Connected Horse

Workshop: Minden, May Session 1
2026-05-02 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Kids n Horses, Minden, NV, 89423, United States
Feel more alive, present, and interconnected. Our in-person workshops for people experiencing memory changes or early-stage dementia and their care partners offer a range of activities at barns and equine facilities that are based on research conducted at UC Davis and Stanford Universities and have been shown to benefit participants through hundreds of workshops in diverse communities.

No prior experience with horses is necessary to participate. Participants will be engaging with horses from the ground, no riding. All participants must be ambulatory and willing to participate together.

There is no fee to participate; however, donations are gratefully accepted.

Three sessions meet on three Saturday mornings from 9:00-11:30am on May 2, 9, 16, 2026

To register or for more information, please email Catherine O’Brien, Program Director at catskidsandhorses@gmail.comor call (775) 267-1775.

Workshop: Calistoga
2026-04-29 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-04-22 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-04-15 09:30 - 12:00 | Sunrise Horse Rescue, 1400 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, California, 94515, United States
Feel more alive, present, and interconnected. Our in-person workshops for people experiencing memory changes or early-stage dementia and their care partners offer a range of activities at barns and equine facilities that are based on research conducted at UC Davis and Stanford Universities and have been shown to benefit participants through hundreds of workshops in diverse communities.

No prior experience with horses is necessary to participate. Participants will be engaging with horses from the ground, no riding. All participants must be ambulatory and willing to participate together.

There is no fee to participate; however, donations are gratefully accepted.

Three sessions meet on Wednesday mornings from 9:30am-12:00pm.
Dates: April 15, 22, and 29, 2026.
To register or for more information, please email Melissa Gerard at melissa.gerard@providence.org or call (707) 815-6258.

Memory Cafe: Minden
2026-04-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Kids n Horses, Minden, NV, 89423, United States
While for many, a dementia diagnosis or signs of memory loss may generate a period of fear, frustration, stress, hardships, and many unknowns, our goal is to also add hope, strength, resilience, a sense of community, respect, and happiness to the list. Though we can not predict what the future may hold, we can, at least, be reminded that it is possible to live a well-balanced and happy life, even after a dementia diagnosis.
Every Memory Café will offer a chance to interact with our equine pals! This is what makes Kids & Horses so unique. The human/horse connection is a powerful way to help reduce stress, regulate emotions, build social connections, provide simple physical exercise, and provide cognitive stimulation. Join us to:

Engage with community guests and resources
Socialize with others
Enjoy games and activities
Connect with horses
Have fun

This is a free program, but space is limited to 20 guests.
To register or for more information, please email Catherine O’Brien, Program Director at catskidsandhorses@gmail.comor call (775) 267-1775.

Sensory Engagement Class - Carefield Living
2026-04-14 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-03-15 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-15 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-17 10:30 - 12:00 | Carefield Living, Pleasanton, Pleasanton, CA
Our Sensory Engagement Class is designed to introduce community groups, senior living communities, and other organizations focused on those affected by dementia to the therapeutic benefits of sensory engagement! A trained Connected Horse facilitator will guide your group through interactive activities to stimulate the senses.

Community Residents Only

If your community group or senior living community is interested in scheduling a Sensory Engagement Class, please contact us at info@connectedhorse.org

Facilitator Training
2026-03-29 - 2026-03-30 | Five Star Equestrian, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Enroll in the Introduction to Connected Horse Facilitation. The training curriculum is like no other. Designed by Connected Horse Cofounders, Paula Hertel and Nancy Schier Anzelmo, both leading voices in gerontology and elder care, the training is based on research with UC Davis and Stanford University, and refined through hundreds of workshops.
Requirements:

Successful completion of a pre-screening questionnaire.
You must attend both days.
You should be committed to exploring the Connected Horse Program.
An attestation of compliance and a liability waiver must be signed at the time of registration.
6 hours of Connected Horse online training modules
Attend two-day, in-person workshop March 29-30 in Pleasanton, CA
Commitment to 20 hours of practice work, webinars, case study review after the workshops and ongoing support and advising sessions.

Pricing:
$500, includes attendance at the workshop (both days), access to online training modules, and Connected Horse workbook.
$600, includes attendance at the workshop (both days), access to online training modules, and Connected Horse workbook plus 16 PATH CEUs (10 DEs and 6 CRs for ESMHL).
Register today!

