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 Categories All
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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:
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. 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 *Name and details changed to protect client privacy and identity. Photo does not depict real client. 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. To work with Snoop as a client, fill out our Counseling Interest Form! To support more clients like Suzy, donate today! Louis* was just 15 years old, but he carried a weight far heavier than any teen should. His mother had passed away suddenly, leaving him and his father to navigate a world that no longer made sense. His father, determined to stay strong, had brushed aside their pain, insisting that Louis “buck up” because his mother wouldn’t want them to be sad. So Louis did as he was told. He locked away his feelings, burying his grief deep inside. But grief doesn’t stay hidden for long, and his bottled-up emotions would often erupt as anger—at school, at his friends, at the smallest frustrations. His teachers grew concerned, and eventually, his father agreed to try something different: equine-assisted counseling. When Louis first arrived, he didn’t know what to expect. He didn’t talk much, keeping his emotions tightly sealed. But over time, he began to connect with the horses, particularly Maggie, the protective matriarch of the herd, and her quiet best friend, Sissy. It was a sunny day when Louis found himself in the pen with Maggie and Sissy. Maggie, as usual, was bold and commanding. She nudged Louis repeatedly, her energy brimming with insistence. “Cut it out!” Louis snapped, shoving her away. His voice was sharp, and his fists were clenched. Maggie stopped, her ears flicking back as she assessed him. From the edge of the pen, Sissy began to approach. Smaller and more reserved than Maggie, Sissy moved slowly, her soft gaze steady on Louis. She seemed to sense his turmoil and carefully made her way over, her calm presence filling the space. “She’s so pushy,” Louis muttered, glaring at Maggie. “Why can’t she just leave me alone?” Sissy stopped a few steps away, lowering her head and waiting. She didn’t demand his attention; she simply offered her quiet support. Louis glanced at her, his breathing uneven, and after a moment, he let out a deep sigh. Tentatively, he reached out a hand toward Sissy. She stepped closer, her warm breath brushing against his fingers. Something about her stillness soothed the storm raging inside him. “I’m so mad all the time,” Louis admitted, his voice trembling. “Everyone keeps saying to move on, but I can’t. I miss her so much. And Dad—he doesn’t even talk about her. He just pretends like everything’s fine.” Sissy leaned into him gently, her steady presence grounding him. Louis leaned back, and the words began to flow. He told Sissy about his mom—the way she used to sing while cooking, the way she always knew how to make him laugh, and how empty everything felt without her. He even spoke about his dad, how his father’s silence made him feel like there was no room for his own sadness. “I don’t want to be angry,” Louis said, his tears falling freely now. “But it’s the only way anyone notices that I’m not okay.” As Louis talked, Sissy stayed close, her calm demeanor an anchor. Maggie had stepped back earlier, but now she moved closer again, carefully resting her head over Louis’s shoulder as if to say, You’re safe here. The three of them—Louis, Sissy, and Maggie—stayed together in a quiet, nurturing bubble. For the first time, Louis felt the heavy burden of his grief begin to lift. When the session ended, Louis stood and patted Sissy’s neck, his fingers lingering on her soft coat. “Thanks, Sissy,” he said quietly. *Name and details changed to protect client identity and privacy. To support Sissy's work with clients, join Sissy's Carrot Club!
