On National Horse Day, we celebrate the extraordinary bond between humans and horses—a connection that inspires healing, courage, and transformation. Horses have a unique ability to create space for us, offering quiet wisdom and understanding that helps us reconnect with ourselves.
At Horses for Mental Health, we are dedicated to supporting the life-changing impact horses have on individuals and communities every day. Whether through personal stories of recovery or programs that champion mental well-being, horses are at the heart of transformative change across the country. Today, we honor horses not only for what they do but for who they are.
Why Horses?
Horses are extraordinary animals whose unique traits make them ideal partners in healing and personal growth. Their heightened sensitivity to nonverbal messages and intentions—an instinct rooted in their survival as prey animals—allows us to see ourselves in safe and insightful ways. This profound intuition brings to light beliefs, attitudes, and unresolved trauma, offering unbiased feedback that creates a safe and powerful space for learning and transformation.
With their size, strength, and grace, horses inspire awe and foster emotional safety, naturally encouraging trust and calm. This presence makes them exceptional catalysts for therapeutic breakthroughs, enabling individuals to feel supported as they navigate their personal journeys.
Much like humans, horses are social beings with distinct personalities and hierarchies within their herds. Their behaviors—whether challenging roles or demonstrating hypervigilance—often reflect the complexities of our own relationships and experiences. These parallels provide meaningful opportunities for growth, self-awareness, and new perspectives.
Through the unique bond they share with humans, horses create a dynamic and peaceful environment for healing. Guided by trained professionals, these connections inspire resilience, personal growth, and profound transformation. The combination of their intuition, presence, and social intelligence makes horses extraordinary partners in mental health and personal development, offering lessons that resonate deeply with our own lives.
This unique ability to connect, reflect, and inspire is beautifully illustrated through the stories of remarkable horses. Read on to explore how these extraordinary animals are transforming lives and creating profound connections.
Read on to explore two inspiring stories that showcase the incredible impact horses bring into our lives. These remarkable animals each have their own journeys—full of healing, resilience, and connection—that remind us of the transformative power of the bond between humans and horses.
Meet Milkshake
Milkshake, a young Mustang with a calm yet curious presence, found his calling in an unexpected and profound moment of connection. In October 2023, during the EQUUS Film and Arts Festival and The Mustang Summit in Westcliffe, Colorado, he caught the attention of Lynn Thomas, co-founder and president of Horses for Mental Health. Among the other yearlings, Milkshake stood out—not just for his striking personality, but for his instinctive ability to connect. Lynn watched as he lingered near a sick yearling, quietly offering comfort and support. His actions revealed a gift for healing and compassion that felt almost destined.
Although adopting a horse wasn’t part of Lynn’s plan, a series of serendipitous events unfolded. When someone jokingly suggested she adopt Milkshake, she laughed at the absurdity of it all. But then, she looked up and saw a vivid cloud shaped like a horse—a sign that sparked a profound realization. Lynn felt called to step forward, to embrace this unexpected path. Soon after, she became Milkshake’s official guardian through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) adoption program.
This wasn’t just an adoption—it was an act of faith, sacrifice, and commitment to a higher purpose. Lynn reflected on how life’s most meaningful journeys often require us to step into the unknown with courage and trust. This sense of calling—of being drawn to something greater—has always been at the heart of equine-assisted mental health services.
Today, Milkshake thrives as a two-year-old Mustang in Ohio’s H.O.O.V.E.S. program, a Horses for Mental Health charity partner serving veterans and families. With gentle curiosity, Milkshake voluntarily engages in therapy sessions, approaching individuals and groups with quiet presence and love. He’s become a favorite in the program, offering trust and comfort that allow participants to process emotions and reconnect with themselves.
Milkshake’s story is a reminder of the extraordinary bond between humans and horses. For Lynn, it affirmed the belief that sometimes, we are called to paths we didn’t plan—paths that require hard work and sacrifice but lead to profound rewards.
In honoring Milkshake, we honor the transformative magic horses bring into our lives. Their ability to touch hearts, inspire healing, and guide us toward our higher purpose is nothing short of extraordinary.
Milkshake, a young Mustang with a calm yet curious presence, found his calling in an unexpected and profound moment of connection. In October 2023, during the EQUUS Film and Arts Festival and The Mustang Summit in Westcliffe, Colorado, he caught the attention of Lynn Thomas, co-founder and president of Horses for Mental Health. Among the other yearlings, Milkshake stood out—not just for his striking personality, but for his instinctive ability to connect. Lynn watched as he lingered near a sick yearling, quietly offering comfort and support. His actions revealed a gift for healing and compassion that felt almost destined.
