Lessons from the Barn: How Horse Therapy Helps Youth Build Belonging & Resilience

Two equine therapy horses stand in their pen at Cathedral Home in Laramie, Wyoming.

At Cathedral Home, we know sometimes the best listeners never say a word. Youth and families who step into our on-campus horse arena find more than just saddles, grooming brushes, and four-legged friends — they discover newfound confidence, capability, and hope (plus, a couple of friendly barn cats).

What is Horse Therapy (Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?)

Horse therapy, more formally known as equine-assisted psychotherapy, involves activities with horses that are facilitated under the supervision of a mental health professional or equine specialist. Here at Cathedral Home, our horse program is under the direction of Callie Clingman, our incredible Equine Specialist. Though horse therapy may look different for each individual depending on their needs and comfort level, it typically involves brushing, feeding, saddling, and riding a horse (or in our case, youth often have the opportunity to work with Lucy, our resident donkey!)

For our clients here at Cathedral Home in Laramie, horse therapy is most often a complement to our other, more traditional forms of therapy and counseling. Though working with our horse herd is optional, many clients — even those that may have never worked with a horse before coming to us — often overcome their initial uncertainty and discover joy in the independence, skills, confidence, and friendships that horses can bring to their lives.

“When you’re around horses, they're a partner in a scenario, and you work with them to achieve a goal,” Clingman said.

Why Horses Are Powerful Partners for Youth

You may be thinking, "So why horse therapy?" Why don't we utilize dogs, cats, or other animals to help boost confidence and resilience in our youth?

While companion animals like dogs and cats can be incredible sources of comfort and emotional support, horses bring something unique to the table. Because they're prey and herd animals, horses are exceptionally sensitive to body language and nonverbal cues. They notice even the smallest shifts in movement, breathing, tension, and energy, making them remarkable mirrors of human emotion.

In the wild, if one horse senses danger, its widened eyes, perked ears, or tense muscles immediately alert the rest of the herd. That same sensitivity applies when horses interact with people. They can pick up on a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, or nervous movements. If a young person is tense, the horse may also become uneasy. But when a handler approaches with patience and confidence, the horse often responds in kind: relaxing, trusting, and engaging.

"Horse group can be a way to gain some sort of control in what you can't control. You can tell horses anything you want and they won't tell a soul. I'm not sure exactly how to explain it best, but it's calming and sort of resets you. Horse group is a safe place for me."

-CHC client feedback

This dynamic creates a powerful environment for growth. Youth quickly see how their inner state affects the horse, and in turn, they practice the skill of self-regulation. Horses don’t judge or criticize, they simply reflect back what they sense, offering humans the space to identify and manage their feelings in real time.

Benefits of Horse Therapy for Emotional Regulation and Resilience

Because of their ability to tune in to human emotions, horses provide a unique way for youth — or anyone — to strengthen emotional regulation and coping skills. Working with a horse requires patience and adaptability; youth learn to adjust their own approach, practice calm under pressure, and find new ways to connect. These experiences build resilience, empathy, and the ability to make healthy, thoughtful decisions.

Beyond self-growth, working with horses also nurtures stronger relationship skills. Horses respond best to clear communication, trust, and consistency — the same qualities that build healthy human relationships. As youth learn to guide and care for these large, powerful animals, they discover how respect and compassion create safe, lasting bonds.

These lessons extend well beyond the barn, equipping kids with a sense of confidence, purpose, and responsibility. Youth often apply the tools they learn in the arena to family relationships, academics, work, and every other aspect of their life.

“Clients work with a horse that’s four times their size, and a lot taller than them,” Clingman said. “It helps them face the fears they may have and learn to focus on what they can control — which is their reactions and behaviors.”

Our Approach to Horse Therapy at Cathedral Home

At Cathedral Home, our team believes in giving youth hands-on opportunities for growth. We know healing and skill-building doesn't just happen in an office —sometimes it begins beside a horse, both in and out of the arena. Our youth have ample opportunities to participate in the annual Laramie Jubilee Days parade and horse show, our local 4-H club, and to explore Laramie's local trails on horseback during the summer months. We know from over a century of experience that fostering community connection helps set kids up for a lifetime of growth, belonging, learning, and joy.

Since integrating equine therapy into our services, hundreds of youth from Wyoming and beyond have found new pathways to hope, healing, and breaking generational cycles — along with discovering a newfound passion for horses and animals.

"Horse group to me is kind of like hanging out with an old close friend. Being with the horses helps me get my mind off of things that might be bothering me."

-CHC client feedback

Support Our Horse Therapy Program

Our staff see every day how our herd of 20+ well-trained and thoughtfully selected therapy horses transform the lives of our youth. Want to be part of their journey? The kindness of community donors allows us to constantly improve our program and provide top-notch feed and veterinary care for our gentle giants. If you feel led to contribute another way, we're always thrilled to receive donations of saddles, saddle pads, bridles, or other gently-used equipment.

We have a horse therapy wishlist, too! Visit https://www.sstack.com/productslistpublic.aspx?productListId=100021304217 to check it out!

Have a horse or pony you think would make the perfect addition to our horse therapy program? Inquire about the horse donation process at info@cathedralhome.org.