Equine Therapy Provides a Healing Alternative for Children in Taos

Taos youth struggling with mental health and behavioral challenges have limited access to talk therapy and even less access to alternative therapeutic environments that can feel more inviting than a traditional therapy office. A team member from Taos Behavioral Health (TBH) reached out with a solution: pilot free, after-school equine therapy for middle schoolers struggling with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Research shows that introducing horses to the therapeutic process significantly increases participants’ empathy, impulse control, and self-esteem. 

LOR’s support will fund eight 90-minute sessions at the Equine Spirit Sanctuary for 12 of TBH’s current clients. These sessions will give the participating children unique nonverbal opportunities to practice mindfulness, boundaries, and vulnerability in a safe space and hopefully help lay the groundwork for future expansion of the program.