Volunteer Spotlight: Regina & Don Carpenter

At Kindle Hill Foundation, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Through this Volunteer Spotlight series, we are honored to celebrate the individuals whose compassion, dedication, and generosity help make our mission possible each and every day. This month, we are proud to shine the spotlight on Regina and Don Carpenter, whose warmth and commitment have become a treasured part of our barn community.

Regina and Don first discovered Kindle Hill Foundation while simply driving past the property. Curious to learn more, they did a quick search and immediately felt connected to the mission. “We read about their mission, and it really resonated with our thoughts about supporting individuals on their mental health journey through a therapeutic process that includes equine therapy,” they shared.

After retiring, the couple was looking for a meaningful way to stay active and give back to their community. “We were looking for a way to serve our community and stay active as we got older,” they explained. Their lifelong love of horses made Kindle Hill a natural fit. Experienced riders themselves, Regina and Don now spend much of their volunteer time working in the barn, caring for Kindle Hill’s equines and helping ensure the animals are healthy, safe, and thriving.

Their passion for service extends far beyond volunteering. Regina and Don are proud parents of two adult children and loving grandparents who cherish time spent attending their grandson’s competitions and musical events. They also enjoy traveling to London to visit their son and daughter-in-law, along with quieter moments spent gardening, reading, and caring for their own horse and dog.

At the core of everything they do is a shared belief that “our lives should be one of service, not just in retirement, but a lifelong passion.” That spirit of gratitude and compassion is felt by everyone around them.

One of the aspects of Kindle Hill’s mission that resonates most deeply with Regina and Don is the healing connection between humans and horses. “We’ve always felt a sense of calm and peace when we’re with our horses, and we’ve always called it our happy place,” they said. Through their time at the foundation, they have witnessed countless meaningful moments of healing between clients, therapists, and equines.

When asked about the most rewarding part of their experience, their answer reflected the same humility and teamwork they bring to every volunteer shift: “Working with our barn crew community to ensure these amazing animals are healthy, safe, and thriving.”

Regina and Don’s kindness, positivity, and unwavering dedication embody the very spirit of Kindle Hill Foundation. We are deeply grateful for the joy they bring to our community and the impact they continue to make in the lives of both people and horses alike.

WMFZ visits Kindle Hill

Where Horses Heal: Kindle Hill Foundation Is Changing Lives

When 17-year-old DaShawn recently visited Kindle Hill Foundation in Blue Bell, PA, something clicked. Walking a therapy horse named Blu across 128 acres of quiet Montgomery County countryside, this city teen, one of 3,000 Pennsylvania children waiting to be adopted said it best: "Living in the city is chaotic sometimes. Coming out here, it's quiet. I want to work here."

That moment was captured on camera by WFMZ 69 News reporter Bo Koltnow, and it's a true snapshot of what Kindle Hill Foundation is all about. Through equine-assisted therapy and learning programs, Kindle Hill helps children, teens, families, first responders, and veterans across the Greater Philadelphia region find healing that traditional therapy sometimes can't reach on its own.

Horses are honest. They don't care what you wear, or how much money or education you have. They respond to how you are in that moment, which makes them surprisingly powerful therapeutic partners, especially for kids who may have learned not to trust people easily. For a teenager who has spent time in foster care, building a real connection with a 1,200-pound animal who asks nothing of you except that you show up and be real, can be a true turning point.

DaShawn's equine therapist, Lisa Gladish, is PATH-certified and guided him gently through the experience. She coached him to relax his shoulders, read Blu's body language, and walk together in a kind of quiet partnership. By the end he was feeding Blu a giant carrot and grinning. DaShawn’s caseworker Mary Ouattara put it simply: "Invest in him, he'll show up for you. A sweetheart, very sweet, very loyal, very funny."

Kindle Hill Foundation serves a wide range of people across the region, including children, adolescents, teens, young adults, adults, veterans, first responders, and teachers. Families can participate together. Young adults who feel stuck often find that one session with a horse may give them more clarity than months of traditional therapy. First responders and veterans have their own dedicated program, and Kindle Hill is actually the only facility in the country offering equine-assisted training specifically designed for law enforcement. Kindle Hill Foundation partners with police departments, the FBI, Montgomery County Emergency Services, and agencies across Philadelphia and the surrounding counties in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

There are about 3,000 young people in Pennsylvania right now in DaShawn's situation, waiting and hoping someone will choose them. Kindle Hill Foundation can't give them a family, but offers something that matters, in the meantime: the feeling of being capable, connected, and calm. Sometimes that's exactly what a kid needs to believe a good future with a family is possible.

To learn more about their programs, visit kindlehill.org.

The Guardians Jiu-Jitsu Club

Guardians Jiu-Jitsu Club is welcomed at Kindle Hill Foundation! 

The Guardians Jiu-Jitsu Club was founded in 2025 in a garage at the East Norriton Township Police Department. Since then, the club has partnered with Kindle Hill Foundation in Blue Bell, and trains there every Wednesday and Friday from 6:00-7:00 a.m., and Sunday at 7:00 p.m.  Membership is only $50 per year, and any sworn law enforcement officer is welcome to join.  All membership fees are reinvested by Saly Glassman, Kindle Hill Foundation President and Director, to help support the KHF Equine Assisted Training and Therapy programs for law enforcement professionals. 

