Equine Therapy Provides a Healing Alternative for Children in Taos | LOR Foundation
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Equine Therapy Provides a Healing Alternative for Children in Taos

  • Local Champion: Nonviolence Works, Inc
  • Date Funded: May 13, 2024
  • Grant Amount: $7,200

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. 

Contact our community officer in Taos. Meet Sonya Struck
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