To become a client and work with Sissy, fill out the Counseling Interest Form! Miriam*, a young woman fresh out of high school, found herself at a crossroads. After graduation, she had drifted, feeling unmotivated and disconnected. Her friends had moved on to college or jobs, but Miriam felt stuck, shadowed by depression and a deep uncertainty about what to do next. Her family and friends suggested different paths, but none of it resonated. She felt lost and isolated, not just from her future but from herself. When she arrived at STEPS With Horses for equine assisted counseling, Miriam was cautious. The idea of connecting with a horse felt intimidating, but she was open to trying something new. That’s when she met Echo, a beautiful mustang with a rich copper coat, her eyes both intense and deeply perceptive. Echo was unique—not just because she was the only formerly wild horse in the herd, but because she had a keen sensitivity to the people around her. She could sense when someone wasn’t fully in touch with themselves or was hiding how they really felt. For horses like Echo, this “incongruence”—or lack of internal harmony—was unsettling. In the wild, horses rely on each other’s openness to stay safe and feel at ease. If one horse’s body language doesn’t match their emotions, it could signal a threat or disturbance to the herd, so horses are instinctively uncomfortable around hidden emotions. For Miriam, this was new and unfamiliar territory. She often felt she needed to mask her true feelings to protect herself and avoid showing her vulnerability. But Echo didn’t respond well to this kind of masking. In the early days, when Miriam would try to interact with Echo while still holding back her emotions, Echo would grow uneasy, shifting restlessly, pawing the ground, or even walking away. It was as though Echo could see right through her, sensing that Miriam was putting up walls. During one session, Miriam stood next to Echo, attempting to hide her sadness and confusion behind a forced smile. Echo grew visibly agitated, her ears flicking, her body tense. The equine specialist acknowledged Echo’s discomfort and Miriam’s therapist asked her to look inward. Tentatively, Miriam allowed herself to relax her guarded posture and let her true emotions come to the surface. She whispered to Echo, “I don’t know what I’m doing. I feel so lost.” Echo immediately calmed, her head lowering as she stepped closer to Miriam. This time, the mustang seemed open and welcoming, her soft eyes looking into Miriam’s as though she understood. In that moment, Miriam realized the power of being honest with herself and how her emotional presence could shift the connection between her and the horse. Over the weeks that followed, Miriam continued her work with Echo, learning to notice and embrace her own emotions instead of burying them. She found that her connection with Echo was strongest when she allowed herself to be fully present and authentic. This connection sparked something in Miriam; she felt seen and accepted, even in her most vulnerable moments. For the first time, she understood that she didn’t have to carry her struggles alone, and that letting her guard down was a strength, not a weakness. As Miriam began to open up more with Echo, the therapist encouraged her to explore these feelings beyond the pasture, carrying this newfound self-acceptance into her daily life. She started to reconnect with friends, sharing more openly about her struggles, and even took small steps toward planning her future. She began to feel a sense of purpose and motivation again, inspired by the bond she shared with Echo and by her own journey to self-acceptance. Miriam’s story is one example of the impact equine assisted counseling can have on young people struggling to find their way. Horses like Echo provide a space for healing that is both powerful and unique, helping individuals to break down emotional barriers and rediscover a sense of purpose and self-acceptance. This work is made possible through the generosity of those who support STEPS With Horses, enabling us to offer life-changing experiences for clients like Miriam. Together, we’re helping to create moments of connection and growth that can ripple out into their lives and beyond. Impressed by Echo's work? Join Echo's Carrot Club! Interested in working with Echo as a client? Fill out our Counseling Interest Form *Client name and details changed to protect client privacy and identity Alyse* was the youngest of five siblings, a quiet girl who lived in a whirlwind of change. Her father was in the military, and frequent relocations were a way of life. When he was deployed for long stretches, the house grew chaotic. Alyse’s siblings acted out in their own ways—angry outbursts, defiance, and emotional withdrawal. But Alyse? She retreated into herself, becoming a silent observer of the storm that seemed to rage endlessly around her. When she first arrived for her Equine-Partnered Play Therapy sessions, Alyse would greet the horses softly, her voice barely louder than a whisper. But as soon as she entered the play area, her focus shifted to