Grief and loss can leave a person feeling like a stranger in their own life. The weight of sorrow can feel endless, and the path forward often seems unclear. At STEPS With Horses, we walk beside people in those moments of pain—and we’ve seen how the healing presence of horses can guide them toward hope, trust, and connection again.

Audrey came to us carrying that kind of grief. She described it as a heaviness that never left her, a fog that dulled her relationships and drained her energy. She often felt like she was moving through each day on autopilot, disconnected from the world around her. When she first stepped into the pasture, she wasn’t sure what she was hoping for—only that she needed a place to breathe.

That’s when she met Sissy. Sissy is a wise and intuitive horse who is deeply connected to her herd, especially Max and Maggie. She has a strong sense of when to draw near and when to step back, always balancing closeness with boundaries. When Audrey first met her, Sissy didn’t hurry over. Instead, she stood quietly, watching with soft, thoughtful eyes. That gentle acceptance—without pressure or expectation—was exactly what Audrey needed.

Week after week, Audrey kept returning. She noticed how Sissy relied on her herd for comfort and security, often grazing shoulder to shoulder with Max or resting peacefully near Maggie. Sissy reminded Audrey that even the strongest don’t walk alone. Connection, Audrey realized, isn’t a weakness—it’s a lifeline. Slowly, she began to wonder if she, too, could lean on others instead of carrying her pain in isolation.

But just as important, Sissy also showed Audrey the importance of boundaries. Some days Sissy came close, brushing her muzzle along Audrey’s arm in quiet companionship. Other days, she chose to rest under the trees or stand apart with her herd. Audrey learned that saying no or taking space wasn’t rejection—it was an act of self-care. Watching Sissy, she began to give herself permission to listen to her own needs without guilt.

As their connection deepened, Audrey started to feel shifts within herself. The grief was still there—it may always be part of her story—but it no longer consumed her in the same way. One afternoon, standing with her hand pressed gently against Sissy’s warm coat, Audrey felt something she hadn’t in months: a spark of herself returning. Not the self she was before her loss, but a new self—stronger, braver, and open to trust again.

Through the patient, authentic presence of Sissy, Audrey discovered a way forward. She learned that healing isn’t about forgetting or erasing the pain, but about carrying it differently—supported by connection, strengthened by boundaries, and guided by the quiet wisdom of a horse.

This is the heart of equine-assisted counseling (often referred to as equine therapy). Horses like Sissy are not just animals in a pasture—they are partners in healing. They offer lessons that words alone cannot teach, opening pathways for people to reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

At STEPS With Horses, we are honored to witness these transformations every day. And we know they are only possible because of the generosity of our community. Every donation helps us care for our herd and provide counseling to those who are struggling with grief, trauma, and other challenges.
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When you support STEPS With Horses, you make stories like Audrey’s possible. You give people a chance to breathe again, to find hope, and to begin again—with a horse walking quietly by their side.
Client name and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.
👉 Your gift helps change lives. Click here to give today!
💚 Interested in beginning your own healing journey with Sissy and our herd? We’d love to walk beside you. Fill out our Counseling Interest Form to take the first step.

Bob:
Well well well… look who finally slowed down long enough for their interview. Gypsy, it’s about time.
Gypsy:
Hi Bob! I was just doing a quick spin and checking on the toys. You never know when someone’s hidden something good in there.
Bob:
You and those toys. But let’s start at the beginning—you’ve had quite a life, haven’t you?
Gypsy:
Oh, you could say that. I was born to my beautiful sorrel mom, Brittany, and my striking black-and-white dad, Jody. I’ve got two older brothers, Prince and JR, and a little brother named Watch. But I gave everyone a scare when I got sick as a newborn—spent a whole week at the vet with my Mama (not to be confused with my new bestie, Mama Mia). Thankfully, I made it through, and came back with plenty of cha-ching energy!
Bob:
That explains the name--All Wrights Lil Miss Cha-Ching, straight from All Wright Farm.
Gypsy:
That’s me! Named after the vet bill and proud of it. I’ve always been the spunky one—running, spinning, stopping, and doing it all over again just for fun.​

