POSITIVE CHANGE THROUGH HORSES

OUR MISSION

To improve the social, emotional, physical, and behavioral development of children, youth, and adults in Northern Nevada through high quality equine assisted services delivered in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

WHO WE ARE

LEAD with Horses is a Reno nonprofit providing equine assisted counseling and education for children, youth and adults. We serve as a safe haven; a welcoming space in an uncertain world.

Center for Adaptive Riding

Therapeutic riding contributes positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well being of individuals with special needs.

Center for Equine Assisted Counseling

A trauma informed approach using guided, ground based activities to focus on mental, emotional, and social health.

Center for Equine Assisted Youth Development

Providing opportunities to learn life skills, build confidence, and develop self esteem through meaningful interactions with horses.

Every person is different. Our services are designed to meet them where they are—with the right support, at the right time.

REAL STORIES.

REAL CHANGE.

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My son was diagnosed with a major depressive disorder a few months ago. After the second session, I noticed more smiles coming from my son and it seemed easier for him to have a normal conversation without becoming defensive and argumentative. He told me he used some skills he learned at horse therapy.

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LEAD with Horses, in my opinion, is one of the best programs available to children in need of emotional healing. They give them a place of safety - a place where they can not only heal but gain much needed life skills.

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My kids have been through a lot and this is something they look forward to and enjoy. Most places I take them with … they are afraid and don’t want to go back because they have had a hard time adjusting and making friends. But they love going to LEAD with Horses! … I can see the progress and their social fear falling away.

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The horses (and Hoku the Donkey too!) have helped instill compassion and respect, as well as a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. I just can't say enough positive things about them.

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We tried therapy, meds, even a hospital stay, but nothing was pulling them out of the pit they found themselves in. They were withdrawn, non-communicative, quick to frustration, and struggled to find joy. The first day I picked them up from LEAD, they were smiling and even a little chatty!

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Alex is only 7, but she has experienced years of trauma and neglect. Blocking out the world helped her when things were bad, but now it prevents her from growing and thriving. A horse named Lady taught her how to respond to others and how to handle her own emotions.

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Chris, who has autism, learned to articulate his own feelings. He had never expressed himself this way prior to participating in our program. The instructors and horses helped him learn more about himself and others.

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Part of the beauty of working with these horses – they also are individuals with their own unique personalities, preferences, and boundaries. These horses are fellow travelers whose paths happen to intersect with ours.

Your Support Changes Lives

Every gift helps us provide life changing services for children and teens.

Donate

Every gift helps us provide life changing services.

DONATE TODAY

Volunteer

Join us in the barn or behind the scenes—there’s a role for everyone.

VOLUNTEER