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.
​
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.
​
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!

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

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!