Never in Laura Huizenga’s wildest dreams did she imagine that the beautiful horse property on East Paris Avenue that she has driven by as a little girl growing up in East Grand Rapids, would one day fulfill her philanthropic, educational, and business interests to become Hestóvin Stables Therapeutic Riding Center, a 501(c)(3). 

Laura’s journey to becoming the owner of the stables began in 2019 when she learned of plans for the property that would change the beloved green space with horses roaming the paddocks into a condominium development. She knew that these 7 acres needed to remain a horse property as it had been for the past 70 years. A green space of beauty and peace within the city. 

The most recent owners of the property, Linda and Dave Mehney, operated the Grand Arabian Stables from 1983 to 2021. For 38 years the barn was focused on breeding, training, and showing champion Arabian horses which were then sold to individuals throughout the world. In 2021, Dave Mehney was done with the horse business and had plans to sell the land to a condo development company. When Laura heard this news, she offered to buy the property from the Mehneys. Since Laura was without any previous horse experience, this offer to purchase surprised even herself. 

Following his wife’s untimely death to COVID-19, Mehney approached Laura stating that he had changed his mind and would sell the barns and land to her so that it could remain a horse property. Linda states that she believes this change of heart and the next two years of her ownership of the barns can only be explained as a series of miracles. 

Now that the barns were hers, Laura believed that In this age of de-stigmatizing and bringing awareness to mental health issues, it was logical to use the horses to help in this important arena. She knew of the effectiveness of partnering horses with people for therapeutic purposes, since they have been found to have a positive impact on a broad spectrum of challenges: be it mental, emotional, social, or physical for people of all ages. 

Laura chose to have Icelandic horses in the barns as she was familiar with the breed from her visit to Iceland in 2020. These horses were ideal for Laura’s goals for the barn as they are especially suited to therapeutic horsemanship. Their unique characteristics of being 14 hands tall, a kind nature, calm disposition, friendly with social personalities and being sure footed with strong legs made them the perfect choice. Their double layer coat in the winter allows them to be outside during the winter months, and fit right into the climate of Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Today, five Icelandic horses, Gunnar, Glóa, Tatari, Sær, and Jörda all brought in from Iceland with their own passports, have become a happily bonded herd. They all have their own beautiful personalities that greet everyone as they enter the stables. Staff are assisted by many volunteers to conduct the lessons and activities with the herd. Volunteering with the horses is a peaceful and fulfilling activity. “My whole demeanor changes the moment I step into the barn.” shared one of the volunteers.

Laura’s background as a first grade teacher has given her the creativity to provide seasonal events open to the community such as Easter Egg Hunt with the Icies, Hores-in-tnes Parties, Mother’s Day Tea, Furry Thanksgiving and much more. The barn also hosts birthday parties, Reading-to-the-Horses and Summer Camps. 

Beginning in January of 2024 they are excited to offer Equine Assisted Learning group and team building workshops. These activities enable the whole community to come to the barn and have their lives enhanced by interactions with these wonderful creatures. 

Laura feels it is a calling to be dedicated to therapy with horses which is reflected in the stables’ mission statement of “enhancing the lives of children and adults who desire to explore the mental, emotional, social, and physical benefits of therapeutic horsemanship through safe, guided interactions with Icelandic Horses.” Hestóvin Stables as a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Center works to fulfill this mission daily. 

The most important “miracles” of all are those involving our clients. To see their joy and their responsiveness to the horses and to hear about their victories in their personal lives incentivizes Laura and her team of employees and volunteers to remain true to their calling. East has always been a community generous in a variety of ways to support diversity and those in need. How unusual it is to have this magnificent, important facility in our own backyard.