^{photo courtesy of barnabas horse foundation}

The Barnabas Horse Foundation is hosting a free festival on Saturday, December 6th that’s sure to boost holiday spirits.

The nonprofit provides healing therapy and programs for special needs, trauma victims, veterans, and first responders through fellowship with horses. And on this date, the foundation is hosting its annual Hot Chocolate and Horses meet-and-greet event for a “day filled with delicious hot chocolate, homemade cookies, raffles, Santa pics, and festive fun,” according to Sue McKinney, director of Barnabas. “Guests can enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, meet the therapy horses, and learn how these gentle partners help survivors of trauma, veterans, and first responders heal.”

There will be games and demonstrations of the powerful connection between horses and humans, as well. The 2024 event raised $4,200 while welcoming approximately 600 visitors to the farm. To top it off, the local chapter of Rolling Thunder made a generous donation to sponsor two of the therapy horses, ensuring their continued care and service to those in need, she recalls.

These fundraising efforts help Barnabas Horse Foundation provide more than 1,200 individual equine-assisted sessions for victims of crime and 88 group sessions for veterans and first responders-free of charge.

So come by between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and be sure to put a few peppermints in your pocket for the horses!

“This heartwarming holiday event offers a perfect blend of comfort, connection, and community spirit,” McKinney says.

Barnabas Horse Foundation
4533 New River Rd., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Festival Hours: Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m
Free; donations welcome
www.barnabashorse.org