EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program

June is PTSD Awareness Month, which aims to destigmatize and honor the invisible wounds of trauma. Approximately 13 million people in the US experience PTSD at any given time, and equine-assisted therapeutic programs are an effective, evidence-based option we see providing hope every day to many who suffer. 🩵

For more information on how horses make an impact on PTSD and the 150+ diagnoses we serve, read the 2025 Annual Impact Report now on our website. 🐴
https://www.equikids.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2025-Annual-Impact-Report-V5.20.26.pdf

Rolo was the hero today in our Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program with Tree Counseling and Mediation 🌳

This client participated in a grooming and symbolic reflection exercise in which decorative hair clips, specially chosen to represent important people and memories for the client, were placed in the horse's mane. The activity promoted emotional expression, self-reflection, mindfulness, and connection. 🌸

Horses come alongside participants and meet them in an experiential space where emotions, fears, and ideas are safe. This therapeutic approach can yield astounding progress toward the participants' goals—the magic of the horse-human connection. 🌟

Great job, Rolo! And thank you to Annemarie Dern and family for sponsoring his impact 🐴

One of our heroes made his way across rainbow bridge this Memorial Day weekend. 💔

Thank you to Friends of The Virginia Beach Mounted Police and Virginia Beach Police Mounted Patrol for allowing JJ to be a part of our program, where he was loved on by our team and participants until his last day on earth. 🐴

We are deeply grateful to Karen Wheelhouse and Family for sponsoring Jusino. As a military vet, Karen and JJ had a special bond through serving their community. 🇺🇸

Leave a comment with a memory of JJ if you wish, and flowers will be accepted for his stall throughout the week as we all process this sadness together. A hero’s journey has come to an end, but his impact will carry on in the lives of everyone he served. 🌟