The club currently has over 60 paid members representing local, county, state and federal agencies across Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties.  

The primary mission of this club is to strengthen law enforcement physical training and defensive tactics through Brazilian JiuJitsu (BJJ). Beyond the physical benefits, the club has helped to create strong camaraderie, and is fostering friendships and improved co-worker rapport. In policing, relationships and trust matter, and the ability to remain calm under pressure is essential. Members consistently report that the Guardians Jiu-Jitsu Club has had a positive impact on both their professional and personal lives. 

BJJ is a grappling-based martial art and combat sport centered on ground control, positioning, and submissions. It emphasizes technique and leverage, enabling smaller individuals to effectively neutralize larger opponents. If you are interested in joining the club and training with fellow members of the law enforcement community, please contact Montgomery County Detective James Lavin at 610-256-3591 for more information. 

Kindle Hill Foundation is proud to offer its first responder custom-designed facility to agencies all over Southeast PA and NJ. For more information about agency group scheduling for mandatory DTAC training, and/or equine assisted training and therapy programs for first responders, please contact Saly Glassman at 215-990-7718 or email us at saly@kindlehill.org.

Buckingham Township Police Department

The Following Article was Shared by facebook.com/buckinghampolice

ANNUAL CONTROL TACTICS AND MENTAL WELLNESS EQUINE TRAINING AT KINDLE HILL FOUNDATION

In addition to the voluntary control tactics program that we hold monthly at BTPD, our officers are also required to complete annual control tactics training mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This training focuses on the arrest and control techniques utilized in the performance of our duties. This year, we took a new approach and, for the first time, partnered with Kindle Hill Foundation to conduct our training outside of the department. Kindle Hill Foundation has built a defensive tactics training facility on their property, which provided us with a unique opportunity to integrate mental wellness, equine-assisted training, and team-building exercises into our control tactics curriculum. To learn more about the Kindle Hill Foundation and the training they offer, click here. The equine training component allowed our officers to strengthen their de-escalation, negotiation, communication, and teamwork skills—key elements that directly support safer and more effective policing. This training was well received by the officers and as a bonus, they are now fully prepared to handle the situation when the occasional "horse on the loose" call comes in from some of our local property owners.

Created Nov 13, 2025 @ 3:00 PM

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://bucks.crimewatchpa.com/buckinghamtwppd/17016/post/annual-control-tactics-and-mental-wellness-equine-training-kindle-hill-foundation

Proud Recipient of a Grant from USEF Opportunity Fund

US Equestrian Awards Opportunity Fund Grants to 13 USEF Community Outreach Organizations for Vital Initiatives

by Mikhail Proctor | Jun 30, 2025, 2:06 PM

US Equestrian is pleased to announce that it has awarded $90,500 in USEF Opportunity Fund grants to 13 USEF Community Outreach Organizations (COO) in the fund’s fourth year through a comprehensive review process. 

The 2025 USEF Opportunity Fund grants will support an expansive list of projects that will further the missions of these high-impact organizations. Examples of the initiatives that were selected for funding include increasing resources to expand participation, purchasing safety equipment, and investing in important infrastructure improvements. This support is vital to these organizations and their life-changing work with people and horses. Grantees are listed below in alphabetical order:

• Cranberry Sunset Farm (Marstons Mills, Mass.)

• Ebony Horsewomen (Hartford, Conn.)

• Forward Stride (Beaverton, Ore.)

• GallopNYC (New York, N.Y.)

• Havenwood Equestrian Center (Radford, Va.)

• Horse SenseAbility (Sherborn, Mass.)

• Horses N Heroes (Ocala, Fla.)

• Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Mustang Troop (Lexington, Ky.)

• Kindle Hill Foundation Charity (Blue Bell, Pa.)

• Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center (Redmond, WA.)

• Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue (Dover Plains, N.Y.)

• Manes For Movement (Torrance, Calif.)

• Speaking of Horses (Barboursville, Va.)

These grants were made possible by the generous contributions of members, partners, competition organizers, and the USEF Board of Directors.

“I encourage everyone to consider joining our efforts by contributing to this program and the great work these organizations are doing to bring horses and people together to grow and become stronger. You can help increase access to the power of horses by making a donation and showing your support today,” stated Tom O’Mara, US Equestrian Board President.

How You Can Make a Difference 

• Donate – Donate today to help fund grants for the USEF Community Outreach Organizations.  

• Shop USEF – Show your support with the purchase of a USEF Community Outreach Program pin. 100% of the proceeds from pin sales will be contributed to the USEF Opportunity Fund.

• Volunteer – Find a USEF Community Outreach Organization near you and get involved.

The USEF Opportunity Fund

The USEF Opportunity Fund aims to extend the reach and impact of these outstanding organizations to improve access to the power of horses and to bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. One hundred percent of funds raised for the Opportunity Fund are dedicated to supporting the USEF Community Outreach Program and its forty recognized USEF Community Outreach Organizations.