Accommodations
Accommodations and travel expenses are not included.
We have a room block reserved at Hilton Garden Inn Livermore for March 28, 2026 through March 30, 2026. Booking your room is simple. Just follow the link below. Please make reservations by March 20, 2026, to ensure that the discounted group rate is available.
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/lvklhgi-horse-e6077edd-8066-4b4e-b3ee-dddf0d864f3f/
Hilton Garden Inn
2801 Constitution Drive
Livermore, CA 94550

We’re looking forward to seeing you in March!

Workshop: Pleasanton
2026-03-22 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-15 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-08 13:00 - 15:30 | Five Star Equestrian, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Feel more alive, present, and interconnected. Our in-person workshops for people experiencing memory changes or early-stage dementia and their care partners offer a range of activities at barns and equine facilities that are based on research conducted at UC Davis and Stanford Universities and have been shown to benefit participants through hundreds of workshops in diverse communities.

No prior experience with horses is necessary to participate. Participants will be engaging with horses from the ground, with no riding. All participants must be ambulatory and willing to participate together.

There is no fee to participate; however, donations are gratefully accepted.

Three sessions meet on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-3:30pm.
March 8, 15, 22
To register or for more information, please email Judy Vared at judy@connectedhorse.org or call (925) 708-0067.

Professional Day
2026-02-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Five Star Equestrian, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
More information coming soon.

Volunteer Training
2026-02-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Five Star Equestrian, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
This Volunteer Training is accessible by invitation only for current Connected Horse volunteers who will be doing horse handing and facilitating at upcoming workshops.

Volunteer Event: Build Sensory Engagement Kits
2025-12-22 10:00 - 12:30 | NV
Connected Horse would love help building our Sensory Engagement Kits.
These kits are designed to bring comfort to adults and care partners navigating memory loss.
Join us for a cheerful, mission-driven gathering. Kids welcome if monitored.
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549A9AA2CA6F9C16-60761730-sensory#/
Recent research shows that even as memory shifts, the sense of smell remains a powerful pathway to the brain. Studies have found that familiar scents can trigger positive autobiographical memories and emotional responses. At the same time, a diminished sense of smell has been identified as a marker of early cognitive decline, making smell not only meaningful for care, but meaningful for how we support someone’s dignity and experience.
Because sense of smell is so important, our Sensory Engagement Boxes include thoughtfully selected natural scents like leather, hay, alongside texture, touch, and activity items.
Volunteer Details
Event: Holiday Sensory Kit Building
Location: The Good Agent Team, Walnut Creek. 1212 Broadway Plaza, #2100 – In the Industrious building
Date: December 22
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Thank you!

Sensory Engagement Class - Quail Garden Assisted Living
2025-12-11 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-11-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Quail Garden Assisted Living, Livermore, Livermore, CA
Our Sensory Engagement Class is designed to introduce community groups, senior living communities, and other organizations focused on those affected by dementia to the therapeutic benefits of sensory engagement! A trained Connected Horse facilitator will guide your group through interactive activities to stimulate the senses.

Community Residents Only

If your community group or senior living community is interested in scheduling a Sensory Engagement Class, please contact Lisa Galliani at Lisa@ConnectedHorse.org.

Sensory Engagement Class - Creekview Assisted Living
2025-12-09 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Creekview Assisted Living, Pleasanton, CA, Pleasanton, CA
Our Sensory Engagement Class is designed to introduce community groups, senior living communities, and other organizations focused on those affected by dementia to the therapeutic benefits of sensory engagement! A trained Connected Horse facilitator will guide your group through interactive activities to stimulate the senses.

Community Residents Only

If your community group or senior living community is interested in scheduling a Sensory Engagement Class, please contact us at info@connectedhorse.org.

Sensory Engagement Class - Carefield Living
2025-12-09 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Carefield Living, Pleasanton, Pleasanton, CA

Volunteer & Supporter Appreciation
2025-11-07 17:00 - 19:00 | NV
We’re so grateful for all that you’ve done to make this year truly extraordinary! From our Lassos with Love fundraiser to our growing equine-guided workshops and community partnerships. Your support has helped us bring connection to so many care partners and individuals living with memory changes.
To celebrate you (and everything we’ve accomplished together), we invite you to a special evening of gratitude.
Volunteer & Supporter Appreciation Night
Friday, November 7 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Industrious, 1212 Broadway Plaza, #2100 (next to See’s Candies), Walnut Creek
Enjoy light bites, wine, and a short presentation about our programs, impact, and what’s ahead for Connected Horse. It’s a chance to relax, connect with fellow volunteers and supporters, and see the difference you’re helping create.
Sponsored by The Good Agent Team.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this incredible community.
Please RSVP by November 5 so we can plan accordingly.
With thanks,
The Connected Horse Team

Workshop: Minden
2025-11-01 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-25 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Kids n Horses, Minden, NV, 89423, United States
Feel more alive, present, and interconnected. Our in-person workshops for people experiencing memory changes or early-stage dementia and their care partners offer a range of activities at barns and equine facilities that are based on research conducted at UC Davis and Stanford Universities and have been shown to benefit participants through hundreds of workshops in diverse communities.