Bob:
And now you’re one of the stars here at STEPS With Horses. What’s your role these days?
Gypsy:
Oh, I love my job! I work in play therapy with the kids, and let me tell you—I’m all about the toys. I’m curious, energetic, and always up for a game. The kids feel safe around me, and I think they like that I’m a little goofy but still listen with my heart.
Bob:
You’ve got a gift, Gypsy. And you’re not just a hit with the little ones, right?
Gypsy:
Right again! The teenage girls from The Maples come out every week, and they love dolling me up—brushing my coat, giving me braids... I eat it up. Who wouldn’t want a fan club?
Bob:
Speaking of fans, I’ve noticed you’ve been sticking close to Mama Mia lately…
Gypsy:
She’s my best friend! She’s calm and sweet and makes me feel grounded—plus she lets me steal her hay sometimes. And Bob, don’t worry, I enjoy your company too… even if I give you a little sass now and then.
Bob:
You mean when you try to herd me like a sheepdog?
Gypsy:
It’s all in good fun. I’ve got to keep you humble. And those big horses? Please, I've dealt with llamas. I may be small, but I’ve been known to put a few in their place when they get too full of themselves.​

Interested in working with Donkey as a client? Complete a Counseling Interest Form!

Want to support Donkey's work? Join Donkey's Carrot Club!

David* was only three years old when he was adopted by a relative. While his adoptive family loved him deeply, the wounds from his early years remained just under the surface. He had little memory of his biological parents—only a lingering sense of confusion and anger that never seemed to go away.

By the time David arrived at equine-assisted counseling, he was 14 and already tired. Tired of being labeled the “angry kid.” Tired of yelling, punching walls, and watching people flinch or shut down around him. He didn’t want to be angry. But the emotions felt too big, too fast. And the only way he knew how to make them go away—even briefly—was through aggression.

Enter Donkey.

Donkey isn’t your typical therapy animal. Short in stature but wise beyond measure, he carries with him the quiet kind of strength—the kind that notices things others miss. From the beginning, David was different around Donkey. In place of shouting, there was silence. In place of slamming doors, a tentative hand reaching out to stroke soft fur. Donkey made David pause.

At first, David didn’t speak much during sessions. He wasn't sure how to explain what he felt without becoming overwhelmed. And, deep down, he worried that if he acted out, Donkey would be scared of him—or worse, go away. So he held it all in, bottling up the storm inside.

Then came the day his therapist gently invited him to talk about his biological parents. David had just mumbled, “I don’t know why they didn’t want me,” when Donkey turned his body and began slowly backing up toward him. It was a subtle movement—but one the equine specialist recognized immediately. This is how Donkey responds when he senses vulnerability or emotional distress. It's his way of saying: I’ve got your back.

For a long moment, neither David nor Donkey moved.
“I didn’t think animals could tell,” David said quietly, eyes fixed on the ground.

“They can,” his equine specialist replied. “Especially Donkey. He senses when people feel unsafe or unsure. And right now, he’s letting you know—he’s here. With you.”

David reached out, resting a hand on Donkey’s side. He didn’t cry. He didn’t yell. But for the first time, he didn’t hold it in. He talked.
About the anger. The guilt. The belief that there was something wrong with him—something that made him unlovable or unwanted. Donkey stayed close the entire time.

That moment was a turning point—not a sudden fix, but a shift.
Over the next few months, David began learning that anger is often a mask for deeper pain—sadness, fear, loss. He started exploring new ways to express those feelings. He practiced recognizing when the anger was building and learned tools to step away, breathe, or ask for help.

And through it all, Donkey remained a steady, calming presence—never demanding, never judging. Just being.

Why This Matters
For many children like David, traditional talk therapy can feel overwhelming or unsafe. Equine-assisted counseling offers a different path—one where healing begins not with words, but with presence.
Donkey didn’t teach David to stop being angry. He taught him that he didn’t have to be angry alone.
And that made all the difference.

