We’re Honored to Be Named an EQUUS Foundation Guardian—For the Second Year in a Row!

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!