Hearts & Hooves was first founded by Veronique Matthews in 2001 in Austin, Texas when one baby dwarf horse named Toby came into Veronique’s life as she was recovering from breast cancer and a painful divorce. Veronique opened her heart and her home to Toby and in return he gave her invaluable hope and comfort, helping her to heal her emotionally and physically. Toby brought Veronique back to life with his love and so he hoped her and Toby could spread this love to others who needed to be rejuvenated and so Hearts & Hooves was born.

Hearts & Hooves began training individuals across the USA and now in Canada starting with Michelle Kropp. Michelle Kropp is a certified Special Education Teacher who has worked with troubled youth and children with varying challenges since 1997. Michelle has ridden and showed Arabian Horses at the National Level and is in fact a Reserve National Champion herself. Horses and helping people have always been part of Michelle’s life and she feels so fortunate to be able to share her mini horse’s and their huge hearts with any and all who can benefit from their special touch.

Michelle Kropp is the first Canadian Affiliate but surely not the last… Hearts & Hooves is about helping people and the more people we can reach the better the world will be.