Healing Hooves

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Access to mental health care and outdoor spaces is limited for at-risk & foster youth, 85% don’t receive therapy. Los Angeles County has 25,000 to 35,000 foster youth, the largest in the U.S. Many face frequent placement changes, disrupting education, emotional well-being, and relationships, increasing risks of homelessness and unemployment. Youth aging out at 18 or 21 often lack housing, education, or support. Trauma is common, but services are underfunded, and trauma-informed providers are scarce. Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately represented and often face rejection. PTSD rates in former foster youth are nearly double those of U.S. combat veterans. Traditional talk therapy can be ineffective for youth with abuse histories who struggle to verbalize trauma or trust adults. Effective, alternative therapies are essential, and Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) offer a powerful, healing solution.

Healing Hooves is an 8-week pilot program derived from our established “Power Tools for Living” Equine Assisted Services (EAS) model, which was previously implemented in four foster group homes and served 40 youth pre-pandemic, with support from the Weingart Foundation and the LA Lakers Youth Foundation. Designed to address the complex mental health needs of youth, the program delivers a comprehensive, trauma-informed support system developed in collaboration with mental health professionals, educators, and community organizations. Healing Hooves incorporates enhanced therapeutic techniques, increased session frequency, and expanded participant inclusion. Key components include advanced facilitator training, increased family engagement, and innovative equine therapy methods. Riding experiences are included to deepen participants’ connection with horses, and based on interest and readiness, youth may continue their involvement as program volunteers. Program effectiveness will be measured through pre- and post-program evaluations to guide data-driven improvements. Our goal is to refine the EAS model and demonstrate its impact on improving mental health and emotional resilience among youth in diverse communities.

If successful, Healing Hooves will transform how Los Angeles County supports the mental health of foster and at-risk youth. Youth who often fall through the cracks of traditional systems will gain access to trauma-informed, equine-assisted therapy that builds emotional resilience, improves social skills, and fosters trust. Schools will see reduced absenteeism and improved classroom behavior; group homes will report stronger peer relationships and emotional regulation. By demonstrating measurable mental health outcomes through evidence-based tools, Healing Hooves will serve as a scalable model for early intervention. As the program grows, it will help shift the county’s youth mental health landscape toward more holistic, accessible, and preventative care, empowering young people to heal, connect, and thrive in their communities. We are currently in the process of establishing a contract with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to expand our reach and impact.