We are blessed to have a licensed clinical mental health counselor, Heather, on staff as our Manager of Mental Health Services to work directly with the girls and parents. She uses experiential therapy with the horses to help the girls learn to have healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Because horses are herd animals, they work well in these types of interventions. As herd animals, they must know how to function effectively in family units and relationships, as this is their key to safety in the wild. Horses don’t have sharp teeth or claws for protection. They depend on their relationships to keep them safe. They won’t work with a girl – or any human – unless she has healthy relationship skills. If a girl is overly aggressive, fearful or anxious, the horses don’t want to have anything to do with the person.