Although adopting a horse wasn’t part of Lynn’s plan, a series of serendipitous events unfolded. When someone jokingly suggested she adopt Milkshake, she laughed at the absurdity of it all. But then, she looked up and saw a vivid cloud shaped like a horse—a sign that sparked a profound realization. Lynn felt called to step forward, to embrace this unexpected path. Soon after, she became Milkshake’s official guardian through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) adoption program.
This wasn’t just an adoption—it was an act of faith, sacrifice, and commitment to a higher purpose. Lynn reflected on how life’s most meaningful journeys often require us to step into the unknown with courage and trust. This sense of calling—of being drawn to something greater—has always been at the heart of equine-assisted mental health services.
Today, Milkshake thrives as a two-year-old Mustang in Ohio’s H.O.O.V.E.S. program, a Horses for Mental Health charity partner serving veterans and families. With gentle curiosity, Milkshake voluntarily engages in therapy sessions, approaching individuals and groups with quiet presence and love. He’s become a favorite in the program, offering trust and comfort that allow participants to process emotions and reconnect with themselves.
Milkshake’s story is a reminder of the extraordinary bond between humans and horses. For Lynn, it affirmed the belief that sometimes, we are called to paths we didn’t plan—paths that require hard work and sacrifice but lead to profound rewards.
In honoring Milkshake, we honor the transformative magic horses bring into our lives. Their ability to touch hearts, inspire healing, and guide us toward our higher purpose is nothing short of extraordinary.
Unbridled Way Forward: The Story of A Herd
This story comes from our wonderful Charity Partner, Unbridled Way Forward, a sanctuary founded by Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Amanda Graham. Located in Rougemont, North Carolina, this retreat-like haven provides a safe space for healing, resilience, and connection through the transformative power of horses.
In 2023 and 2024, the farm faced profound loss with the passing of three cherished herd members—Ben, Gator, and Promise. These horses had been pillars of the program, their presence deeply felt by Amanda, her team, and the clients who had grown to trust them as companions on their healing journeys. Amid the grief, the remaining herd also struggled to find its balance. Yet, from this heartache came an unexpected opportunity to rebuild.
Three horses, retired from riding, arrived at Unbridled Way Forward—Cash, Magic, and Girl Scout. Although their time for riding was over they can continue to connect with humans through Unbridled Way Forward’s programming which consists of ground work exclusively. Each brought something unique to the pasture, but Cash, an Arabian/Quarter Horse mix, seemed to have a quiet gift for grounding those around him. Clients described his steady presence as a calming force, almost as if he absorbed their fears and anxieties without judgment. One young woman, burdened by relentless anxiety, found herself exhaling for the first time in years as she stood near Cash. His calm strength didn’t demand attention—it simply offered her the space to feel safe.
Amid the shifting dynamics of the herd, Grace—a caramel-colored Andalusian/Appaloosa mare—stepped forward with quiet authority. Having experienced the loss of her closest companion, Grace carried her own grief, but rather than retreat, she emerged as a leader. Her gentle yet steady guidance seemed to reassure not only the other horses but also the people who came seeking solace. One client, mourning a deep personal loss, recounted how Grace stood with them in silence, her presence offering the kind of understanding no words could convey. In her, they saw a reflection of their own strength, waiting to be rediscovered.
Magic’s playful and affectionate nature, Girl Scout’s unwavering determination, Cash’s calm, and Grace’s quiet leadership have together transformed the pasture into a place of healing and resilience. Under Amanda’s care, this remarkable herd reminds us that even in the face of loss, there is room for growth and renewal.
Unbridled Way Forward continues to be a sanctuary where clients are inspired to reconnect with their strength and authenticity through the wisdom of horses. This incredible organization and their herd shows us that healing is not a single moment, but a journey—a journey made possible through connection, compassion, and the enduring spirit of the herd.
This story comes from our wonderful Charity Partner, Unbridled Way Forward, a sanctuary founded by Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Amanda Graham. Located in Rougemont, North Carolina, this retreat-like haven provides a safe space for healing, resilience, and connection through the transformative power of horses.
In 2023 and 2024, the farm faced profound loss with the passing of three cherished herd members—Ben, Gator, and Promise. These horses had been pillars of the program, their presence deeply felt by Amanda, her team, and the clients who had grown to trust them as companions on their healing journeys. Amid the grief, the remaining herd also struggled to find its balance. Yet, from this heartache came an unexpected opportunity to rebuild.