Interested in working with Donkey as a client? Submit a Counseling Interest Form!
Want to support Donkey's work with more clients like David? Join Donkey's Carrot Club today!
​*Names and details changed to protect client privacy and identity

We are thrilled to share that STEPS With Horses has once again been recognized as a Guardian by the EQUUS Foundation—an honor that reflects our deep commitment to the welfare of our equine partners. Even more exciting: we are the only organization in North Texas so far to receive this distinction in 2025.

What Is an EQUUS Foundation Guardian?
The Guardian Seal is more than just a badge—it’s a promise. Awarded by the EQUUS Foundation, the nation's leading animal welfare charity focused exclusively on equines, the Guardian designation is given to equine organizations that demonstrate transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of care for their equines. Guardians commit to financial and operational transparency and allow public access to critical information regarding how equines are treated, supported, and integrated into program services.

Becoming a Guardian means opening our barn doors—literally and figuratively—to share how we care for our herd, how funds are used, and how we ensure every equine lives a healthy, safe, and meaningful life. This designation is a badge of integrity and speaks to the deep respect and responsibility we feel toward the animals who make our mission possible.

Why This Recognition Matters
In a world where animal-assisted programs are growing rapidly, it’s more important than ever that organizations demonstrate ethical and compassionate treatment of their therapy animals. The EQUUS Foundation Guardian designation is a mark of excellence and trust—one that donors, partners, and clients can rely on. It means we don’t just talk about equine welfare; we live it, invest in it, and constantly strive to improve it.

When supporters choose to give to STEPS With Horses, they’re not only supporting trauma survivors, veterans, children, and individuals facing mental health challenges—they’re also standing up for the equines that help make that healing possible. Being named a Guardian organization helps ensure that every donor dollar is stewarded with care and that our equine partners receive the respect and resources they deserve.

What Guardian-Level Care Looks Like
At STEPS With Horses, equines are not tools or props. They are partners. Friends. Healers. Teachers. We tailor every aspect of their care to meet their physical, emotional, and social needs. Here’s a closer look at what that means:
• Individualized Care PlansEach equine in our herd is unique. From the confident herd leader, Max, to the shy, reserved Echo who opens up only with certain clients, every equine receives a care plan suited to their personality, age, health status, and role within the program. These plans include customized feeding regimens, training routines, exercise schedules, and wellness checks.

• Physical and Emotional Wellness
Daily check-ins ensure we’re keeping track of physical health, while enrichment activities—like play sessions, riding lessons, or social time with herd mates—support emotional well-being. Equines are incredibly perceptive animals who can absorb and reflect the emotions of those around them. Because of this, we prioritize stress reduction and emotional rest as much as physical care.

• Autonomy and Choice
Perhaps most importantly, our equines have agency. We never force equines to participate in a counseling session. If an equine signals that they need a break, we listen. This fosters trust and respect between equines, staff, and clients. Our team is trained to recognize subtle cues in body language and energy that let us know when an equine is comfortable and when they’re not.

• Preventative and Proactive Veterinary Care
We work closely with our veterinarian and farrier to ensure our equines receive top-tier medical attention. Routine health care is paired with preventative strategies to address issues early. From dental checks to hoof care, we provide a holistic approach to equine health.

• The Freedom to Be Equines
Our equines enjoy pasture time where they can graze, roll, nap, and socialize—doing all the things horses and donkeys are meant to do. Rest and play are just as vital to their well-being as purposeful work. We honor their instincts, needs, and relationships.

