Who We Help

LEAD with Horses serves individuals ages 5-24 and their families. We offer a variety of programs to assist all children, teens and young adults, especially those facing challenges or considered to be “at-risk.” Horse therapy and education can build confidence, increase positive life skills, and develop resilience. We offer many programs at a free or reduced fee to foster youth, children of veterans, and others.
two children leading a horse between poles

 

Children & Youth (5-24)

Serving ages 5-24 and families. LEAD with Horses offers individual and group services for children, teens and young adults. LEAD's equine programs focus on positive youth development and take a strength-based approach. Contact us to learn more about how horses can help you and your family.

Individual Programs

LEAD works with clients, parents, teachers, and therapists to develop a custom, trauma-informed approach for individuals and families. Sessions are designed around individual therapy goals and objectives. Youth take an active part in their own counseling experience. Our horse therapy team includes a qualified, licensed Mental Health Professional; certified equine specialist, and horses. Individual counseling is for ages 10 and up. also offering private family counseling.

Group Programs

Courses and camps are offered regularly. Children, teens and young adults develop new skills and build confidence in a safe, challenging and non-judgmental environment. Our interactive and experiential horse activities are a fun and creative approach to teaching leadership skills, creative thinking and problem solving, teamwork, responsibility, and more! Visit our Course page for current group offerings.

Neurodiversity

LEAD with Horses does not take a cookie-cutter approach to education and skill development. We create a personalized program for your based on your input, goals, and objectives. We build on the individual's distinctive strengths and abilities to develop a custom equine assisted learning program. Contact us to set up a free private assessment and visit our Course page for information on group classes.

Working one on one with horses creates a tangible avenue to address challenges with social and communication skills, regulation, planning, and problem-solving. The multi-sensory, experiential learning environment creates a direct avenue to expand and generalize skills learned in more traditional settings.

Horses are social animals and read and respond to non-verbal interactions with their human partners; participants benefit from this nonverbal exchange by engaging in activities that require behavioral follow-through, emotional regulation, and focus.

Concepts of reciprocity and connection can be learned within the development of a relationship with a horse. Participants often form powerful connections with horses, creating avenues for exploring relationships and communication.

 

Military Families

Military families face unique challenges which may include deployment stress, family readjustment, a parent with combat injury or illness, multiple moves, and changes in relationships.

LEAD's group activities offer participants the opportunity to develop a bond with each other and their equine partners, exchange ideas, provide support to one another, and grow in a safe, challenging and non-judgmental environment.

We also offer private sessions for children and families of veterans. We can build a program specifically for you and your family. Contact us to learn more.

 

Kids in Foster Care

Life in foster care can be extraordinarily challenging and disruptive for children and teens, emotionally and developmentally. Youth in foster care deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential. Unfortunately, they often face tremendous obstacles in school and in life.

LEAD provides a safe place to learn and grow.  Our group equine programs offer a fun and educational diversion, while building skills such as stress management, communication, planning and problem-solving. As they work with horses, youth develop self-confidence and resilience. Visit our Courses page for current group offerings.

Private sessions for individuals or foster families are also available. We customize a program for your family's unique situation. Contact us to learn more.