Meet Kim Swaney: Co-Founder and Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Swaney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
This business created itself! Myself and co founder were inspired by seeing true transformations when we worked with kids at the barn we were at when Happiness Through Horses was created. There came a time when we had to move from the barn we had the horses in 2013. Once we moved on we realized we could make an impact on the mental wellness of kids just by teaching the ways of the horse and old fashioned cowboy ethics.,

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would have never thought I would have the tenacity it takes to run a non profit, especially having the difficult aspects of taking care of kids emotions and full care of animal operations. My whole life my favorite thing has been horses. I did not have very many interactions with horses growing up. My father was in the military and we moved quite often and our family had a scarcity mindset so I was always told to keep dreaming. So as an adult I never believed I could have horses in my life until a mare named Lavender came along (that is a whole other segment, lol) What I didn’t realize is God had been getting me ready to work with youth my whole life. We raised 3 beautiful daughters with many challenges. Between running daycare’s, leading a girl scout troop for 5 years and having mental illness in our family, God was prepping me to be a mentor to many. So I made an agreement with him. If I could work alongside horses to help kids I would work diligently to make an impact in my communities. Fast forward 7 years, the journey has been very challenging but very rewarding! If I had to pick one thing that sets us apart it would be passion! It is very important that all invol;ved are passionate about kids, horses and preventing suicide.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We live in Colorado! One of the most beautiful places on earth. Everyday I get to feed the animals and look at the entire mountain front range. First we would spend a day at the ranch. At least 3 days would be spent in the mountains. Summer and winter both have so many different and amazing opportunities to see beauty. Sledding, hot springs, Georgetown train, Horseback riding in the mountains and Estes Park would all be on the agenda

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Running a non profit has many working parts and takes a lot of effort from many! The work we do is made possible by our amazing Board of Directors and Volunteers but if I had to give a ton of credit to one other person that would be my husband, Chris Swaney. If not for his sacrifices and understanding this business could not and would not exsist.

Website: www.happinesshorses.org
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happiness-through-horses/?viewAsMember=true
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happinesshorses.org