H.O.R.S.E.

H.O.R.S.E. Founders

In 2002, Stacie Stoltz, a license clinical social worker who loved horses and Brenda Wright, an experience horse professional who wanted to help people, started a business that combined their skills for the betterment of others. They found training and guidance by becoming EAGALA -Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association certified. EAGALA is committed to setting the standard of professional excellence in how horses and humans work together to improve the quality of life and mental health of individuals, families and groups worldwide. They joined to share in the education, standards, innovation, and support of professionals providing services in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning around the world. They began seeing clients in a pasture setting with six horses and a small handful of volunteers.

To strengthen and diversify the organization, H.O.R.S.E.  became a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with a board to help direct the agency’s growth.  H.O.R.S.E. secured a location in south Kansas City with a covered arena so they could continue therapy year round.  Initially, H.O.R.S.E.  provided Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) where horses are incorporated experientially for emotional growth and learning.  It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals.

 In 2004, H.O.R.S.E. developed a program to help children with autism and other developmental delays that incorporated therapeutic riding into the growth and learning programs. Because of the success of these programs, H.O.R.S.E. began social skills groups and Camp Round Up to meet the needs of autistic children.

In 2009, H.O.R.S.E. moved their program location to Lexington, Missouri. The staff now includes the services of five therapists and three equine professionals delivering five different programs. The vision of two determined women has become a thriving agency with the guidance of our committed board members, dedicated volunteers and generous support of the community.