The Smith Tieken Foundation has awarded a $105,000 grant to Hunkapi Programs, a Scottsdale nonprofit dedicated to providing equine therapy for individuals with behavioral health challenges.

The funds will support several critical initiatives, including loan payoffs, the purchase of equipment for horse care, and necessary farm improvements to ensure the comfort and well-being of Hunkapi’s horses, according to a press release.

Projects to be funded include:

• The grant will enable Hunkapi to purchase a truck for transporting horses to veterinary appointments, mobile programs, and their summer haven in Flagstaff. It will also pay off a loan for a John Deere Gator, which is used for feeding the horses three times daily.

• The funds will be used to purchase misting fans for 14 horse paddocks, providing relief from the Arizona heat. Additionally, the grant will support the re-grading of the paddocks to prevent standing water, which can cause painful hoof abscesses and other injuries to the horses.