the dollhouse. She would create a tornado that ripped through the house, again and again. The walls, the roof, the furniture—nothing was safe from her carefully crafted destruction. The play therapist, seeing this, recognized the tornado as a symbol of the chaos in Alyse’s home life, the uncontrollable forces tearing through her world. Bob, the miniature horse, was always nearby during these sessions. Though Alyse didn’t acknowledge him much at first, he would inch closer each time, keeping a gentle watch over her. His presence was calm, quiet, and steady. And as Bob approached, something magical happened—the tornado would weaken. The destruction would stop. Alyse would pause, turn toward Bob, and smile faintly as if remembering he was there all along. She would brush his mane, running her small fingers through his coat, and speak to him softly. Bob seemed to understand, lowering his head as if to listen, his large, dark eyes reflecting her unspoken words. Over the course of the sessions, the tornado became less frequent. Alyse still played with the dollhouse, but now she would rebuild it, carefully placing the furniture back in its proper place. The chaos in her home hadn’t disappeared, but her relationship with Bob gave her something constant, something that couldn’t be torn apart by the storm. At home, subtle changes started to emerge. Alyse was still quiet, but she no longer withdrew completely. She began to talk more with her mother, share small details about her day, and she even started to sleep with fewer nightmares. When her siblings argued, Alyse didn’t flinch away from the noise—she was learning, in her own way, to rebuild even when the world felt overwhelming. In her play therapy sessions, Bob became a central figure in Alyse’s stories. Instead of the tornado, there was now a brave little horse who protected the dollhouse, standing firm while the winds howled outside. Alyse’s play grew more complex—she began to create stories of strength, of healing, and of finding calm amidst the chaos. One day, Alyse arrived at her session with a drawing. It was of Bob standing next to the dollhouse, surrounded by a beautiful, peaceful scene—no tornado in sight. When asked what had changed, Alyse simply smiled and said, "Bob helps me feel safe. So now, the house stays safe too." In that moment, the play therapist knew that Alyse had found a way to cope, a way to manage the storms of life. And while the tornado might never disappear completely, Alyse now had Bob to anchor her, helping her weather whatever came next. *Client's name and details have been changed to protect client identity. Photo does not depict real client. You can make a difference in the lives of children like Alyse. Give a gift for North Texas Giving Day at https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/stepswithhorses Serena* had always been good at hiding her emotions. After years of bouncing around from foster home to foster home, she’d learned that showing vulnerability only made things harder. When she was finally adopted at age 10 by a loving family, everyone told her she should feel lucky, but she just felt confused. Her new parents were kind, patient, and wanted to understand her, but she couldn’t bring herself to trust them completely. She built walls around her heart, laughing off tough moments, masking her feelings with sarcasm or silence. As Serena grew older, her isolation deepened. She longed to feel connected to her family but didn't know how to let her guard down. She would retreat to her room, spend time alone, and avoid deep conversations. Whenever someone came too close to her emotions, she’d dodge it with a joke or change the subject. One day, during her equine assisted counseling session, Serena was brushing Donkey. Donkey was known for being able to sense emotions in a way that humans couldn’t. Whenever someone felt vulnerable, anxious, or overwhelmed, Donkey would step in—literally. He’d place himself between them and whatever seemed to be causing the distress, like a quiet protector. Serena had always felt at ease with Donkey. His presence was calming, and he didn’t demand anything from her, unlike the humans in her life. They would spend time in silence, the sound of the brush moving through his fur and the rhythm of his breathing soothing her. But one day, as she absently brushed his coat, something slipped. “I don’t know… sometimes I just wonder why she left,” Serena mumbled, thinking about her biological mother. The words came out before she could stop them. She tensed, realizing she’d revealed more than she ever meant to. Quickly, she tried to cover it up. “But, hey, who needs her anyway, right?” The therapist, standing nearby, observed quietly. Serena’s joking tone didn’t fool Donkey. He stopped grazing and his ears perked up. Without warning, Donkey backed up slowly and gently pressed his body against Serena’s side. His warmth surrounded her like a shield, his solid weight a grounding presence. Serena froze, confused by his sudden movement. “Why is he doing that?” Serena asked nervously, her voice tinged with fear. The therapist smiled