At The Arc of Augusta our mission is rooted in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities flourish. We believe every person deserves meaningful opportunities to grow, build confidence, and experience joy in ways that support their unique strengths and needs.
A funding campaign centered around horses for mental health would directly support this vision. Equine-assisted activities provide a powerful and calming environment where participants can develop emotional regulation, communication skills, self-confidence, and trust. Interacting with horses encourages patience, responsibility, and connection skills that carry over into daily life and community involvement.
We are proud to be partnered with Tarpan Conservation Program in Staunton, whose mission to preserve and educate the community about the historic Tarpan horses aligns beautifully with our commitment to meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Through this partnership, our participants have the opportunity to engage in structured workshops that teach safe horse interaction, care techniques, and the importance of conservation—all while benefiting from the therapeutic impact of being around these remarkable animals.
For many of the individuals we serve, traditional therapeutic settings can feel limiting. Working with horses offers a hands-on, engaging experience that promotes mental wellness, reduces anxiety, and fosters independence in a natural and supportive setting. It allows participants to build meaningful bonds while also strengthening social skills and self-esteem.
By partnering in a horses for mental health funding campaign, The Arc of Augusta would expand access to innovative and inclusive mental health support ensuring our participants not only receive services, but truly flourish.