No prior experience with horses is necessary to participate. Participants will be engaging with horses from the ground, no riding. All participants must be ambulatory and willing to participate together.

There is no fee to participate; however, donations are gratefully accepted.

Three sessions meet on three Saturday mornings from 9:00-12:00pm on October 18, October 25, and November 1, 2025
To register or for more information, please email Catherine O’Brien, Program Director at catskidsandhorses@gmail.com or call (775) 267-1775.

Workshop: Pleasanton
2025-10-26 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-19 13:00 - 15:30 | Five Star Equestrian, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Feel more alive, present, and interconnected. Our in-person workshops for people experiencing memory changes or early-stage dementia and their care partners offer a range of activities at barns and equine facilities that are based on research conducted at UC Davis and Stanford Universities and have been shown to benefit participants through hundreds of workshops in diverse communities.

No prior experience with horses is necessary to participate. Participants will be engaging with horses from the ground, with no riding. All participants must be ambulatory and willing to participate together.

There is no fee to participate; however, donations are gratefully accepted.

Three sessions meet on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-3:30pm.
October 12, 19, 26, 2025
To register or for more information, please email Judy Vared at judy@connectedhorse.org or call (925) 708-0067.

Introduction to Connected Horse Facilitation: Martinsburg, WV
2025-10-25 - 2025-10-26 | Horses With Hearts, 1952 Files Cross Road, Martinsburg, WV, 25404, United States
Enroll in the Introduction to Connected Horse Facilitation. The training curriculum is like no other. Designed by Connected Horse Cofounders, Paula Hertel and Nancy Schier Anzelmo, both leading voices in gerontology and elder care, the training is based on research with UC Davis and Stanford University, and refined through hundreds of workshops.

Requirements:

6 hours of Connected Horse online training modules
Attend two-day, in-person workshop October 25-26, 2025 at Horses With Hearts in Martinsburg, West Virginia
Commitment to 20 hours of practice work, webinars, case study review after the workshops and ongoing support and advising sessions.

Pricing:

$500, includes attendance at the workshop (both days), access to online training modules, and Connected Horse workbook.
$600, includes attendance at the workshop (both days), access to online training modules, and Connected Horse workbook plus 16 PATH CEUs (10 DEs and 6 CRs for ESMHL).
Accommodations and travel expenses are not included. A block of hotel rooms will be available in the coming weeks.
Reserve your place today! Spaces are limited.
Limited scholarships may be available for partner barns.

Lodging:
Accommodations and travel expenses are not included. Group rates have been negotiated at local hotels:

Tru by Hilton – Martinsburg, WV
Book Online or call the hotel directly at 304-262-8240, then Press 0 for the front desk. When calling to make reservations, please have them reference the HWH group block. Please make reservations before midnight on October 10, 2025 to ensure that the discounted group rate is available. The cancellation policy for each room will be 48 hours prior to arrival.
Home2 Suites by Hilton – Martinsburg, WV
Book Online or call the hotel directly at 304-579-8888, then Press 0 for the front desk. When calling to make reservations, please have them reference the HWH group block. Please make reservations before midnight on October 10, 2025 to ensure that the discounted group rate is available. The cancellation policy for each room will be 48 hours prior to arrival.

Learn more:
For more information, and to learn more, please complete a contact form and select ‘training institute’ or contact Nancy Schier-Anzelmo at (916) 708-4904

Workshop: Calistoga
2025-10-22 09:30 - 12:00 | Sunrise Horse Rescue, 1400 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, California, 94515, United States
Feel more alive, present, and interconnected. Our in-person workshops for people experiencing memory changes or early-stage dementia and their care partners offer a range of activities at barns and equine facilities that are based on research conducted at UC Davis and Stanford Universities and have been shown to benefit participants through hundreds of workshops in diverse communities.

No prior experience with horses is necessary to participate. Participants will be engaging with horses from the ground, no riding. All participants must be ambulatory and willing to participate together.

There is no fee to participate; however, donations are gratefully accepted.

Three sessions meet on Wednesday mornings from 9:30am-12:00pm.
Dates: October 8, October 15, and October 22.
To register or for more information, please email Melissa Gerard at melissa.gerard@providence.org or call (707) 815-6258.