How We Care for Our Equine Partners

The Heart of Healing: How we care for our equine partners at Kindle Hill Foundation.

At Kindle Hill Foundation in Blue Bell, PA, our horses are more than just therapy animals—they're our partners, teachers, and the beating heart of our Equine-Assisted Learning and Therapy programs. Whether working with children navigating developmental challenges, adults managing anxiety and depression, families healing together, or first responders and caregivers dealing with PTSD and chronic stress, our equine partners show up every day ready to offer their unique gifts of presence, patience, and profound connection.

But behind every successful therapy session lies a fundamental truth: happy, healthy horses make the best teachers.

A Foundation Built on Equine Wellness

Our commitment to exceptional horse care isn't just about animal welfare—though that remains our primary concern—it's about creating the optimal conditions for healing and learning to occur. When our horses feel secure, comfortable, and emotionally balanced, they become calm, confident partners capable of the sensitive, responsive work that makes equine-assisted therapy so transformative.

Comprehensive Care for Comprehensive Healing

Nutrition That Nourishes Body and Spirit

Each horse receives a carefully tailored nutrition plan developed with equine nutritionists and veterinarians. We understand that proper nutrition affects not only physical health but also temperament, energy levels, and emotional stability—all crucial factors in therapy work. Every meal, from high-quality hay and grain to specialized supplements when needed, is an investment in their well-being and ability to serve our participants.

Safe Spaces for Security and Growth

Our facilities are designed with both safety and comfort in mind. Clean, well-ventilated stalls provide quiet retreat spaces, while our pastures offer room to roam, graze, and be horses. We maintain our fencing, shelters, and barn areas to the highest standards because environmental stress can undermine even the best-intentioned therapy work.

Preventive Healthcare as a Priority

Regular veterinary care, dental work, farrier services, and preventive treatments ensure our horses remain physically sound and comfortable. We work closely with our veterinary team to monitor each horse's health status and address any concerns before they become problems.

The Power of the Herd

Horses are naturally social beings, and we honor this by ensuring our equine partners have opportunities for positive interaction with other horses. Whether turned out together in compatible groups or simply able to see and communicate with herd mates, maintaining these social connections supports their emotional health and natural behaviors.

Emotional Wellness Matters

Perhaps most importantly, we pay close attention to our horses' emotional and psychological well-being. Our staff is trained to recognize signs of stress, fatigue, or emotional imbalance in our equine partners. We provide mental stimulation, variety in their routines, and—when needed—time off from therapy work to decompress and recharge.

The Ripple Effect of Exceptional Care

The benefits extend far beyond the barn when we invest in our horses' complete well-being. Our participants work with genuinely content, emotionally available, and physically comfortable animals. Our horses create an authentic connection, and meaningful therapeutic breakthroughs can occur.

For the child struggling with anxiety, a calm, confident horse provides a sense of safety that allows for emotional exploration. For the first responder carrying the weight of traumatic experiences, an emotionally balanced horse can offer the non-judgmental presence needed for healing. For families learning to communicate better, socially well-adjusted horses model healthy relationship dynamics.

A Partnership Built on Respect

At Kindle Hill Foundation, the therapeutic relationship between humans and horses must be built on mutual respect and care between an individual and a horse. By ensuring our equine partners thrive in every aspect of their lives, we honor their contribution to the healing process and create conditions where horses and humans can flourish together.

Our horses give so much of themselves in service to healing and growth. The least we can do is provide them with everything they need to live their best lives—because when our horses are truly well, their capacity to help others heal becomes limitless.

Contact Kindle Hill Foundation to learn more about our programs or to schedule a visit. Together with our remarkable equine partners, we support your journey toward healing, growth, and renewed hope.

The Peg Collins Equine Assisted Therapy Scholarship Fund

In honor of our beloved Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Co-worker and Friend, Peg Collins, Kimmel Bogrette Architecture + Site and Peg’s husband, Buck, are establishing and leading the funding effort of The Peg Collins Equine Assisted Therapy Scholarship Fund.

Peg was universally loved and admired for her graceful and joyful journey through life. Each of those she touched, whether through her passion with horses and her beloved Doc, her spirited Irish Water Spaniel Finn, her career as a health insurance broker consultant, or with her loving husband, extensive family and close friends - each witnessed Peg gracefully and determinedly fight a grueling 16-month battle against Pancreatic Cancer.

In support of Peg’s fight against cancer and of her great passion for Equine Assisted Therapy, donations to The Peg Collins Equine Assisted Therapy Scholarship Fund will benefit two organizations that she admired greatly:

The Kindle Hill Foundation – where Peg was an active facilitator, organizer and Board Member; leading providers of Equine Assisted Therapy, to those in need, including First Responders and those experiencing other mental and physical health challenges

For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation – providers of transformative Cancer Respite Experiences for cancer patients, their caregivers and children, including the soon to open, First in the Nation, Cancer Respite Center, designed by Kimmel Bogrette Architecture.

Donations will help provide The Kindle Hill Foundation’s Equine Assisted Therapy services to the Cancer Patients & Families of the For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation.