The Right Step Inc Celebrates New Barn Opening for Therapeutic Riding Programs

A volunteer providing a therapeutic riding lesson for a young girl with a disability.

First Steps for The Right Step, Inc.

EquuStyle: To start at the beginning, what was the initial spark or "why" that led to the founding of The Right Step?

Christine: The Right Step, Inc. was founded at a family-owned hunter/jumper lesson barn. They had a barn full of school horses who didn’t necessarily need to jump anymore, but needed a job. They also had a client riding with them who was on the Autism Spectrum, so it was a natural fit.

EquuStyle: How has the organization’s mission evolved from those early days to where you are today?

Christine:  In the early days, it was mostly about just getting kids and adults with disabilities on horses and watching the magic happen. Today we are much more professional and focused. We also recognize the benefits of working with the horses on the ground. It isn’t all about riding. It’s also the connection that is built between horse and human.

EquuStyle: Looking back at the previous location, what are some of the most impactful milestones or success stories that defined that chapter of your history?

Christine:  We were able to hire more staff and even hired our first paid Executive Director! We celebrated our 15th anniversary and then went on to have two increasingly successful galas. And all this happened even though Covid shutdowns happened less than six months after we had moved into that location. We shut down completely for 3 months, with a small group of us being responsible for the horse care. We reopened cautiously to very appreciative clients who were not doing well with doing everything virtually. And then we grew until we couldn’t grow anymore.

The Transition & New Location

Six of the horses arrive at their new home

EquuStyle: A move of this scale is a massive undertaking. What were the primary drivers behind choosing this specific new location for the horses and your programs?

Christine:  Sisters Erica Gandomcar-Sachs and Tara Hieb of Of Horse You Can have an amazing vision for building an equestrian community on the grounds of the Denver Polo Club. The barn we are leasing is the second they have planned in a series of five in a “village” for programs of all disciplines to lease. The barn next door to us is a hunter/jumper program, and we have already benefited from their advice and assistance. In return, we are helping them by leasing a few stalls to them for their overflow sale horses while we still have room in the barn. It truly takes a village! 

"Dot" checks out her friends as they enter their new stalls

Choosing this location came about because one of our instructors, Sarah Nadler, is also a polo player. She knew of the planned community and provided the introductions. The location is ideal because it is only 20 minutes away from our previous location, so we were able to retain most of our clients and volunteers. We were also not financially able to buy our own property. Leasing a brand new barn that we can somewhat tailor to our needs is amazing!

The new space includes a dedicated 20-stall barn, indoor and outdoor arenas, and turnout pens, allowing us to expand our adaptive riding and horsemanship programs, improve accessibility, and serve more clients from our 280+ person waitlist.

This move represents a transformational step forward for our mission, our horses, and the communities we serve. I am thrilled to move into our own space, where we'll have the opportunity to move people off our waitlist and allow them to experience the immeasurable power

of horses!

EquuStyle:  How does the new environment specifically enhance the healing experience for both your clients and the horses?

Christine:  The most important thing is that we don’t have to share the space! We came from a busy lesson barn where there was always something going on. We can create a more calm and private space for our clients when needed. It can be even more of an oasis from the outside world where everyone can just breathe and be in the moment. Logistically, our schedule has opened up. Clients are better able to find lesson times that fit their needs. We’re also adding more lessons and bringing in more clients.

Our horses also benefit. They have all-day turnout and bigger turnout pens that allow them to be in social groups. We also have access to trails on the property so we can get them out of the arena, which can be really good for their brains.

EquuStyle: You recently mentioned that there is "light at the end of the tunnel" regarding the move. What has been the most rewarding part of seeing the staff and horses settle into this new space?

Christine:  I love seeing the look of “wow” whenever anyone steps into our new space for the first time. It has been a lot of work and a lot of long hours, but we have a great community who has come together to make it happen. The true reward will be when lessons start up again on June 7th, and we see the immeasurable power of our horses to improve lives again every day. We’ve missed the clients!

Looking Forward

EquuStyle: Once you are established in the new location, what are your primary goals for the remainder of 2026?

Christine:  The rest of this year will still be a time of settling in. There will be a lot of evaluation of what works and what doesn’t in this new space. It will take a while to figure out the flow. We will increase our lesson numbers, but slowly. We want to take the time to do everything right.

