Student Stories



Positive Change Through Horses


My daughter needed a different experience that summer can normally offer. Luckily, I found LEAD Horses program. It helped her ground down. I can see the difference. The horses give a different energy to our youths. The environment to me is so exquisite and peaceful. I don’t think anyone realize that there are options like these for our children. It grace trying to help each child one at a time in the process of conscious engagement. Awareness is powerful.  Thank you so much LEAD horses. - Epifania C.

LEAD is amazing! I was introduced to them when my oldest daughter took a class that they offered for homeschooled children, at a Co-op my girls attended. I was so impressed, that I signed both of my daughters up for another course at their beautiful facility. My girls can't stop talking about the class each week...what challenge they were presented with and how they eventually overcame it. I have seen their excitement and confidence grow... This is a wonderful program! - Stephanie H.

[My son] is building his skills with communication, learning how to trust and be trusted, as well as personal responsibility... since being involved with LEAD. His behavior has improved, he is showing signs of improved self-esteem and confidence as well. [He] struggles with making friends and deals with bullying a lot when school is in session. The improved self-esteem and self-confidence is crucial for [him], he is showing he has the courage to try new things, like making new friends, he believes in himself more, and he knows that good things can happen when he tries his best. We feel the opportunity to work with horses helps him tremendously, we are very grateful for the therapy he is able to receive at LEAD because scholarships are available for those in need like our family. Thank you so much! -Jayme M.

Our family wanted to take this time to express how grateful we are for your scholarship program. Your program has allowed our daughter to learn about the relationship between horses and humans, their emotions and techniques, as well as, responsibility, self-esteem and her own emotions. Every week she can't wait to attend class and work with the horses and interact with the other kids. During these ever changing times, this program has given our daughter a safe place to learn and be herself. The staff is amazing! They are so welcoming, helpful, and understanding. I can't say enough on how much I love this place. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to be apart of such a great program. Thank you for all that you do! We truly appreciate your hard work and dedication to these children. Thank you. Paul & Shara I.

Both our foster girls traumatic history has left them without the ability to regulate their own emotions and observe those around them. With the access to your program made possible with your generosity, we are excited for them to learn and understand basic personal boundary skills. The calm and peaceful surroundings...as well as surrounded by large animals...will expose them to new experiences I couldn't provide them at home. Thank you for the tremendous opportunity provided to our family." – Stephanie T.

My son has attended multiple courses at LEAD with Horses…LEAD's group structure has helped with self-regulation, being aware of personal space, patience, problem solving and emotional regulation, as well as cooperation and understanding through the group activities. The horses (and Hoku the Donkey too!) have helped install compassion and respect, as well as a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. I just can't say enough positive things about them- We are so grateful for all that is LEAD with horses! - Melissa B.

I’m so grateful for how supportive [LEAD] has been. I have an ally. I’m not doing this alone, and I’ve been very grateful for that. [My son] feels lighter, more relaxed, more talkative. – Siri N.

Thank you LEAD with Horses.  My daughter is really doing well with this opportunity… I believe this is part of a wonderful breaking through for her. LEAD with Horses scholarship program has opened up opportunity to my daughter that might otherwise never have happened... LEAD with Horses Scholarship program blessed our family and brought hope at a time when it was deeply needed.  My daughter has made the commitment to participate and looks forward to her time during LEAD with the horses.  More than I can express, thank you, LEAD with Horses.  I am so grateful for your generosity.  Katt W.

Karen & I want to thank you and your sponsors for the opportunity that you have given to our son. He is our #11 child and the 8th child which we have adopted from foster care. Beyond the normal 5-year-old behaviors he has anger and control issues and finds it hard to express these feelings. Since attending LEAD with Horses we have seen a remarkable improvement in [our son]. He still gets angry but is now coming to us and talking or taking a self-imposed quiet moment. His pre-school teachers have also seen improvements – confrontations with other kids reduced, less out-bursts and earning more rewards. We are grateful for these changes and grateful for your generous support that made this possible. - Tim & Karen R.

[My son] has grown so much in such a short amount of time. He is showing more compassion, patience and understanding. I knew I had an amazing little boy, but LEAD has brought it out more. - Kati W.

LEAD with Horses has been an amazing growth and healing program for my 9 year old daughter. She has learned the concept of boundaries, new positive ways to communicate her thoughts and feelings. My little one was frustrated and angry so much being out of her control. She learned she does have control over herself. I am a single mother with two kids who has been seeking a place of healing for my daughter for sometime now. Sadly getting children mental help through play therapy is next to impossible in Northern Nevada. There are next to no options and the few options that do exist are way out of my budget and don’t accept insurance. LEAD with Horses in my opinion is one of the best programs available to children in need of emotional healing. They give them a place of safety a place they can not only heal but gain much needed life skills. The scholarships offered through LEAD with Horses made it possible for my daughter to finally begin her journey to healing and her mother is beyond grateful to any and all who have made this amazing program possible. - Laura F

My son really enjoys coming to the program and gets excited being around the horses.  Every week he just can't wait to tell me what happened at camp that day.  He talks about the other children he met and how kind the staff are as well.  My son is a definitely an animal lover like myself and I knew this would be a great fit for him.  Trying to find different outlets for him to help with his mood behaviors this past year can sometimes be a struggle...When I pick up my son he always has the biggest smile on his face.  He is always in a great mood and very calm.  I am really thankful for the opportunity and I will continue to support LEAD with Horses and what they do in the community.   Thank you - Joyce D.

I took [my adoptive daughter] to meet horses for the fist time this spring and she fell in love with the majestic animals. I knew then that equine therapy would be a perfect fit to help her adjust with all she has been though in her short nine years. The financial assistance provided was great help in getting my daughter into the LEAD Program. Her equine therapy is the highlight of her week. She has become a better communicator with her peers and learned a lot about animal behavior. She has already gained so much from this experience. Thank you again for the generosity and support. - Casandra W.

My daughter looks forward to the class every Friday, and talks about [her horse] non stop. I feel her confidence level has increased and she tells me about responsibilities and most importantly her love for horses! Thank you Lead with horses for giving my daughter the chance with the program! - Jennifer R.