Personalized Equine Connection
Welcome from our Founder
Welcome! I’m Carla J. Kaplan-Gomez, founder, Executive Director, and certified riding instructor of Mane Joy Connection. At our core, we are a space where everyone, regardless of background, can connect with the healing power of horses.
As a 501(c)(3) public charity, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment. We uphold a strong nondiscrimination policy, ensuring that race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and other personal identities are respected. We believe in creating a space where the BIPOC community and all underrepresented groups feel seen, valued, and supported.
Growing up, I experienced firsthand what it feels like to be disconnected and out of place. As an 8-year-old in a new community, I found comfort and strength in horses. Kay Keating, a retired Naval Commander, was my childhood mentor. She took me under her wing and introduced me to the joy and world of horses. She taught me how I could communicate, lead, and partner with horses. I learned, as herd and prey animals, horses look to you for guidance and leadership. Horses can see through to your core and bring out strength and self-esteem that you didn’t realize was possible. Kay and her horses, gave me a sense of belonging and empowerment, and I knew I had to create a space where others could experience the same.
We at Mane Joy Connection, are here to lift you up and share the love and joy horses can provide! At Mane Joy Connection, we understand the unique challenges many of us face, especially as members of historically marginalized communities, and we're here to provide a safe healing, coping and learning space for all.
Horses have a special way of helping you discover inner strength and confidence, offering learning and joy in ways that can change lives. Whether you’re new to horses or have prior experience, we’re here to walk alongside you, at your pace. Together, let’s create a space where everyone can thrive, connect, and heal through the profound bond with horses.
We warmly invite you to experience the transformative power of Mane Joy Connection.
Carla J. Kaplan-Gomez, ED & Founder of Mane Joy Connection
Masters of Nonprofit Management | CHA Certified Horse-Riding Instructor
What we’re all about
Mission
At Mane Joy Connection, it is our Mission to further empower individuals within underserved communities through safe and positive equine-assisted activities to experience the healing effects of horses by enhancing education, community connection, personal grown and well-being.
Can you see yourself here?
Vision
We envision for every individual that has a passion for learning and experiencing the Joy of Horses will have access to those opportunities through Mane Joy Connection!
It’s all in the name: Mane Joy
Motivation toward self-improvement
Awesome equine experiences
Never give up on your dreams
Enjoy every minute with horses
Journey toward greater self-empowerment
Opportunity for greater connection to community
Yes to new adventures!
Core values
Our equine-assisted activities are focused on building the following skills in our participants:
Self-Empowerment: Achieving personal goals for mental and physical health and well-being
Integrity: Enhancing personal integrity by learning to honor our own limits and the limits of our horses
Respect: Modeling the highest standards of respect for ourselves and others (including the horses of course!)
Trust: Building and restoring trust in ourselves and others
Joy: Experiencing and radiating greater joy for ourselves and our community.
Please note: We only offer youth (12+ years old) and adult lessons at this time.
How will you increase joy?
Services
Grow your bond with horses through our personalized equine sessions.
Donate
Provide customized equine sessions for someone in need through our nonprofit.
What People Are Saying
Carla works to bring out your personal confidence and your connection with the horse.
It doesn’t feel like a lesson — it feels like Carla is helping you find the ability you have always had.
— Andrea Girón Mathern
“Carla was extremely good at giving my granddaughter instructions.
Carla was right there, instructing her what to do so my granddaughter didn’t get scared.
— Denise Tara Rivera
Proud Partners
Founding Board of Directors
Denise Tara Rivera | President
Licensed Mortgage Loan Assistant at U.S. Bank
“I have always loved horses since I was a little girl but didn’t get to ride as much as I would have liked. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing first-hand how good Carla is at teaching others about how to engage with horses — and how healing just being around these animals can make you feel.
Carla exemplifies what it takes to be a detailed instructor to all ages. I’m proud to play a role in helping Carla provide a safe, fun environment for riders to engage in the equine experience they are seeking.”
Jesse Gamueda | Vice President
Real Estate Broker KW and Pilot
“I decided to join Mane Joy connection primarily because of it's founder Carla Kaplan-Gomez. She is very positive and also a no-nonsense sounding board.”
David Fellows, MBA | Treasurer
President of The Fellows Group LLC; Affiliate Faculty at Anderson College of Business, Regis University
“As a long-time nonprofit finance executive and consultant, I have a passion for helping nonprofits stay in business and stay on the right path financially. It is very gratifying when a person who completes my Financial Management for Nonprofits course at Regis contacts me for guidance, and I am most happy to help Carla Kaplan-Gomez get her nonprofit going with a solid financial structure.”
Jackie Palmer-Lasky, Ph.D.| Secretary
Owner and operator of a small family farm; teaches women’s studies at University of Hawai’i; volunteer for local food banks
“I’m inspired by the passion and dedication of Carla Kaplan-Gomez and share her vision of helping people heal and grow through equine activities.”
Davi L. Kaplan-Gomez | Board Member
Student at Gonzaga University
"Partnering with Mane Joy Connection allows me to further pursue my passion of reaching out to the marginalized.
I'm excited to bring my innovation skills regarding social media marketing; technology use; and leadership to serve the mission of Mane Joy."
All organizational affiliations and titles are listed for identification purposes only. All individuals serve in their personal capacity and not as a representative of their employer.