gently. “Donkey can sense when someone feels vulnerable or anxious. He tends to do this when he thinks someone needs protection. He must have picked up on something you’re feeling.” Serena felt her chest tighten. She didn’t want to believe it, but she could feel it in the pit of her stomach—the sadness she’d been burying for so long. Her walls had cracked just a little, and Donkey had noticed. He wasn’t judging her or pulling away. He was standing right there, refusing to leave her side. A deep breath escaped Serena’s lungs, shaky and uneven. She felt her face flush as tears welled up in her eyes. For the first time in years, she let go. The sobs came, heavy and raw, as she collapsed into herself, her face buried in Donkey’s soft fur. The weight of her sadness, anger, and confusion poured out in waves she could no longer control. “I never got to say goodbye,” Serena cried. “I didn’t get to ask her why.” Donkey stayed rooted beside her, his calm energy unwavering. The therapist moved closer, kneeling beside Serena without saying a word. The silence between them was comforting, allowing Serena to feel her pain without the pressure of explanation. When the tears finally slowed, Serena felt lighter, as if she had shed something she’d been carrying for too long. She looked at Donkey, still pressed protectively against her, and for the first time in as long as she could remember, she didn’t feel the need to hide. Serena wiped her face and took a deep breath. “I didn’t think anyone could know how I felt,” she whispered. “But he… he just knew.” “Donkey doesn’t need words,” the therapist said softly. “He understands what you’re really feeling, even when you’re not ready to speak it.” Serena nodded, feeling a strange new sense of peace. It was still hard to believe that someone—or something—had seen through her walls. But instead of feeling exposed or scared, she felt safe. That day marked a turning point for Serena. Donkey had shown her that she didn’t have to hide behind jokes or walls. It was okay to feel pain, to be vulnerable, and to let others see her for who she truly was. Slowly, Serena began to open up, not only in her therapy sessions but also with her family. The walls she had so carefully constructed started to come down, and she discovered that the people in her life were willing to stand by her just as Donkey had—protective, patient, and understanding. *Name and details changed to protect client identity and privacy. Photo does not depict real client. Would you like to support Donkey's work with more clients like Serena? Give a one-time or monthly gift to Donkey's Carrot Club! Want to work with Donkey as a client? Fill out our Counseling Interest Form! Judy* first came to STEPS with Horses seeking relief from the deep wounds of childhood trauma. For years, she had carried the weight of painful memories, struggling with PTSD that clouded her daily life. Traditional therapy had offered some solace, but Judy felt a profound need for something more—a way to connect her healing journey with a tangible, grounding experience. She found that connection through equine assisted counseling at STEPS with Horses. In those early sessions, Judy learned to trust again, not just others, but also herself. Working alongside a compassionate counselor and gentle horses, she slowly began to unravel the tightly wound threads of her trauma. The horses, with their non-judgmental presence, offered a unique mirror to her emotions, allowing her to process her pain in a safe and nurturing environment. Over time, Judy achieved her initial goals: she processed much of her trauma and significantly reduced her PTSD symptoms. The horses had become silent yet powerful partners in her healing. However, Judy's journey didn’t end there. Recognizing her progress and her growing bond with the horses, the team at STEPS with Horses suggested she transition to their therapeutic horsemanship program. This program, part of the Spectrum of Therapeutic Equine-Partnered Services (STEPS) Model, provides a pathway for clients like Judy to "step down" from clinical counseling services into a non-clinical yet deeply supportive environment. Here, Judy could continue her journey, focusing on building confidence, enhancing her communication skills, and learning horsemanship and riding from a certified therapeutic riding instructor. When Judy first met Starbuck, she was taken aback by his size and beauty. Starbuck, an imposing former dressage show horse, stood tall and proud. Judy was both awed and intimidated. Riding him felt like a daunting challenge. Starbuck was not an easy horse to handle; his strong-willed nature required clear, confident communication. In their initial lessons, Judy struggled. Starbuck seemed to sense her hesitations and responded with his own form of resistance. He would test her boundaries, challenging her to assert herself. There were moments of frustration and doubt, but Judy was determined. She knew that Starbuck’s demands for clear direction and confidence were not just about riding—they mirrored the inner strength she was still learning to harness within herself. With each