger. Her passion for therapeutic horsemanship began in 1993, while helping a friend's young son who was in a wheelchair to ride for the first time. The smile on his face and the effects it made in his life melted her heart and changed both of their lives. "It is truly amazing when you can have a connection with such a majestic animal. Therapy can start by just being near them, grooming and caring for them, as well, as riding". She loves the challenge when meeting a new horse to find out what the horse might already know, and how the horse reacts to her. When a new horse comes in for training it may have had some kind of trauma, is untrained or frightened. She has a calming way about her that is comforting to the horse, and she can then earn the horse's trust to overcome and eliminate the problem or fear. Mickey's moto in life is to “Live out your passion and follow your dreams - no matter how long it may take!”

Joshua Gustawes
Josh started riding horses at a very young age. He rode in gymkhanas, and worked cattle at roping arenas. He also loves trail riding, fishing, hunting and riding his off-road vehicles.

Josh owns Outlaw Packaging, a packaging equipment and service company in California.
He is also on the Board of Directors for The Therapy Horse Connection.

Emma Gustawes
From a young age, Emma has had a deep love for horses and a passion for the comfort and healing they can bring. After attending Yavapai College for Equine Management, Emma continued pursuing that passion. Although she did not own a horse until the age of 28, that lifelong dedication only deepened her appreciation for the bond between horses and people. Today, Emma is honored to be part of a nonprofit dedicated to using horses to support healing, growth, and connection

Kate Adams

Kate grew up on a farm in North Dakota, where her family raised Angus cattle and grew a variety of crops. She also grew up with a variety of pets; dogs, cats and her horse Duke.

She received her nursing degree from NDSCS (North Dakota State College of Science).

Kate has lived in Arizona for over 35 years with her husband and three sons. She worked in a multi-specialty clinic as a float nurse for 8 ½ years, Pediatrics for 11 ½ years and 4 years with Coconino County Health Department. She is currently enjoying her work at Horses with Heart - combining her love of horses and helping adults and children with various disabilities. She also participates in the training of therapeutic horses and is a CHA (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor).

Kate loves the outdoors, gardening, being with her grandkids, and hanging out with her dog, Thomas and her horses Penny and Jazz.