Three horses, retired from riding, arrived at Unbridled Way Forward—Cash, Magic, and Girl Scout. Although their time for riding was over they can continue to connect with humans through Unbridled Way Forward’s programming which consists of ground work exclusively. Each brought something unique to the pasture, but Cash, an Arabian/Quarter Horse mix, seemed to have a quiet gift for grounding those around him. Clients described his steady presence as a calming force, almost as if he absorbed their fears and anxieties without judgment. One young woman, burdened by relentless anxiety, found herself exhaling for the first time in years as she stood near Cash. His calm strength didn’t demand attention—it simply offered her the space to feel safe.
Amid the shifting dynamics of the herd, Grace—a caramel-colored Andalusian/Appaloosa mare—stepped forward with quiet authority. Having experienced the loss of her closest companion, Grace carried her own grief, but rather than retreat, she emerged as a leader. Her gentle yet steady guidance seemed to reassure not only the other horses but also the people who came seeking solace. One client, mourning a deep personal loss, recounted how Grace stood with them in silence, her presence offering the kind of understanding no words could convey. In her, they saw a reflection of their own strength, waiting to be rediscovered.
Magic’s playful and affectionate nature, Girl Scout’s unwavering determination, Cash’s calm, and Grace’s quiet leadership have together transformed the pasture into a place of healing and resilience. Under Amanda’s care, this remarkable herd reminds us that even in the face of loss, there is room for growth and renewal.
Unbridled Way Forward continues to be a sanctuary where clients are inspired to reconnect with their strength and authenticity through the wisdom of horses. This incredible organization and their herd shows us that healing is not a single moment, but a journey—a journey made possible through connection, compassion, and the enduring spirit of the herd.
Welcoming Brei Carter as an HMH Advocate
We would like to thank our newest HMH Advocate, Brei Carter, country-soul singer-songwriter, Army veteran, and devoted horse lover. Brei shares her deep connection with horses and the transformative role they play in our lives.
“Horses have a unique way of touching the human soul in ways that words often fail to capture. Their graceful movements, deep understanding eyes, and gentle nature have positively impacted my life, igniting a spark of creativity that might have otherwise remained dormant. In their presence, I find a profound connection to the world around me and within me. Horses seem to possess an uncanny ability to sense the emotions we often hide. They draw out feelings of calmness and healing, blanketing the soul in a comforting, wordless conversation.
Riding on a horse is like dancing with the universe. The rhythm of their hooves matches the beat of my heart, creating a symphony of freedom that resonates with every part of my being. Each ride is a journey unto itself, an adventure that makes me believe in life’s greater purpose, in possibilities yet to be discovered. Horses teach us to trust the process of life, to be present, to embrace the wind on our face and the ground beneath us. In their silent wisdom, I find a mirror to my soul, a reminder that life is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.”
Thank you Brei for sharing your story and for being an HMH Advocate!
We would like to thank our newest HMH Advocate, Brei Carter, country-soul singer-songwriter, Army veteran, and devoted horse lover. Brei shares her deep connection with horses and the transformative role they play in our lives.
“Horses have a unique way of touching the human soul in ways that words often fail to capture. Their graceful movements, deep understanding eyes, and gentle nature have positively impacted my life, igniting a spark of creativity that might have otherwise remained dormant. In their presence, I find a profound connection to the world around me and within me. Horses seem to possess an uncanny ability to sense the emotions we often hide. They draw out feelings of calmness and healing, blanketing the soul in a comforting, wordless conversation.
Riding on a horse is like dancing with the universe. The rhythm of their hooves matches the beat of my heart, creating a symphony of freedom that resonates with every part of my being. Each ride is a journey unto itself, an adventure that makes me believe in life’s greater purpose, in possibilities yet to be discovered. Horses teach us to trust the process of life, to be present, to embrace the wind on our face and the ground beneath us. In their silent wisdom, I find a mirror to my soul, a reminder that life is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.”
Thank you Brei for sharing your story and for being an HMH Advocate!
Celebrate National Horse Day by Joining the Giving Circle
This National Horse Day, we celebrate the incredible role horses play in our lives. Their healing presence and inspiring strength have given us so much, and today is the perfect opportunity to give back.
By joining the Giving Circle, you can become a monthly supporter of the life-changing bond between horses and humans. Your ongoing gift helps sustain programs that connect these extraordinary animals with people in need, ensuring their partnerships continue to inspire healing and transformation.
If a monthly commitment isn’t possible, a one-time donation can still make a powerful difference.
Thank you for celebrating horses and the remarkable bond we share with them. A huge thank you from all of us at HMH—and on behalf of the horses—for making this National Horse Day so meaningful!
