Hooves of Heaven

About Us

Hooves of Heaven is a 501-(c)(3), not for profit, foundation created with the vision of bringing people and horses together. Our founder, Chuck Mattke, has one mission, to enlighten you about how spirit and mind are entwined between horse and man. Chuck has owned and trained horses since his youth and is EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified as a professional horse handler. EAGALA provides education, standards, innovation and support to professionals in the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy www.eagala.org. Please visit our Activities page to see a more detailed description of the things we are doing.

From riding lessons to trail rides to personalized Equine Experiential Learning sessions, Hooves of Heaven was created to make an impact in people's lives through interaction with horses. When horses were used to pull our wagons and plow our fields, we didn't realize the immense power these animals possess beyond their physical strength. As our society has developed and changed, so to has our relationship with horses. There is a positive aspect to human-horse interaction that, at some point, goes beyond definition. You have to experience it for yourself and let your own unique experience provide that definition. Hooves of Heaven is here to give you that opportunity.

Chuck has benefited from his own interaction with horses his whole life and would like to make that opportunity available to anyone who desires it. Chuck, all of our staff, and our volunteer group believe in this program with all their hearts. Click here to Meet Our Staff and our Volunteers.

There are many exciting things happening with Hooves of Heaven. As we grow and evolve, we are always finding more ways to make our vision a reality. As is true with any successful endeavor, there are always people to thank. Please visit our Sponsor's Page to see a list of those who have helped make our dream a reality. Thanks to their support, we are able to offer all the services we have.

We would also be remiss if we didn't thank the true stars of our program. OUR HORSES! We have a group of fantastic animals that truly make our program what it is. They are the lifeblood of our organization and you can meet them virtually on our website (Meet Our Horses). However, the best way to meet them is in person out at the ranch. Once you've had a chance to get acquainted with them, one of the ways you can help Hooves of Heaven is to sponsor a horse (How You Can Help). Finally, Contact Us with your questions and comments. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about Hooves of Heaven!

Hear what others have to say about Hooves of Heaven...

"Hooves of Heaven is an answer to prayers! Chuck Mattke and his crew from Hooves of Heaven deliver a much needed alternative to talk therapy for our children, families, and employees. The team building activities have brought our staff together in mind and spirit… the horses are amazingly effective at bringing out what’s lurking right below the surface! We are continually amazed at the power of this experience and recommend it highly."

Charlene Kuzma, LMSW
Coordinator of Community Based Services
United Methodist Youthville
Wichita, Kansas

"Congratulations on a truly remarkable program! As a Marriage and Family Therapist and having the wonderful opportunity to personally participate in this experiential therapy for team building, I discovered the power of Equine Assisted Therapy. This alternative approach to office based “talk therapy” is an unforgettable experience that is indeed life changing. Working with the horses during a team building exercise, truly allowed that which is unconscious to become conscious. I walked away from this experience personally and professionally with a deeper sense of clarity about teamwork and relationships. From this profound experience, I am very excited about the direction of community based services and I highly recommend Equine Assisted Therapy to others! "

Meredith Walters-Miller
United Methodist Youthville
Wichita, Kansas

Throughout my career as a psychotherapist I have been aware of the benefit of equine therapy/Hippotherapy for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. I would have never imagined the use of horses with mental health issues and or family system dynamics. I was introduced to Chuck Mattke and his horses through my employer in a team building activity. As I entered the arena with Chuck and three of his “colleagues” (horses) I realized that I was in for a life changing experience. The interaction created an experiential learning experience on both a physical and emotional level. This experience has challenged my practice of traditional psychotherapy and has made me a believer of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Michael Brewer
United Methodist Youthville
Wichita, Kansas