We will also be working hard to continue our fundraising efforts so we can make further improvements to the barn and obtain all the equipment needed. A big part of it is everything needed to keep the barn comfortable in all weather-fans in the summer and insulation and heating in the winter.

EquuStyle:  Are there any new programs or community collaborations that this new location makes possible?

Christine:  We will be expanding our “Connections” program, which is a curriculum-based, ground program focused on building relationships with horses while developing personal awareness, emotional balance, and life skills. Participants learn through guided interactions with horses and structured learning activities. We have one full day a week dedicated to having different groups come in for this program.

We are excited to be able to host events at the barn. For example, on June 18, we are hosting a Sunrise Social networking event for the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. 

An affectionate moment following an adaptive riding lesson.

Participants of all ages and abilities have an opportunity to develop strength, balance, confidence, and communication while riding or working alongside specially trained horses.

We’re also looking forward to being a part of polo and other events on the property. We will continue to provide volunteers and an information table for the Polo Club’s Sunday Fundays. We also hope that we will be able to have information out at the horse shows on the property. 

EquuStyle:  When you look toward the "long arc of change" for The Right Step, what is your ultimate vision for the impact you hope to have on the community in the years to come?

Christine:  This move is a step toward becoming a more sustainable, successful program that improves the lives of everyone it touches. Our vision is to become a model program in the Equine Assisted Services industry. We would love to have other programs come to us as the standard for how to do things right.

Grand Opening Celebration

The Right Step, Inc. (TRS) is proud to invite the community to celebrate the Grand Opening of its new home at Of Horse You Can! Village on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

This special event will officially welcome clients, families, volunteers, donors, community partners, and supporters to the organization’s new facility while showcasing the life-changing impact of equine-assisted programs throughout the community.

Guests will enjoy an afternoon of fun and connection featuring:

•  Special guest speakers

•  Live entertainment

•  Professional horse photography sessions

•  Fairy hair

•  Snacks and beverages

•  Guided barn tours

•  Meet-and-greets with TRS horses, instructors, volunteers, and clients

Most importantly, the celebration will highlight the incredible clients who are at the heart

and soul of TRS’s mission of improving lives through the immeasurable power of horses

TRS empowers individuals of all abilities to build confidence, connection, independence,

and joy through inclusive equine experiences that inspire growth, learning, and belonging.

The Right Step, Inc. Celebrates Grand Opening of New Home

at Of Horse You Can! Village

Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

The Right Step, Inc. at Of Horse You Can! Village

6359 Airport Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135

PATH INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITED CENTER

2025 EQUUS Foundation Award for The Right Step, Inc.

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All images Copyright The Right Step, Inc. and EquuStyle Magazine -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from The Right Step, Inc. and/or EquuStyle Magazine.

#TheRightStepInc #equine-assistedservices #adaptiveriding #therapyhorses #adaptiveridingcenter #equustyle #equustylemagazine

Seen Through Horses: The Transformative Power of Horses for Veterans

A veteran engages with a therapy horse during a H.O.O.V.E.S. program. Photo credit: Sean McConnell

For many Veterans, returning to civilian life comes with invisible wounds. The weight of post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and the challenges of reintegration can diminish well-being and quality of life. Yet across the country, Veterans are discovering a unique path to healing—through the profound connection between humans and horses.

Healing Through Horses

In 2024, Horses for Mental Health (HMH) and Arenas for Change (ARCH), with funding from the Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant (VA ASG), partnered with 14 organizations across 11 states to provide equine-assisted learning services for 354 Veterans.

To assess the impact, 213 Veterans completed pre- and post-program assessments, and the results were remarkable:

✅ 93% reported improved mental health and well-being

✅ 99% said working with horses significantly enhanced their healing

The true impact is best understood through the voices of those who experienced it firsthand:

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

"I was barely a shell of a man when I came here. Now, I have confidence, clarity, and for the first time in decades, I see a future for myself."

"Horses don’t judge. They just meet you where you are. That made all the difference."

"For the first time, I feel like I’m not just surviving—I’m actually living again."

A Path to Transformation

At the heart of this work is transformation—what Arenas for Change calls an “ARCH Moment.” These life-changing turning points mark the shift from struggle to hope, allowing individuals to step through a metaphorical arch of new perspectives and personal growth.

For Veterans, healing unfolds in the presence of a horse, where the nervous system—often overstimulated and dysregulated by trauma—can begin to settle. Horses offer a calm, nonjudgmental space, allowing Veterans to experience safety, connection, and trust.

