About the program

Our organization is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for young people in our community to gain mental wellness skills while eliminating the financial burdens that may otherwise prohibit access to this kind of care. We are a 501(c)3-pending nonprofit (we expect to receive a 501(c)3-confirmed status by Summer 2025). Any funds raised through the HAY program will go toward providing scholarships for our services to youth with a demonstrated financial need. 

Equine-Assisted coaching is a unique and effective form of therapeutic learning, relying on the exchange of somatic energy that occurs in each of our everyday interactions and relationships. This is done when we understand the role between our brain and nervous system, and then we add a horse to the equation. When we are partnered with a horse, the horse will instinctively respond to our energetic patterns and signals of fear, conflict, frustration, stress, anxiety or our inability to connect to ourselves or others. Our facilitators are trained to understand what the horse's reactions may mean and offer explanations and feedback to the client. This real-time exchange of information aids our clients in understanding how their thoughts, feelings, and actions can impact their relationship to themselves and the world around them. 

*NOTE*: We do NOT offer any horseback riding activities or riding lessons. All interactions between our clients and our Horse Partners take place with everyone's feet on the ground. 

What benefits can youth and adolescents get from working with horses? 

• Increased trust with themselves and others 
• Gain tools to manage mental wellness and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms
• Strengthened sense of agency over their own lives
• Build confidence and finding strength in their own voice
• Increased empathy from learning to care for something outside of themselves. 
• Practicing patience and forgiveness for themselves and others