“Horses reflect our emotions, while at the same time they seem to know how to give us exactly what we need to soothe the pain” – Barbara Shulte
At Horses For Healing, this truth is at the heart of everything we do.
We are a trauma-informed, person-first mental health agency providing psychotherapy utilizing horses for youth, veterans, adults, and families in our community. Our work is built on the belief that healing is not just something we talk about it, it is something we experience. In the arena, clients are met with presence, honesty, and relationship. Horses respond to what is real. They respond to emotion, nervous system shifts, and relational patterns in ways that are immediate and deeply meaningful, while also offering grounding, connection, and safety without judgment.
Our trauma-informed lens means we look beyond symptoms to the whole person. We take time to understand what is driving distress, what has been carried for too long, and what each client needs in order to feel safe enough to grow. The therapy we provide is not one-size-fits-all. It is individualized, intentional, and rooted in both clinical expertise and the unique healing power of the horse-human bond.
Through relationship with both therapist and horse, clients build emotional regulation, confidence, boundaries, communication, and resilience. They practice new ways of being in real time and in real relationship. For many clients, it is the first time they have felt truly seen, supported, and safe while doing the hard work of healing.
We are raising funds through the Horses For Mental Health campaign to expand access to this life-changing care. Your donation helps provide therapy sessions, client scholarships, and the ongoing care of our herd, ensuring that more people in our community can experience meaningful healing and lasting change.
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”
— Bessel A. van der Kolk
Watch the short video below to see Horses For Healing in action and experience the powerful role horses play in mental health and healing.
