What is Bridging Hearts & Horses?
Bridging Hearts & Horses as a locally developed program designed to serve the needs of youth in our community. It is a one-on-one youth mentorship program for children and teens ages 5 to 18 who have experienced complex childhood trauma.
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Each participant is matched with a dedicated, trained adult mentor and a specific horse. Together, they meet for one hour each week, building a consistent, supportive relationship over time. The structure is intentional. Trust, growth, and skill-building happen through continuity, not drop-in experiences.

This is not a riding program. It is a relationship-based mentoring experience that uses the horse as a partner in learning.

Who We Serve
We serve youth ages 5 to 18 who benefit from individualized attention, steady adult support, and experiential learning.
Participants may include youth who:
  • Have experience complex childhood trauma
  • Are developing social, emotional, or life skills
  • Need a safe space to build confidence and trust
  • Learn best through hands-on, relational experiences
  • Benefit from consistent mentorship and positive role modeling
No prior horse experience is needed. Activities are developmentally appropriate and adapted to each child’s needs, abilities, and comfort level.

What the Program Is About
At the heart of Bridging Hearts & Horses is relationship.

Each week, youth engage in guided activities with their mentor and horse that focus on communication, emotional awareness, responsibility, and healthy boundaries. Horses are highly responsive to human behavior and emotion, offering real-time feedback that helps youth understand how their actions impact others.

Through this process, participants practice:
  • Emotional regulation and self-awareness
  • Clear communication and problem-solving
  • Patience, empathy, and responsibility
  • Confidence and trust within a healthy relationship

Because the mentor and horse remain consistent, youth are able to build meaningful connections and apply what they learn from week to week.

Our Approach
The program is relationship-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based.

Safety, predictability, and choice are prioritized at every stage. Mentors are trained to meet youth where they are and to support growth without pressure or judgment. Horses are treated as partners, and their welfare is central to the program’s integrity.

We believe that when youth experience a healthy, reliable relationship, they gain skills that carry into school, family life, and the broader community.