Our Misson
Is to enrich the lives of individuals of all ages, with a special emphasis on youth, through meaningful interactions with our horses and sanctuary animals.
We offer programs that promote mental health, personal growth, and educational development. By fostering connections between people and animals, we aim to create a supportive community that nurtures emotional resilience, learning, and well-being.
Happiness Through Horses is a non-profit 501C3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible and will be utilized to care for the children we serve and our horses.
Our Story
Upon discovering the profound impact our passion for the equine world could have on the lives of children, we embarked on a mission to make a difference. In the summer of 2013, we set out to raise funds with the intention of assisting one, or perhaps two, children. Our barn, a tight-knit community, our second family, rallied together, transforming aspirations into tangible initiatives. Under the guidance of our dedicated trainer, who orchestrated camps and riding lessons, I felt compelled to integrate underserved children into these enriching activities, providing opportunities they might not otherwise encounter.
After witnessing the remarkable transformations that unfold when a child connects with a horse, I was determined to level the playing field for at least one individual. Convincing our trainer of the merits of our endeavor, I assured him that some day his efforts would pay off. To our delight, our efforts transcended expectations, allowing us to extend assistance to not one, but seven deserving children.
One poignant memory remains etched in my mind: that of a young boy, just eight years old at the time. Initially attending a day camp courtesy of his grandmother’s generosity, our collective efforts subsequently facilitated his enrollment in a week-long program. The profound impact of just one day resonated deeply with his family, inspiring them to seek avenues for continued participation. Witnessing his transformation over the course of the week was similar to watching a flower bloom; his inherent beauty, unrecognized by his peers, emerged as he shed the burden of bullying and name-calling. A horse named Jewel became his beacon of hope, instilling in him newfound confidence and resilience.
Inspired by these experiences, we resolved to formalize our efforts under the banner of “Happiness Through Horses.” While we acknowledge the journey of growth and learning that lies ahead, our commitment remains unwavering. We are driven by the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive, and we are determined to make a lasting impact on their lives.
Meet the TEAM
Leadership
Kim Swaney
Co Founder/CFO/Program Director
“It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to stay there.”
Kim co-founded Happiness Through Horses (HTH) in 2014 to create a safe, empowering space for youth and families. As a Life Coach for Teens, she is passionate about helping young people build confidence, resilience, and self-worth—drawing from her own experiences of feeling unseen.
A lifelong animal lover, Kim believes horses are soul animals, offering healing and leadership lessons. Her journey began with rescuing her horse, Lavender, 16 years ago, and today, Lavender remains central to HTH’s mission. Under her leadership, HTH has expanded to support not only youth but also families, seniors, and sanctuary animals.
Before HTH, Kim worked in banking, property inspections, and as a veterinary technician. She has also led Girl Scout troops, volunteered with nonprofits, and stayed active in her children’s school activities. Married for 37 years, she and her husband have three children and are proud grandparents.
Kim manages nearly every aspect of HTH, from fundraising to animal care, and finds the greatest joy in witnessing its impact and sharing the mission with those who make it possible.
Alicia Englund
Director of Operations & Development
Alicia’s connection to Happiness Through Horses began through an unexpected conversation that quickly grew into friendship, time at the ranch, and a strong sense of belonging. What started as simply showing up to help soon became a meaningful place to contribute her lifelong love of horses, heart for people, and professional background in operations, organization, and project support.
With experience rooted in helping people, ideas, and details move forward, Alicia supports the work of the ranch through programs, events, communications, fundraising efforts, volunteer coordination, and the day-to-day needs that help meaningful experiences take shape and grow.
For Alicia, serving at Happiness Through Horses feels like a full-circle moment — a place where purpose, passion, and profession meet in support of people, horses, animals, gardens, and the land.
Board Members
Daylan Simkavitz
President
Growing up, I struggled with addiction, anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Life felt overwhelming, and I didn’t know how to cope with the challenges that came my way. That’s when I discovered the healing power of horses and the other animals at Happiness through Horses.
Spending time with these majestic creatures taught me how to connect with myself and others in a more meaningful way. The unconditional love and support they offered helped me to heal and grow in ways that I never thought possible.
I believe that every person deserves to experience the healing power of animals and nature, and I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where they can do just that.
Chris Swaney
Treasurer
Music has always been my first love, from playing drums to singing in bands like The Wolf and Sinister Grin. No matter the project, the heart of it remains the same—bringing people together through sound and emotion.
My connection to Happiness Through Horses began with my wife’s God-driven mission to impact kids’ lives. Supporting her vision and witnessing HTH’s impact has been truly inspiring. Together, we own Happiness Ranch, providing a space where kids can grow, heal, and connect with animals, nature, and community.
With 28 years in supply chain management, I use my expertise in logistics and efficiency to support HTH’s growth, ensuring programs run smoothly. Whether helping with operations, events, or sharing my love of music, I believe in this organization’s power to change lives.
Above all, my greatest pride is my family. My wife and I have raised three incredible children, and no matter what I do—music, HTH, or ranch life—my guiding principle remains: “God and Family first, always.”
Megan Storm
Secretary
I am a Colorado native with a deep love for the outdoors and horses. My passion for the bond between humans and animals led me to various volunteer roles, including serving on my local rodeo association’s board to support youth in the community.
In 2016, while raising a family and running a business, I moved to the Front Range, which meant making the tough decision to sell our family horse. In 2020, I found Happiness Through Horses as a way to keep my daughter’s passion for horses alive. Welcomed like family, I joined the board in 2021.
Since then, I’ve been dedicated to creating a supportive environment and mentoring kids through HTH’s mission. I’m excited to continue making a difference with my leadership, experience, and commitment to the community.
Eric Johnson
Board Member
My daughter faced significant struggles as a young teenager, and her mother and I were running out of ideas on how to help her. The one thing she had a passion for, the one thing that would bring a smile to her face and motivation to her day, was horses.
When we met Kim and were introduced to Happiness Through Horses, I knew this was where she needed to be. Having personally witnessed the therapeutic power of horses, along with the coaching and mentoring from Kim and others, and their ability to transform my daughter’s entire outlook on life, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Today, I’m on the board, and my daughter is attending a technical agriculture school, continuing to pursue her passion.
Luzdivina lopez
Board Member
Luzdivina Lopez-Trevizo is a trauma survivor, devoted single mother, and passionate healer whose life was radically transformed through faith, holistic wellness, and the healing power of horses. After enduring a devastating car accident that left her disabled and dependent on over 15 surgeries, Luzdivina found her path to wholeness through a spiritual awakening and connection with equine therapy.
Today, she is the founder of Divine Holistic Wholeness, a sacred space dedicated to helping women and children heal from trauma, reconnect with their divine identity, and transform their lives through faith, natural wellness, and therapeutic horse touch experiences.
Luzdivina brings to Happiness Through Horses a deep understanding of holistic recovery, spiritual mentorship, and community empowerment. Her mission is to remind every woman and child that healing is possible, and that horses can be divine partners in restoring joy, safety, and purpose. She is honored to serve on the board and to help expand access to the life-changing work of equine therapy for youth, mothers, and families in need.
Shauna White
Co Founder / Board Member
Bio Coming Soon…
