About

Vision:

A world where the unique capacity and willingness of the horse to transform human lives is universally understood and valued.

Mission: 

Through sustained investment in rigorous ethical research and educational initiatives, HHRF serves as a catalyst to advance global knowledge of horse-human interactions and their impact on the health and well-being of people, horses, and other equines*.

*such as Donkeys and Mules

Values:

●      CARE: Committed to the cognitive, physical, social,  and emotional well-being of the horse through compassionate action on their behalf.

●      ACCOUNTABILITY: Ensuring effective and efficient use of resources upholding the highest level of transparency in all dealings; committed to consistent, open communications with our stakeholders.

●      RESPECT: Guided by the highest ethical and professional standards as they relate to humans and equine research by Embracing diversity, integrity, and mutual respect as paramount in all activities, business management, and direct interactions with people and horses.

●      PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE: Dedicated to facilitating and supporting the highest caliber of competitively selected scientific research; striving for innovative and creative solutions; fulfilling our mission through rigorous and unbiased pursuit and transmission of new knowledge and understanding through research, cooperation, and collaboration. 

●      CULTURAL COMPETENCY: Sensitive to and consideration for diverse cultural norms and beliefs.

Our GOALS are to:

  • Expand the impact of research

  • Increase investment in visionary research

  • Facilitate collaborative partnerships to further our mission

  • Educate to fulfill our vision

  • Ensure HHRF’s continued sustainability

HHRF Brand Guidelines

History

In 2002 a group of people, led by Molly Sweeney’s vision, gathered in Arizona intent on developing a plan to promote research in the field of equine-assisted activities and therapies. The prevailing philosophy in the organization’s founding stages was that when the resources, contacts and support are provided for quality research, quality research would result. A plan was drafted for a public foundation dedicated to developing, funding and promoting this research.

By the beginning of 2005, the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) attained 501(c)3 nonprofit status, contracted a project manager and established a central office in Cleveland, Ohio. HHRF was also blessed with a significant gift, offered anonymously as a challenge fund, matching dollar for dollar any donor’s contribution.

Throughout 2005 , the board was expanded, financial and operational policies and procedures were established, a website, newsletters and brochures were created, an annual fundraising campaign was established, a grant management process was adapted and a call for proposals was announced. HHRF awarded its first grant in late 2006 to a unique and promising project led by a team from the University of St. Louis.