SPECIAL SPIRIT PROGRAMS
EQUINE-ASSISTED ACTIVITIES

EQUINE EMPOWERING YOUTH

Our structured, trauma-informed equine-assisted mental health program is designed to meet youth where they are developmentally and emotionally.

Through weekly, facilitated small-group sessions, participants engage in guided groundwork, horsemanship activities, and reflective processing led by trained staff.

Horse are emotionally attuned, respond immediately to changes in body language, emotional state, and intention. This real-time, nonverbal feedback helps participants develop emotional regulation, self-awareness, and boundary-setting skills in ways that are experiential rather than abstract.

For youth who struggle to verbalize trauma or mistrust traditional therapy settings, this hands-on approach lowers barriers to engagement and builds psychological safety.

By combining experiential learning with trauma-informed facilitation, we are helping young people to build resilience, authenticity, and relational skills that support long-term mental health and stability.

Outcome
When young people are better equipped to manage stress and build healthy relationships, caregivers experience less burnout, caseworkers encounter fewer disruptions, and community systems face reduced strain. In this way, Special Spirit’s work contributes not only to individual healing but to stronger families, more stable placements, and healthier communities overall.