Healing Through Connection
Manna Horse was founded in 2025 by Amanda Cruse, who experienced firsthand the profound healing that can occur through connection with horses. After witnessing the transformation in her own life, she knew this gift needed to be shared with others.
Manna Horse aspires to be a place where people can find safety and refuge while connecting with others. For many of us, “felt safety” is a mystery, especially when other people are present. This is where connecting with an equine partner can be so transformational.
Horses offer a quiet, non-judgmental presence that helps participants listen deeply to themselves. With attentive, well-trained facilitators supporting the experience, each moment unfolds naturally, creating real-time opportunities for meaningful learning and growth.
Healing Through Connection
Manna Horse was founded in 2025 by Amanda Cruse, who experienced firsthand the profound healing that can occur through connection with horses. After witnessing the transformation in her own life, she knew this gift needed to be shared with others.
Manna Horse aspires to be a place where people can find safety and refuge while connecting with others. For many of us, “felt safety” is a mystery, especially when other people are present. This is where connecting with an equine partner can be so transformational.
Horses offer a quiet, non-judgmental presence that helps participants listen deeply to themselves. With attentive, well-trained facilitators supporting the experience, each moment unfolds naturally, creating real-time opportunities for meaningful learning and growth.
Healing Through Connection
Manna Horse was founded in 2025 by Amanda Cruse, who experienced firsthand the profound healing that can occur through connection with horses. After witnessing the transformation in her own life, she knew this gift needed to be shared with others.
Manna Horse aspires to be a place where people can find safety and refuge while connecting with others. For many of us, “felt safety” is a mystery, especially when other people are present. This is where connecting with an equine partner can be so transformational.
Horses offer a quiet, non-judgmental presence that helps participants listen deeply to themselves. With attentive, well-trained facilitators supporting the experience, each moment unfolds naturally, creating real-time opportunities for meaningful learning and growth.
Our Mission
Manna Horse provides relational opportunities for individuals, families and groups to connect with quality equine assisted services for mental health and learning.
Meet Our Board
Dedicated professionals committed to your healing journey
Amanda Cruse
Founder
Amanda founded Manna Horse to unite her lifelong love of horses with her calling to support healing and growth. A licensed professional counselor with extensive training in equine-assisted work, she combines decades of horsemanship with a deep belief in the healing power of relationships.
Sarah Harris
Vice-President
Sarah brings her expertise as a licensed professional counselor and strong foundation in trauma-informed care to the team. She has completed extensive equine assisted training and has spent several years working alongside the founder, developing a shared vision for how horses can support emotional regulation, healing and personal growth.
Caitlyn Anders
Secretary
Caitlyn brings her expertise as a licensed master social worker, providing trauma-informed care to families, adolescents, and adults. Through ongoing training and close collaboration with the director, she embraces the powerful healing and connection that horses help individuals and families experience. Her background in nonprofit management supports the development and growth of programs that allow more people to access meaningful change and healing.
Jackie Patterson
Treasurer
Jackie brings strong business management experience, a commitment to fiscal responsibility, and a lifelong passion for horses to the Manna Horse Board. As both a business owner and equestrian, she believes deeply in the power of horses and uses her expertise to support our mission of creating a safe, nurturing space where individuals and families can experience meaningful change.
Meet Our Board
Dedicated professionals committed to your healing journey
Amanda Cruse
Founder
Amanda founded Manna Horse to unite her lifelong love of horses with her calling to support healing and growth. A licensed professional counselor with extensive training in equine-assisted work, she combines decades of horsemanship with a deep belief in the healing power of relationships.
Sarah Harris
Vice-President
Sarah brings her expertise as a licensed professional counselor and strong foundation in trauma-informed care to the team. She has completed extensive equine assisted training and has spent several years working alongside the founder, developing a shared vision for how horses can support emotional regulation, healing and personal growth.
Caitlyn Anders
Secretary
Caitlyn brings her expertise as a licensed master social worker, providing trauma-informed care to families, adolescents, and adults. Through ongoing training and close collaboration with the director, she embraces the powerful healing and connection that horses help individuals and families experience. Her background in nonprofit management supports the development and growth of programs that allow more people to access meaningful change and healing.
Jackie Patterson
Treasurer
Jackie brings strong business management experience, a commitment to fiscal responsibility, and a lifelong passion for horses to the Manna Horse Board. As both a business owner and equestrian, she believes deeply in the power of horses and uses her expertise to support our mission of creating a safe, nurturing space where individuals and families can experience meaningful change.
Meet Our Board
Dedicated professionals committed to your healing journey
Amanda Cruse
Founder
Amanda founded Manna Horse to unite her lifelong love of horses with her calling to support healing and growth. A licensed professional counselor with extensive training in equine-assisted work, she combines decades of horsemanship with a deep belief in the healing power of relationships.
Sarah Harris
Vice-President
Sarah brings her expertise as a licensed professional counselor and strong foundation in trauma-informed care to the team. She has completed extensive equine assisted training and has spent several years working alongside the founder, developing a shared vision for how horses can support emotional regulation, healing and personal growth.
Caitlyn Anders
Secretary
Caitlyn brings her expertise as a licensed master social worker, providing trauma-informed care to families, adolescents, and adults. Through ongoing training and close collaboration with the director, she embraces the powerful healing and connection that horses help individuals and families experience. Her background in nonprofit management supports the development and growth of programs that allow more people to access meaningful change and healing.
