Kimberly O’Donnell

There’s something extraordinary that happens when a horse meets you exactly where you are—and helps you discover where you’re capable of going.

In May, during Mental Health Awareness month, I’m proud to serve as an ambassador for The HALT Foundation through the national Horses for Mental Health campaign—sharing something I’ve experienced firsthand: horses have a remarkable ability to to meet us in the moment and open the door to healing, growth, and connection.

As an educator working with students at the K-12 and collegiate levels, my approach has always been grounded in asking what’s possible—creating space for students to learn through experience and step into their strengths. Horses have deepened my work in education in powerful ways.  Horses don’t respond to who we pretend to be—they respond to who we are. In that honesty, they build trust, awareness, and confidence in ways that are both immediate and lasting.

As a lifelong equestrian and, more recently, a certified therapeutic riding instructor, I’ve seen how moments with horses can truly transform lives. This is why Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) is a growing, evidence-based field grounded in both research and lived experience. The field demonstrates measurable impact in mental health, emotional regulation, and human development across diverse populations. Continued investment is essential to expanding access, strengthening programs, and increasing outcomes in the communities that need it most.

The HALT Foundation is helping lead this work by expanding access to Equine-Assisted Services through targeted grants and scholarships. These investments support certified practitioners, equine wellness, and program development—ensuring more individuals and communities can benefit.

Follow along this month to learn more—and if our invitation to join the cause resonates, consider making a donation to support HALT’s efforts to grow programs and practitioners in the EAS field. Together, we can expand access and deepen impact in communities across the Commonwealth.