About Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary
Our Mission
Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary (AHHS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) equine rescue and creative wellness sanctuary committed to providing lifelong care for our rescued horses while expanding equitable access to trauma-informed, artist-led experiences.
We prioritize accessibility for people of all abilities, identities, and lived experiences — especially those navigating disability, economic barriers, mental health challenges, or social marginalization — fostering belonging, resilience, and well-being through art, nature, and boots-on-the-ground equine connection.
We are a Horse-First Sanctuary
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​The well-being, safety, and agency of our rescued horses guide all that we do.
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All programming is:
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Non-riding and grounded in observation and gentle interaction
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Trauma-informed, honoring emotional and physical safety
Accessible and inclusive, welcoming people of all ages and abilities​
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Horses, as prey animals, are highly attuned to energy, intention, and presence. By slowing down and learning to listen to the herd, participants are invited to build trust, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with themselves in authentic ways.
Why Horses & Art
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Horses and art speak a shared language — one rooted in awareness, curiosity, and honesty.
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Horses offer immediate, non-judgmental feedback, helping people understand boundaries, communication, and emotional presence.
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Art provides a way to process experiences, express what words cannot, and witness one’s own creativity and resilience.
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Together, horses and art create powerful opportunities for reflection, learning, and connection — without pressure, performance, or expectation.
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Our Founder
Anne Krocak-Bridged the Gap of Art and Equine Rescue
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Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary was founded by Anne Krocak, a visual artist, educator, and community art leader with over 25 years of experience creating inclusive, trauma-informed creative spaces.
Anne holds a BFA from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s degree in Art Education, and a Special Education degree. She has led public and community-based art projects across Minnesota and nationally, including collaborations with schools, libraries, museums, healthcare systems, and community organizations.
Living with disability herself, Anne brings a deeply personal understanding of accessibility, resilience, and belonging to the sanctuary. Art, Heart & Hoofbeats was created from a desire to offer both rescued horses and people a place where they are seen, valued, and supported.
Our Values
At the heart of our work are these guiding values:
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Horses First — honoring the needs, safety, and dignity of every horse
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Belonging — creating spaces where everyone is welcome
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Accessibility — removing barriers to participation
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Connection — fostering authentic relationships
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Care — for animals, people, land, and community
Why We Started and Meet the Orginal Horse
Anne’s vision began with Fable, a discarded rescue horse who slowly transformed from fearful to affectionate through patience and trust. Her journey mirrored so many human experiences of overcoming trauma—proving that if a rescued horse can heal and trust again, so can we.
Our Community
Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary is built through collaboration.
We partner with libraries, mental health providers, schools, nonprofits, and community groups to bring creative, equine-assisted experiences to diverse audiences. Through these partnerships, we work to expand access to wellness, creativity, and meaningful connection.
