At Henry’s Home, our horses aren’t just animals on a farm—they’re partners in transformation. They are at the heart of everything we do, from equine-assisted learning (EAL) to natural horsemanship practices. Each horse in our care brings unique strengths, quirks, and gifts, making them invaluable extended family members.

This blog explores how we blend natural horsemanship with EAL to benefit veterans and retired first responders. It also gives you an inside look at our herd and how we thoughtfully organize it to support various programs tailored to individual needs.

Understanding Natural Horsemanship

Natural horsemanship is more than just working with horses—it’s a philosophy. Instead of relying on force or dominance, it’s about building a partnership with the horse founded on trust, respect, and clear communication. Think of it as learning the horse’s language. This approach considers a horse’s instincts and behaviors, creating a relationship that feels intuitive rather than forced.

Natural horsemanship allows us to listen to what the horse is communicating through observation and subtle cues. Is the horse nervous? Confident? Overwhelmed? The goal is to connect with the horse in a way that feels safe, empowering their willingness to engage while fostering trust between horse and human.

The Powerful Combination of EAL and Natural Horsemanship

At Henry’s Home, we integrate the principles of natural horsemanship into our EAL programs. Equine-assisted learning focuses on experiential activities that help participants grow emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Because of their intuition and ability to mirror human emotions, horses become incredible teachers and companions during this process.

This combination can be life-changing for veterans and retired first responders. Many of these individuals have experienced trauma, stress, or burnout, and reconnecting with a calm, intuitive animal offers something few other therapies can provide. Horses inspire us to slow down, self-reflect, and stay present.

Natural horsemanship enhances this process by ensuring the horse feels empowered to “say no” if it is not in the right mindset for a session. This mutual respect fosters a therapeutic environment where both horses and humans thrive. For veterans and retired first responders, it nurtures a sense of agency and control while also helping them rebuild trust, emotional resilience, and communication skills.

Organizing a Herd with Purpose

Every horse at Henry’s Home has a role to play, and we thoughtfully match them with clients based on temperament, skill level, and program goals. Doing this ensures a positive experience for both humans and horses. Here’s a breakdown of some key roles our incredible herd plays for various programs.

Horses for TBI Programs

For individuals with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), careful consideration is given to each client’s balance, temperament, and abilities before pairing them with a horse. Some stars of the program include Leo, Henry, and Willie, who provide safe and steady companionship for grooming exercises. Avatar and Dusty, with additional training and attention, offer further opportunities for connection and growth.

Driving Programs

Driving carts can be a therapeutic and empowering activity, and Mercy, Admiral, and Sophie excel in this area. Whether leading a small cart or undergoing additional training, these horses provide a unique avenue for clients to engage physically and mentally safely and in a structured manner.

Beginner Grooming

Almost all of our horses are perfect for beginner grooming under controlled supervision. Gentle souls like Willie, Precious, and Henry help new participants feel at ease in their interactions. Meanwhile, exceptions like Lexi and WallE require special handling to ensure safety and consistency for everyone involved.

Beginner Horsemanship Lessons

When it’s time to move beyond grooming, some herd members excel at introducing skills like leading and basic handling. Dusty, Tavi, and our sweet minis—JoJo, Mercy, Willie, and Precious—are excellent teachers for this phase. Their patience and approachable personalities make them ideal partners for developing confidence and fundamental horsemanship skills.

Advanced Handling and Lessons

A selection of our herd is up to the challenge for clients or volunteers ready to advance their skills. Horses like Admiral, Sophie, and Cisco excel in advanced horsemanship lessons, offering opportunities for deeper connection and technical growth. Their nuanced responses require patience and dedication, making them a rewarding experience for advanced handlers.

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Sessions

Every horse at Henry’s Home participates in EAL sessions, from our gentle giants to our sprightly minis. Each horse brings something different to the table, and understanding their individual needs and tolerances ensures successful and meaningful sessions. From Admiral teaching patience to Mercy encouraging connection, the diversity within our herd is a key part of the program’s success.

During EAL sessions, we focus on consent and balance. If a horse appears tired or uninterested, they’re excused from that day’s activities. At the same time, we take care to introduce variety so that clients engage with different horses, limiting dependency on a single animal while maximizing the learning experience.

Building Bonds, One Interaction at a Time

Matching the right horse to the right client or volunteer requires careful observation, a skill honed through Henry’s Home’s dedication to natural horsemanship. Volunteers, depending on their experience, are paired with horses who align with their skill level. Beginner handlers might start with calm and steady horses like Dusty or Leo, while advanced handlers tackle the challenges offered by Sophie or Avatar.

This tailored approach ensures the health and happiness of our herd while also setting our clients and volunteers up for meaningful moments of growth and connection.

A Sanctuary of Healing

Henry’s Home is more than a facility—it’s a sanctuary where horses and humans alike rediscover trust, joy, and purpose. By combining the wisdom of natural horsemanship with the insight of EAL, we provide veterans and retired first responders with a practical and deeply personal path to healing. Our diverse herd, from grooming partners to driving experts, plays a vital role in making this work possible.

Whether you’re meeting our horses for the first time or beginning a new program with us, we hope you’ll honor the incredible relationships formed here. Just as horses teach us through their gentle wisdom, they also thrive under our care and respect. Together, we create a space where healing and growth can flourish, one heartfelt connection at a time.

Reference Guide for Volunteers

Here’s a quick reference guide to our herd and their roles, designed for volunteers when we plan sessions or choosing partners for specific programs.

• TBI Programs
  • Leo
  • Henry
  • Willie
  • Avatar (with more training)
  • Dusty (when tuned up)
• Driving Programs
  • Admiral
  • Sophie
  • Mercy (minor cart driving)
  • Irish (with more training)
• Beginner Grooming
  • Henry
  • Willie
  • Precious
  • JoJo
  • Most HH horses are grooming-appropriate with supervision. Exceptions include Lexi, Shiloh, and WallE.
• Beginner Horsemanship Lessons
  • Dusty
  • Henry
  • Leo
  • Shiloh
  • Cisco
  • Minis (JoJo, Mercy, Willie, Precious)
• Advanced Handling
  • Admiral
  • Sophie
  • Cisco
  • Avatar
  • Lexi
  • Scout
  • WallE
  • Winston
• EAL Sessions
  • All HH horses are suitable for EAL sessions, tailored to their strengths and the program participant’s needs.