A Closer Look at Our Herd
Our diverse herd includes senior equines with decades of wisdom, spirited minis with a playful streak, and gentle giants like Starbuck, who offer stability and grounding to anxious clients. Each equine brings something special to the healing journey. Let us introduce a few of our equine heroes:

• Starbuck
Starbuck is the largest member of our herd, but his size is matched by his enormous heart. He participates in both counseling and therapeutic riding sessions, offering a steady, calm presence to those processing trauma. Clients often describe feeling "seen" by Starbuck in a way they haven't experienced elsewhere.
• Mama Mia
A miniature horse with a sweet spirit, Mama Mia is a favorite in our child-focused sessions. Her small stature makes her less intimidating, but her nurturing demeanor creates powerful emotional connections with clients of all ages.

• Echo
A formerly wild mustang, Echo has an uncanny ability to sense emotional incongruence. Her attunement makes her an incredible partner in sessions involving trauma work and emotional regulation. She helps clients connect with their authentic selves.

• Max
Our confident herd leader, Max is a natural protector and guide. He sets the tone in group sessions, offering grounding and structure while remaining highly responsive to emotional shifts in the environment.

Every equine has a role. Every equine is valued.

What It Took to Become a Guardian
The EQUUS Foundation doesn't hand out Guardian status lightly. The application process is rigorous and includes detailed disclosures about our financials, governance, facilities, equine records, and welfare practices. Every question reflects the foundation's deep understanding of what true, ethical equine care entails.

From stall sanitation protocols to emergency evacuation plans, from feeding schedules to end-of-life planning, we were asked to show how we put our values into practice every single day. It was an opportunity to both showcase our strengths and identify areas where we can grow. We embrace that growth.

We also engage in continuing education, staying current on equine welfare research and training. Our staff and volunteers receive instruction not only in equine handling and safety but also in understanding equine behavior, trauma-informed practices, and compassionate care.

The Impact of Your Support
When you donate to STEPS With Horses, you're investing in the care of these remarkable animals as much as you are in the healing of our human clients. Your support helps us:

• Maintain high-quality hay and grain tailored to each equine’s dietary needs
• Provide vaccinations, dental care, farrier visits, and emergency vet services
• Planting grass and maintaining our pasture
• Purchase enrichment tools and training equipment
• Support staff training and development in equine wellness practices

Your generosity makes it possible for our equines to thrive—and in turn, for them to help our clients do the same.

Join Us in Celebrating
We invite you to celebrate this achievement with us—and with the equines who made it possible. Whether you sponsor an equine, attend an event, or simply share our mission with a friend, you’re helping us lead the way in ethical, compassionate equine-assisted mental health services.
Thank you for believing in our work. Thank you for honoring our herd.
We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a Guardian by the EQUUS Foundation for the second year in a row. As the only organization in North Texas to receive this distinction, we are more committed than ever to modeling excellence in both human healing and equine care.
💙 Learn more about our herd or give a gift to support them today!

Samuel* always felt different. Other kids didn’t seem to understand him, and no matter how hard he tried, he struggled to relate to them. When he got excited, his energy bubbled over, sometimes overwhelming those around him. He talked too fast, moved too much, and reacted too strongly. Other children pulled away, and eventually, he found himself standing alone on the playground more often than not. Even at home, companionship eluded him—the family cat, sensing his intensity, spent most of its time tucked safely under the bed.

His parents, desperate to find something that would help him connect with the world in a way that made sense to him, brought him to equine-partnered play therapy. At first, Samuel didn’t understand why the horses wouldn’t stay near him. Just like the kids at school, they ran away when he ran toward them. He wanted so badly to be close to them, but the more excited he got, the further they retreated.

Mama Mia, a miniature horse with a heart as big as her name suggested, became his silent teacher. Unlike people, she didn’t judge or scold—she simply responded. When Samuel rushed toward her, she turned and walked away. When he slowed down, softening his energy, she paused, ears flicking in his direction.
With time, Samuel started to notice these small changes. The moment he caught himself before moving too fast, Mama Mia would linger just a little longer. When he approached her with calmness, she stayed. The more he observed, the more he adjusted—not because someone told him to, but because he wanted to.

