Off the highway in Nevada, girls are discovering the healing power of horses. At Sierra Sage Treatment Center, youth who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or adversity are finding confidence and connection through equine therapy.
What begins as caring for a horse often becomes something much deeper. These young women are growing from their pasts and gaining the tools needed to lead successful lives going forward.
“The ranch has always been a safe place to connect; the horse doesn’t have an agenda,” says Sierra Sage Program Director Beka Graham.
Horses release endorphins in us; this is something that has been known to horsemen and women for as long as horses and people have been working together, which predates any accredited therapeutic services with horses.
In the late 1960’s North America Riding for the Handicapped Association was formed to lead horse programs for riders with physical and mental disabilities, and to treat children with autism.
Since then, equine therapy has grown to include formal accreditation and expanded services for people with histories of trauma, experiencing a wide range of mental health issues.
“The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man,” says Sierra Sage Ranch Manager Cecilia Smith. “Horses have been known to be therapeutic to those that love them, and that’s why so many people love them— because they are a grounding release.”
Smith holds certifications from several respected equine organizations, including Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) as an instructor, and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as a certified professional. Smith is a passionate, patient, and knowledgeable equine professional committed to sharing the restorative power of horses with the girls at Sierra Sage.
“Ms. Smith, our instructor, believed in me even when I didn’t. She checked in on me when I was struggling and even gave me tips on how to regulate my anger. Her support and willingness to be there is one of the main things that keeps me going,” says Sierra Sage student Davina.
There is so much more to healing with horses than just being around them. From brushing to exercise, and cleaning to feeding; there is responsibility involved in caring for a horse, and even this is a part of equine therapy.
Sierra Sage’s equine therapy is centered on curriculum from the Certified Horsemanship Association, but Smith also combines clinical assignments from each girls’ treatment plan to create a tailored therapeutic experience for each of them. She also meets with case managers and therapists to understand the girl’s trauma and the behavioral struggles they are facing.
“I just kind of weave their treatment into regular horsemanship and let the magic happen,” says Smith, “there’s no walls between me and them, and there’s no walls between them and the horses.”
Horses respond honestly to emotion. They don’t judge someone by their past or diagnosis; they react to energy and presence. The honest connection to horses is what makes equine therapy so powerful for people who are healing.
“Rango became more than just a horse I worked with; he became my safe space. Every time I had the chance to see him, I felt a sense of happiness and peace that I didn’t always feel elsewhere,” says Sierra Sage alumna Tehaine, “being with him gave me a sense of comfort, like I could just be myself without fear or pressure.”
For many of the girls who come to Sierra Sage, horses are entirely new. Some have never been around horses before arriving at the program. Others have struggled with relationships, self-doubt, or finding healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges. Sierra Sage Equestrian Center offers them something new: a judgement-free environment where healing can happen naturally.
“Borrego has helped me every way possible. He’s helped me build my relationship back with my family. He’s helped me be more confident in my skin. He’s helped me learn to love myself. But most of all, he’s helped me learn how to trust again,” says Sierra Sage Student, Kayahna.
The positive effect the equine therapy program has on these girls carries through the rest of their lives. Many fell in love with horsemanship and have gone on to start careers working with horses and animals or continue to surround themselves with horses in their free time. But the impact would not be possible without the help of the community.
Sierra Sage is a non-profit program that relies on support from the community to help sustain life-changing experiences like equine therapy. Program Director, Beka Graham, saw a need for dedicated fundraising support for the equine therapy program, and now the community rallies to support the equine therapy services every year at the Hope Roundup fundraiser. “These kids don’t get these types of opportunities from where they’re coming from,” says Sierra Sage deputy Director Kristin Jarboe, “a number of them haven’t had consistency in a really long time.”
The Hope Roundup has become an important tradition for its community and beyond. Proceeds go directly to supporting the equine therapy program; from purchasing boots and jeans as students work their way through the program, to horse show entry fees and ranch improvements- including shade structures and future facility expansion.
When a program involves its community in making a difference for the children it serves, the impact can be felt for a lifetime. Providing top-tier equine therapy services for the girls at Sierra Sage is an integral aspect to the program because it truly changes lives.