Jackie Patterson
Treasurer
Jackie brings strong business management experience, a commitment to fiscal responsibility, and a lifelong passion for horses to the Manna Horse Board. As both a business owner and equestrian, she believes deeply in the power of horses and uses her expertise to support our mission of creating a safe, nurturing space where individuals and families can experience meaningful change.
Meet the Horses
Every horse has a story. Meet the gentle partners who help our clients find trust, peace, and connection.
Dunny
Lead Horse
Retired speed demon, struggles with emotional vulnerability, but learning to express his needs.
Specialties
Professional development, teamwork, perseverance and resilience.
Lefty
Lead Mare
Lead mare, beautiful blond and knows it, connects deeply, but fearful of giving trust too early.
Specialties
Deep reflective work, connecting with self and mutual respect.
Uno
Peacekeeper
Always a favorite for his openness in asking for connection and making requests.
Specialties
Support, comfort, finding peace and acceptance.
Willy
Instigator
Most present equine partner, popular for his playful attitude and forwardness, can be intimidating.
Specialties
Bringing "it" out in you, whatever it is. Boundary and attachment work.
Meet the Horses
Every horse has a story. Meet the gentle partners who help our clients find trust, peace, and connection.
Dunny
Lead Horse
Retired speed demon, struggles with emotional vulnerability, but learning to express his needs.
Specialties
Professional development, teamwork, perseverance and resilience.
Lefty
Lead Mare
Lead mare, beautiful blond and knows it, connects deeply, but fearful of giving trust too early.
Specialties
Deep reflective work, connecting with self and mutual respect.
Uno
Peacekeeper
Always a favorite for his openness in asking for connection and making requests.
Specialties
Support, comfort, finding peace and acceptance.
Willy
Instigator
Most present equine partner, popular for his playful attitude and forwardness, can be intimidating.
Specialties
Bringing "it" out in you, whatever it is. Boundary and attachment work.
Meet the Horses
Every horse has a story. Meet the gentle partners who help our clients find trust, peace, and connection.
Dunny
Lead Horse
Retired speed demon, struggles with emotional vulnerability, but learning to express his needs.
Specialties
Professional development, teamwork, perseverance and resilience.
Lefty
Lead Mare
Lead mare, beautiful blond and knows it, connects deeply, but fearful of giving trust too early.
Specialties
Deep reflective work, connecting with self and mutual respect.
Uno
Peacekeeper
Always a favorite for his openness in asking for connection and making requests.
Specialties
Support, comfort, finding peace and acceptance.
Willy
Instigator
Most present equine partner, popular for his playful attitude and forwardness, can be intimidating.
Specialties
Bringing "it" out in you, whatever it is. Boundary and attachment work.
Meet the Cats
Every cat has a story. Meet the gentle partners who help our clients find trust, peace, and connection.
DeeDee
Barn Manager
You may not see this elusive grey tabby. She has always been most comfortable on her own, even when her sister Lolo was here. If she does show herself, she loves to be rubbed from head to tail.
Gravy
Official Greeter
This orange tabby loves his job. He waits patiently for guests to arrive and inserts himself in all sessions. He is like a supervisor who jumps in when the horses are not doing a good enough job for his satisfaction.
Biscuit
The Wanderer
This litter mate of Gravy’s is here every morning for breakfast, then often disappears when there is work to do. When present, he may be helpful or create chaos.
Meet the Cats
Every cat has a story. Meet the gentle partners who help our clients find trust, peace, and connection.
DeeDee
Barn Manager
You may not see this elusive grey tabby. She has always been most comfortable on her own, even when her sister Lolo was here. If she does show herself, she loves to be rubbed from head to tail.
Gravy
Official Greeter
This orange tabby loves his job. He waits patiently for guests to arrive and inserts himself in all sessions. He is like a supervisor who jumps in when the horses are not doing a good enough job for his satisfaction.
Biscuit
The Wanderer
This litter mate of Gravy’s is here every morning for breakfast, then often disappears when there is work to do. When present, he may be helpful or create chaos.
Meet the Cats
Every cat has a story. Meet the gentle partners who help our clients find trust, peace, and connection.
DeeDee
Barn Manager
You may not see this elusive grey tabby. She has always been most comfortable on her own, even when her sister Lolo was here. If she does show herself, she loves to be rubbed from head to tail.
Gravy
Official Greeter
This orange tabby loves his job. He waits patiently for guests to arrive and inserts himself in all sessions. He is like a supervisor who jumps in when the horses are not doing a good enough job for his satisfaction.
Biscuit
The Wanderer
This litter mate of Gravy’s is here every morning for breakfast, then often disappears when there is work to do. When present, he may be helpful or create chaos.
Join Our Herd
Be part of the Manna Horse community — receive updates, impact stories, and opportunities to make a difference.
Heartfelt Connection That Heals
Quick Links
Get Involved
Contact
Join Our Herd
Be part of the Manna Horse community — receive updates, impact stories, and opportunities to make a difference.
Heartfelt Connection That Heals
Quick Links
Get Involved
Contact
Join Our Herd
Be part of the Manna Horse community — receive updates, impact stories, and opportunities to make a difference.
Heartfelt Connection That Heals