Horses For Healing, Inc. is a nonprofit equine-assisted psychotherapy organization based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 2013, the organization was established with the goal of using horses as therapeutic partners to help individuals overcome challenges related to PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Through trauma-informed, evidence-based clinical services, Horses For Healing provides a unique therapeutic environment where licensed mental health professionals and specially trained therapy horses work together to support healing, growth, and resilience.
The organization’s mission is to provide client-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based clinical equine psychotherapy and complementary services that support healing from pervasive trauma. Horses For Healing serves children, adolescents, adults, families, veterans, and military families while also advocating for and providing lifelong care to vulnerable and retired horses that serve as therapy partners.
About This Program
Horses For Healing specializes in equine-assisted psychotherapy facilitated by licensed clinical therapists who are trained in trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatment approaches. Sessions focus on helping clients safely explore emotions, build trust, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and develop practical coping skills while working alongside horses in a supportive setting. The program integrates therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-focused interventions, and trauma-informed treatment models.
In addition to equine-assisted psychotherapy, Horses For Healing offers complementary wraparound services designed to support overall wellness and recovery. These services include Ashva yoga, restorative yoga, mindfulness practices, Trauma Release Therapy, acupuncture, and acudetox. The organization is particularly known for its comprehensive support programs for veterans and military families.
Services Offered
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)
- Trauma-informed mental health counseling
- Individual therapy programs
- Family therapy programs
- Veteran mental health services
- Military family support programs
- PTSD treatment support
- Anxiety and depression counseling
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Attachment-based therapeutic interventions
- Mindfulness programs
- Ashva yoga and restorative yoga
- Trauma Release Therapy
- Acupuncture and acudetox services
- Social-emotional learning youth groups
- Emotional regulation and communication skill development
- Evidence-based trauma recovery programs
Who They Serve
Horses For Healing may be good for:
- Children ages 7 and older
- Adolescents and teens
- Adults
- Families
- Veterans
- Military service members
- Military families
- Individuals with PTSD
- Individuals experiencing anxiety
- Individuals experiencing depression
- Trauma survivors
- Individuals with attachment-related challenges
- Individuals seeking alternative therapeutic approaches
- Youth needing social-emotional learning support
- Individuals working on emotional regulation and relationship skills
Facility and Setting
Horses For Healing operates from its equine therapy facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where licensed therapists conduct sessions alongside a team of specially trained therapy horses. The organization maintains a herd of equine partners that are carefully selected and trained to participate in therapeutic work with clients of all ages. These horses play an active role in helping participants develop trust, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills.
The tranquil ranch environment provides a nontraditional therapeutic setting that encourages reflection, connection, and personal growth. By working outdoors with horses, clients often experience a sense of safety and openness that can complement traditional counseling approaches.
What Makes Them Unique
Horses For Healing stands out for its exclusive focus on clinical equine psychotherapy delivered by licensed mental health professionals. Unlike many therapeutic riding programs, the organization emphasizes evidence-based mental health treatment rather than horseback riding instruction, ensuring that every interaction is intentionally designed to support therapeutic goals and trauma recovery.
Another distinguishing feature is its comprehensive veteran support services. In addition to equine-assisted therapy, veterans and their families have access to complementary wellness programs such as yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, and trauma-release services. The organization has received statewide recognition for its service excellence, including an Excellence in Service Provision award from the New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Department.