OUR STORY
Founded in February 2021, Hoofprints in the Sand (HITS) is an equine-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Founder Sarah Lustig, a registered nurse (RN), established HITS in recognition of the powerful connection between humans and horses. The organization was created to bridge gaps in support services by offering meaningful, consistent, and extended engagement for those often left waiting or facing limited options.
IN SOUTH CAROLINA, 1 VETERAN COMMITS SUICIDE EVERY 3 DAYS.
WE'RE HERE TO CHANGE THAT STAT.
REBUILDING
REMEDIATION
RECONNECTING
REDUCING SUICIDE
WHY EQUINE THERAPY FOR VETERANS
Equine-Assisted Therapy for Veterans
For Veterans living with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries, Founder, Sarah Lustig (BSN, R.N., CBIS, CNLPC) knew equine-assisted therapy (EAT) offered a powerful and proven path to healing. Through guided interaction with horses, Veterans rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and restore confidence, helping them reconnect with themselves, their families, and their communities.
Why Equine-Assisted Therapy Works
Horses are highly attuned to human emotions and body language. They naturally mirror stress, calm, and intention, providing immediate, honest biofeedback. This allows Veterans to recognize emotional responses in real time and practice regulation, trust, and grounded communication in a safe, supportive environment.
This powerful alternative approach is designed for veterans facing mental health challenges, helping them restore trust, build confidence, and improve overall well-being. Through personalized care plans led by a registered nurse and supported by a multidisciplinary team, participants develop emotional regulation alongside physical and social strength.
Hippotherapy, a specialized, medically based form of equine-assisted therapy, provides a holistic, experiential path to trauma recovery, addressing both emotional and physical healing. Every activity is thoughtfully guided with safety and veteran-specific therapeutic goals at the forefront.
By focusing on rebuilding, remediation, and reconnection, equine-assisted therapy reduces isolation and supports mental wellness, helping Veterans reclaim their lives and lowering the South Carolina statistic that one veteran commits suicide every three days.
MEET THE HERD
Meet our 17 equine therapy horses, 2 donkeys, and Kevin the Peacock, who call HITS home.
MEET THE TEAM
At Hoofprints in the Sand, our team is united by knowledge, dedication, expertise, and compassion. Each member brings a deep commitment to serving veterans, first responders, and families through thoughtful, heart-led equine-assisted therapy.
