Location: Massachusetts, United States
Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program is a nonprofit equine-assisted services program in Massachusetts that offers therapeutic horsemanship, trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy, and specialized programming for veterans and first responders.
The program focuses on safe, relationship-based work with horses and supports participants through structured services designed to address physical, emotional, and social needs.
About This Program
Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program provides equine-assisted services that include therapeutic horsemanship and trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy. Its services are designed to support people through guided horse-human interaction in a setting centered on healing, confidence, and skill development.
The program also runs Horses for Heroes, a trauma-informed equine-assisted service offered free of charge for military veterans and first responders addressing post-traumatic stress. Wild Hearts identifies itself as a PATH Intl. Member Center and a 501(c)(3) charity, which gives the program some welcome professional structure in a field that can otherwise get a little fuzzy around the edges.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horsemanship
- Trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy
- Horses for Heroes programming for veterans and first responders
- Individual psychotherapy sessions facilitated by an equine professional and a licensed mental health counselor
- Volunteer-supported equine-assisted services
Who They Serve
Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program may be a good fit for:
- Children and adults with physical challenges
- Individuals with emotional or social challenges
- At-risk youth
- Military veterans
- First responders
- Survivors of abuse and trauma
Facility and Setting
Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program is based in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The organization notes that it strives to create a peaceful, private place for participants, and visits to the farm are by appointment only.
That emphasis on privacy and calm suggests a setting designed to support emotionally sensitive work as well as horsemanship-based programming. For participants seeking trauma-informed services, that kind of environment matters a lot more than the usual generic “beautiful farm setting” filler websites love to recycle.
What Makes Them Unique
Wild Hearts stands out for its focus on trauma-informed services and its specialized Horses for Heroes program for veterans and first responders. It also combines equine-assisted work with licensed mental health support in its trauma-focused psychotherapy model, which sets it apart from programs that only offer riding instruction.
Another distinguishing feature is its long-running mission and leadership history. Wild Hearts was founded in 2009 by Julie Lovely, and the program highlights both rescued horses and a therapeutic approach built around trust, relationship, and recovery.