Community Programs

Healing Strides believes in giving back to the community. Many men, women and children have received complimentary equine assisted counseling sessions at the ranch. This is possible due to donated time, and the generosity of sponsors.

Combat Veterans and their Families

Healing Strides has joined Combat Veterans Cowboy Up (CVCU) to provide EAP and EAL to serve Combat veterans and their families as they adjust to civilian life. Men and women in combat situations long to return to their families back home, but the end of combat does not guarantee peace at home. Effects of war can be long-lasting and endanger relationships. The military reaches out to improve mental health care, but it is of limited duration. CVCU supplements existing VA mental health treatment and offers support as long as needed.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) adds the horse as an additional therapist and social animal that mirrors qualities needed to build and maintain healthy relationships. Regaining trust in humanity after warfare is often difficult for soldiers. Learning how to recognize and build trust with a powerful animal provides a bridge to regaining trust in human relationships for veterans. For more information about CVCU click here

Confident Adults and Kids

In 2005-2006, adults struggling with substance abuse from Providence Homes enjoyed the fresh air and therapeutic effects of interacting with horses. One man decided to stick with the treatment program largely because of insight he received from a powerful EAP session.

From mid 2007 and throughout 2008, children from a domestic violence shelter visited the ranch. These children were transformed from fearful kids with few boundaries to confident youngsters who can take the lessons they learn in the corral into situations they face in everyday life. One eight year old girl recently remarked during her visit to the ranch that, “this is the best day of my life!”

October 2008, Healing Strides presented an EAP demonstration for foster children, their parents, and advocates at Zuma’s Rescue ranch. Healing Strides looks forward to the opportunity to partner with Zuma’s and pair rescued horses with displaced and needy children.

Public Seminars

Healing Strides offers complimentary seminars on timely topics throughout the year. Our goal is to educate couples and families to build healthy relationships. Please check our website for current offers. Informative e-newsletters and articles can also be downloaded from the website.