Hoofprints in the Sand: Equine Therapy for Veterans & First Responders
Release Date: 12/01/2025
The Living Legacy of a Mount Pleasant Gem: Boone Hall Plantation
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Step through the iconic Avenue of Oaks with host Brian Cleary and Jim Westerhold, General Manager of Boone Hall Plantation, as they reveal the heart of this local treasure. This episode highlights how Boone Hall remains a vibrant part of our community, blending a 738-acre working farm—where produce is still hand-picked—with a deep commitment to preserving Gullah and enslaved history. Get the inside scoop on the newly reopened Gin House and a growing calendar of community favorites like the Black History Month Celebration, Gullah Christmas, and the Christmas Tree Festival. Jim also shares...
info_outline
Hoofprints in the Sand: Equine Therapy for Veterans & First Responders
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Join us for a deeply moving conversation with Sarah Lustig, Founder and Nurse Director of Hoofprints in the Sand, as she introduces the powerful new HITS Club. This naturalistic, experiential equine facility is offering a unique path to healing for our veterans, first responders, and their families right here in the Lowcountry. Located on a serene 18-acre property within the expansive Francis Marion Park, HITS Club offers a safe haven from the interruptions of daily life. The facility is much more than a clinical setting; it's a therapeutic retreat featuring walking, biking, and hiking trails,...
info_outline
How ECCO’s New One-Stop Shop Helps Neighbors East of the Cooper
Mount Pleasant Podcast
ECCO's One-Stop Shop: The Future of Community Outreach in East Cooper In this important conversation, host Brian Cleary sits down with Stephanie Kelley, Executive Director of East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), to discuss ECCO's mission and the incredible expansion of their main facility in Mount Pleasant, SC. ECCO is a vital human services organization serving everyone who lives or works East of the Cooper River, a mission that started 36 years ago after Hurricane Hugo. Today, they continue to help the community navigate the "storms blowing through their lives every day." The New One-Stop...
info_outline
❤️ Give the Gift of Life: An Inspiring Chat with the American Red Cross
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Join host Brian Cleary for a crucial conversation with Meaghan Silsby, Executive Director of the Lowcountry SC American Red Cross. They dive into the profound importance of giving blood and offering a lifeline of hope to those in critical need. Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood? Donating your blood truly IS the gift of life! Tune in to be inspired and learn how you can make a tangible difference. 🩸 Make an Impact: The Quick and Easy Donation Process The Red Cross makes it fast and easy to donate! Here’s what you need to know: Find a Location: Visit ...
info_outline
VOTE SMARTER: Mount Pleasant Town Council Candidate Perry Rourk on Growth, Traffic, and Protecting Our Town
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Tune in as Host Zach Giroux sits down with Mount Pleasant Town Council candidate and lifelong resident, Perry Rourk. The 2025 General Election is approaching, and your vote will shape the future of Mount Pleasant—get the facts you need to make the best decision for you and your community. Why is Perry running? After a lifetime in Mount Pleasant, Perry felt a calling to give back, leading him to immerse himself in Town Council and committee meetings to understand how local government truly works for its citizens. As a seasoned business operator, Perry brings a proven leadership style focused...
info_outline
Mount Pleasant Town Council Re-Election: Mike Tinkey's 42+ Years of Public Service | Interview
Mount Pleasant Podcast
In this special edition of the Mount Pleasant Podcast, publisher Bill Macchio sits down with Mike Tinkey, who is running for re-election to Mount Pleasant Town Council. With nearly 43 years of public service in Mount Pleasant and Wild Dunes, Mike shares the experiences and lessons learned since he first moved here. Get to know the man who wants to keep Mount Pleasant greener, the water cleaner, and the town's history preserved for our children's children. Hear directly about Mike's involvement and advocacy in key town initiatives, including: The Fire and Police Departments Improving the Old...
