Why Horses?

There is something special about the relationship between a horse and a human.

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Horses don't judge us by our past, our circumstances, or our abilities. They respond to how we communicate, how we treat them, and the consistency we bring to the relationship.

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Working with horses teaches us to slow down, listen, be patient, take responsibility, and build trust. It teaches us that growth takes time, that mistakes are opportunities to learn, and that how we respond to challenges matters.

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These lessons reach far beyond the arena.

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We believe the barn can be a place where confidence is built, friendships are formed, faith is strengthened, and lives are changed.

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Our Story – The Heart Behind the Name.

Kotta's story began long before Kotta's Kids Foundation ever existed.

We acquired Kotta through a training deal when she was six years old. I was only about nine or ten.

At the time, I had already experienced my fair share of struggles with horses. My first horse, Kierra, had turned out to be a very poor fit for me. After countless falls and frightening experiences, my confidence was completely gone. I wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with horses.

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And then came Kotta.

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She was a troubled mare. She had her quirks, her opinions, and her moments of uncertainty. If she felt left behind, she might rear. If something made her anxious, she'd get a little jiggy. She wasn't necessarily the obvious choice for a young girl who had lost her confidence.

But underneath all of that was a patient, kind, and willing horse.

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My sisters had spent time working with her, and eventually my parents decided I needed to be able to ride one of the horses we had. We had rescued and rehomed many horses over the years, but we also had a core group that stayed with us.

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My sisters looked at Kotta and, with a little laughter, decided she was the one.They saddled her up, put me on her back, and turned us loose in the pasture.

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And Kotta simply put her head down and walked.

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She dragged her feet around that pasture, taking every step quietly and patiently. There was no rushing, no drama, and no pressure. Just a horse taking care of a little girl who needed to find her confidence again.

That was the beginning of everything.

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I was hooked again.

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Kotta and I did just about everything together. She taught me about friendship, responsibility, patience, and trust. Little by little, she gave me back the confidence I thought I had lost forever.

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Eventually, she helped me find the courage to lope again. And when she decided I was ready, and we finally did it together, I didn't want to stop. Kotta became my lifeline.

She gave me more than the ability to ride a horse. She gave me confidence in myself. She taught me that setbacks don't have to be the end of the story, that trust takes time, and that sometimes the right partner can help you find a part of yourself you thought was gone.

Without Kotta, I genuinely don't know if I would have pursued the career I have today. She played a tremendous part in shaping the horsewoman, mentor, and person I became.

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And that's why this foundation means so much to me.

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I know firsthand what it feels like to lose confidence, to be afraid, and to wonder if something you once loved is still meant for you. I also know what it feels like to have someone—or in my case, one very special horse—help you find your way back.

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Where Faith Meets Purpose

Looking back, I can see how much of my life was shaped by that one horse. At the time, I didn't understand just how significant Kotta would become in my life. I only knew that she gave me something I thought I had lost.

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Today, my faith has become an important part of understanding that journey. I believe God can use the most unexpected things, and sometimes the smallest beginnings, to lead us toward a much bigger purpose.

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Kotta helped shape my confidence, my passion for horses, and eventually the career I built around them. But her impact didn't stop with me.

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Through Kotta's Kids Foundation, I want to share the lessons she taught me with others while creating opportunities for people to grow not only in confidence and character, but also in their relationship with Christ.

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We believe every person is created with purpose, loved by God, and deserving of the opportunity to discover the gifts and potential He has placed within them.

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I know firsthand what it feels like to lose confidence, to be afraid, and to wonder if something you once loved is still meant for you. I also know what it feels like to have someone—or in my case, one very special horse—help you find your way back.

Kotta's Kids Foundation was created to carry that kind of impact forward.

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We may not all have a Kotta waiting for us, but everyone deserves the opportunity to find confidence, discover their potential, build meaningful relationships, and know that they are capable of more than they might believe.

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Kotta was part of my beginning. My hope is that her legacy becomes part of someone else's story, too.

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Kotta is still with us today at 30 years old, but we want to honor the horse that touched not only my life, but so many others.

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- Hana Rass-Dumas, Founder of Kotta's Kids Foundation and Door County Horsemanship.

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Opening Doors Through Opportunity

We believe financial circumstances should never be the only thing standing between someone and an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience the connection between horses and people.

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Through community support and fundraising, Kotta's Kids Foundation hopes to provide scholarship opportunities for individuals and families who may not otherwise have access to horsemanship and mentorship experiences.

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Our goal is to make these opportunities available to those who need them, while creating an encouraging environment where everyone has the chance to succeed.

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Because opportunity can change a life.

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Be Part of Something Meaningful

A mission like ours takes a community.

Whether you have a little time, resources to share, or simply a desire to make a difference, there is a place for you at Kotta's Kids Foundation.

Ways to Support Our Mission

• Donate: Help fund programs, scholarships, and opportunities.

• Become a Sponsor: Partner with us to make a lasting impact.

• Volunteer: Share your time, talents, and enthusiasm.

• Fundraise: Help us raise awareness and support our mission.

• Spread the Word: Share our story with friends, family, and your community.

Every act of generosity helps us move our mission forward.

Together, we can make a difference.

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Be Part of the Mission

Every gift helps create opportunities, build confidence, and change lives.

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