The transformation didn’t happen overnight, but one day, something remarkable occurred. Samuel came home from therapy, and for the first time, the family cat wasn’t hiding. Instead, it sat at the edge of the hallway, watching him. A few days later, it crept into his lap. Samuel beamed, gently stroking its fur, suddenly understanding something profound—his energy mattered.

Not long after that, his mother got a call from his teacher. Samuel had made his first friend at school. It wasn’t because someone had taught him social rules or given him a list of steps to follow. It was because he had learned—through Mama Mia’s quiet patience—how to listen, how to adjust, and how to connect in a way that felt real.

For Samuel, this wasn’t just about learning self-control. It was about discovering how to be himself in a way that brought others closer instead of pushing them away. And it all started with a miniature horse who simply waited for him to figure it out on his own.
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At STEPS With Horses, moments like these unfold every day. Because sometimes, the best lessons in life don’t come from words—but from the quiet, steady presence of an equine partner willing to show the way.

To work with Mama Mia in counseling, fill out our Counseling Interest Form

To support Mama Mia's work, join Mama Mia's Carrot Club

Suzy* was a quiet and timid girl with debilitating social anxiety that made everyday interactions with her peers overwhelming. For months, she had been working with Bob and Mama Mia in equine assisted counseling, overcoming her fear of larger horses. The miniature horses helped her feel safe, and through her sessions, she had started to come out of her shell with family and close friends. However, she still struggled to communicate and connect with her peers at school. 

Seeing her progress and understanding her goals, Suzy’s counselor recommended she join STEPS’ therapeutic horsemanship program, focusing on riding with a therapeutic riding instructor. The goal was to help her build confidence, make decisions, and express herself in new ways. This meant stepping outside her comfort zone and working with one of the larger horses in the herd. 
Suzy was both nervous and intrigued when she met Snoop. His golden coat shimmered and his tall, elegant frame felt imposing compared to the miniature horses she had grown comfortable with. Despite her initial fear, something about Snoop’s calm demeanor and curious gaze reassured her. 

In her first riding lesson, Suzy was hesitant. She needed the instructor and a volunteer to guide Snoop as she sat stiffly in the saddle. The instructor gently encouraged her to hold the reins and give Snoop simple commands, but her voice was barely above a whisper. Snoop responded slowly, as if giving her time to gather her courage. 

Over the next several weeks, Suzy’s confidence began to grow. With each lesson, she became more comfortable in the saddle and started to trust Snoop. Her instructor praised her for every small step forward—taking the reins more firmly, sitting tall in the saddle, or clearly saying, “Walk on.” Snoop’s steady pace and his tendency to glance back at her, as if checking in, gave her the encouragement she needed. 

One day, the instructor suggested Suzy try steering Snoop through a simple course of cones. At first, she hesitated, unsure if she could guide such a large horse on her own. But with a deep breath, she squeezed Snoop gently with her heels and said, “Walk on.” To her surprise, Snoop responded immediately, moving forward with his smooth gait. 

As Suzy maneuvered him through the cones, her voice grew stronger. “Turn left, Snoop. Now right.” Her instructor and the volunteers cheered her on, but it was Snoop’s consistent, responsive nature that gave her the confidence to keep going. By the end of the lesson, Suzy was grinning from ear to ear. 

In the weeks that followed, Suzy continued to improve. She learned how to trot with Snoop and began to look forward to their rides together. The shy, uncertain girl who had once been afraid to speak up was now giving confident commands to a horse much larger than herself. 

But the biggest victory came at school. One day, her teacher noticed Suzy raising her hand during group activities and speaking up during class discussions. “I feel braver,” Suzy later told her riding instructor. “If I can ride Snoop, I can do other scary things too.” 
Snoop had helped Suzy find her voice and a sense of courage she didn’t know she had. Together, they had formed a partnership built on trust and mutual respect—one that carried Suzy toward a brighter, more confident future. 
*Name and client details changed to protect client identity and privacy. Photo does not depict actual client.
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To work with Snoop as a client, fill out our Counseling Interest Form!
To support more clients like Suzy, donate today!