info_outline
Nearly 30 Years of Service: Councilman Gary Santos on Re-Election, Growth, and the Future of Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Podcast
What drives a public servant to dedicate nearly 30 years to their community? Host Zach Giroux welcomes Councilman Gary Santos to discuss his re-election bid for the Mount Pleasant Town Council. With a record stretching back decades, Councilman Santos offers a rare glimpse into the career highlights and pivotal experiences that have shaped his tenure and his dedication to the town. The conversation covers his unique perspective on what's needed for Mount Pleasant's next phase, including: How his long record makes him the ideal candidate to tackle current challenges. The vital discussion on...
info_outline
Spread Some Love to Local Businesses with the 2026 Best of Mount Pleasant Voting
Mount Pleasant Podcast
VOTE IN THE BEST OF MOUNT PLEASANT 2026 🥇⭐ Publisher/Founder Bill Macchio joins host Brian Cleary to talk about the history and impact of the Best of Mount Pleasant contest. Hear the story of this community staple—from its roots in 1990 (when all voting was on paper!) to today's essential guide for residents and newcomers alike. Plus, get the scoop on the upcoming Best of Mount Pleasant Party! Find out how to vote and secure your tickets for the annual celebration on Wednesday, October 8th at the newly remodeled Alhambra Hall! Enjoy an Oyster Roast, Lowcountry Cuisine & Cocktails, a...
info_outline
LOWVELO: The Ride for Cancer Research with Director Chris Winn
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Ever wonder what goes into a major charity cycling event? In this conversation, Chris Winn, Director of LOWVELO, joins host Brian Cleary to peel back the layers on this impactful, non-competitive Lowcountry ride. They'll share the story behind the name, the different routes for every skill level, how you can help by volunteering or donating, and hear about the various riders who make this event special. Every pedal stroke helps fund life-saving cancer research at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Ready to join the mission? Get all the details on dates, routes, and the research you'll be...
info_outline
A Lifeline for Local Kids: Helping Children with Birth Defects and Childhood Diseases with Sonya Beale
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Join us as host Brian Cleary chats with Sonya Beale, the Executive Director of the Carolina Children's Charity. This incredible local non-profit is dedicated to making a real difference for children in our community who are facing health challenges. Sonya shares how the charity helps local families in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, and Dorchester counties with the costs of medication, equipment, and therapy for children under 19 with diagnosed birth defects or childhood diseases. They work with each family to find the best way to fill the gaps left by insurance and provide the support they...
info_outlineJoin us for a deeply moving conversation with Sarah Lustig, Founder and Nurse Director of Hoofprints in the Sand, as she introduces the powerful new HITS Club. This naturalistic, experiential equine facility is offering a unique path to healing for our veterans, first responders, and their families right here in the Lowcountry.
Located on a serene 18-acre property within the expansive Francis Marion Park, HITS Club offers a safe haven from the interruptions of daily life. The facility is much more than a clinical setting; it's a therapeutic retreat featuring walking, biking, and hiking trails, a pond, gardening areas, wildlife observation, and social spaces like barbecue and fire pits. It is truly a place for colleagues and comrades to reconnect and overcome trauma symptoms.
The program has two membership levels:
Level 1: Recreation & Wellness This level is perfect for the whole family, focusing on recreational activities and therapeutic healing through leisurely enjoyment of the facility and observing the herd.
Level 2: Equine-Assisted Therapy & Horsemanship This includes all Level 1 benefits, plus direct, one-on-one introduction to equine-assisted therapy, horsemanship, and husbandry skills. Using evidence-based therapies, this intensive 16-to-32-week program specifically targets the mental and physical consequences of PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). After achieving their goals and demonstrating high efficacy, members can even learn to ride horses and teach lessons!
Hoofprints in the Sand is making history as the first facility of its kind on the East Coast to be credentialed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a mission strongly supported by Congresswoman Nancy Mace. They are working hard to prove animal-assisted therapy is a highly effective, non-traditional approach.
Listen now to learn more about the critical work Sarah and her team are doing to ensure those who serve us receive the best care—and find out how you can help them continue providing care for veterans who cannot afford it.
Ready to get involved? Start with the short membership application at HoofprintsInTheSand.org/hitsclub.