session, Judy grew more confident. Guided by her instructor, she learned to communicate effectively with Starbuck, using subtle cues and body language to convey her intentions. As she became more assertive, Starbuck began to respond more willingly. Their relationship transformed into a partnership built on mutual respect and trust. Riding Starbuck became a powerful metaphor for Judy’s own journey. Just as she had learned to guide him, she learned to take the reins of her own life, steering herself toward a future not defined by her past. The skills she developed in the therapeutic horsemanship program extended beyond the arena. Her newfound confidence seeped into every aspect of her life, empowering her to face challenges with resilience and grace. Through her work with Starbuck, Judy discovered a profound sense of accomplishment and self-worth. The once intimidating horse became a symbol of her triumph over fear and self-doubt. Each ride was a testament to her strength and the transformative power of the human-horse connection. Judy’s story is just one of many at STEPS with Horses, illustrating the incredible potential of STEPS’ services. From clinical counseling to therapeutic horsemanship, the spectrum of services offered by STEPS provides a holistic approach to healing and growth. For Judy, and countless others like her, the journey with horses is not just about riding—it’s about reclaiming their lives, one step at a time. *Name and details changed to protect client privacy and identity Want to become a client? Fill out our Counseling Interest Form! Interested in supporting Starbuck's work? Join Starbuck's Carrot Club! Rick, a wary teenager, carried the heavy burden of a painful past. Raised in an abusive household, he learned early on that showing emotions could lead to more hurt. He became very good at hiding his feelings, always saying he was "fine," even when he was really hurting inside. By the time Rick started equine assisted counseling, his emotional walls were firmly in place. At the ranch, Rick met Maggie, a gentle and perceptive therapy horse with a unique ability to sense the emotions of those around her. Despite Rick’s calm appearance, Maggie quickly sensed the storm brewing inside him. Whenever Rick said he was "fine," Maggie would respond with gentle nudges or restlessness, sensing the truth behind his words. In their sessions together, Maggie could see into Rick's inner world. She would nuzzle him gently when he was sad, stand quietly by his side when he was anxious, and sometimes even refuse to move when Rick was especially guarded. These subtle but powerful reactions from Maggie showed the difference between Rick's words and his emotions. Rick's counselor helped him understand these interactions, showing him that Maggie was responding to his true feelings, not the mask he wore. At first, this made Rick uncomfortable. He wasn’t used to anyone, let alone a horse, seeing through his defenses. But Maggie's kind presence and patience slowly chipped away at his emotional armor. One memorable moment stands out in Rick's journey. During a tough session, Rick stood beside Maggie, insisting he was fine. Maggie stepped closer and rested her head gently on his shoulder. This simple act of comfort broke through Rick's walls. He began to cry, letting out all the feelings he had been holding inside. Maggie stayed with him, her calm and steady presence giving him the safety he had never known. This breakthrough marked the beginning of a big change. Rick started to trust the process, realizing that he was in a safe space where he could express his true self. With Maggie's help, he began to explore his emotions, understanding that they were valid and deserved to be felt and expressed. As Rick grew more comfortable with his feelings, he started to share more about his past, his fears, and his dreams for the future. He learned to recognize and name his emotions, a skill that had eluded him for so long. Maggie was there every step of the way, her quiet support reinforcing the lessons Rick was learning. Over time, Rick’s relationship with Maggie helped him rebuild his sense of self. He no longer felt the need to hide behind a facade of being "fine." He embraced his emotions, understanding that they were a vital part of his healing process. Rick found strength in his vulnerability, realizing that it was okay to show his true feelings. Today, Rick is a testament to the power of healing and self-discovery. With Maggie and the equine assisted counseling program, he found a path to emotional resilience and self-awareness. Rick learned that he is safe, valued, and worthy of love and understanding. His journey with Maggie transformed his life, teaching him that it is not only okay but necessary to be true to himself. If you or someone you know could benefit from similar services, contact us to learn more about our programs. For those looking to make a difference, consider donating to support services that empower youth like Rick on their path to healing and growth. |
AuthorSTEPS With Horses Archives
May 2025
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