"Being in their presence is the greatest peace I have ever experienced!" – Veteran participant

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Photo credit: Amanda Held - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Photo credit: Amanda Held - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Horses’ intuitive responses provide honest, unfiltered feedback, reflecting emotions and behaviors in ways that help Veterans process their experiences from a new perspective.

“They showed me how I was showing up to others, and I did not realize that at first. It was eye-opening, for sure.” – Veteran participant

Through these interactions, many Veterans describe a profound reconnection—not just with the horses, but with their own authentic selves.

“I feel lighter and more free to be myself.” – Veteran participant

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Amanda Held, founder of H.O.O.V.E.S. in Ohio, has witnessed these transformations firsthand. “Many Veterans walk into our program feeling disconnected and hopeless. But after working with the horses alongside our personal growth curriculum, they rediscover trust, confidence, and purpose. The grant funding allowed us to serve Veterans who might not have had access otherwise.”

For Carol Young at Healing Strides of Virginia, the experience is just as profound. “The most powerful thing is watching a Veteran who was once withdrawn begin to reconnect—with themselves, with others, and with life. These programs aren’t just helping—they’re saving lives.”

A veteran participating in an equine-assisted services program at Healing Strides of VA.

Healing Strides of VA facility

Sustaining the Impact - Seen Through Horses Campaign

Providing these services takes dedication—not just to the Veterans, but also to the horses. Programs rely on financial support to ensure proper care for their equine partners, maintain facilities, and train skilled facilitators.

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Beyond the VA Grant, programs like H.O.O.V.E.S. and Healing Strides of VA expanded their reach through the Seen Through Horses Campaign, a national awareness and fundraising effort led by Horses for Mental Health, with support from title sponsor Zoetis. 

Through this initiative, these organizations gained visibility, attracted new supporters, and secured additional funding to continue serving Veterans and caring for their horses.

"Participating in the campaign allowed us to reach more people who believe in the power of horses to heal," said Young. "It helped us sustain our work, not just for the Veterans, but for the horses who make it possible.”

The Bigger Picture: Horses for Mental Health & ARCH

The Seen Through Horses Campaign, produced annually by Horses for Mental Health during May, Mental Health Awareness Month, brings together programs nationwide to increase awareness, raise funding, and advocate for the integration of horses in mental health care and personal growth services.

Additionally, many of these programs benefit from training and support through Arenas for Change (ARCH), which equips facilitators with an innovative, story-based approach in their equine-assisted work. This approach helps professionals create safe, engaging, and meaningful experiences, empowering clients to author their own transformative journeys.

The results are clear:

✅ Veterans are healing

✅ Programs are growing

✅ More people are recognizing the power of horses to change lives.

And for the men and women who have served our country, that means hope—not just for today, but for the future.

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Photo credit: Sean McConnell - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Photo credit: Megan Smits - H.O.O.V.E.S.

Support the Mission

To learn more about these programs or to get involved:

Horses for Mental Health: https://horsesformentalhealth.org/ 

Arenas for Change (ARCH): https://arenasforchange.com/

To access the full VA Grant outcome report, visit: https://horsesformentalhealth.org/veterans-2024grantreport/

Visit the website

Support the 2025 Campaign

Visit the website

EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Tyler Brklacich Co-Founder & Executive Director of Horses for Mental Health and Lynn Thomas, CEO and Founder of Arenas for Change (ARCH). Please share the link to this article to help raise awareness about HMH’s Seen Through Horses Campaign, especially during May which is Mental Health Awareness month.

All images Copyright Horses for Mental Health, H.O.O.V.E.S. and Healing Strides of VA -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Horses for Mental Health , H.O.O.V.E.S. and Healing Strides of VA.

#horsesformentalhealth #seenthroughhorsescampaign #seenthroughhorses #arenasforchange #equinetherapy #mentalhealthawrenessmonth #horseshelpingpeople #veterans#veterans equine-assisted mental health programs #H.O.O.V.E.S. #HealingStridesofVA #zoetisequine #horses #equustyle #equustylemagazine

Operation Equine: Harnessing the Healing Power of Horses for Military Service Members, Veterans, First Responders, and Their Families

Operation Equine serving the Aurora Fire Peer Support Team at Praying Hands Ranch

Operation Equine offers transformative equine assisted therapy experiences tailored specifically for military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families, as well as for organizations who also serve our country’s Warriors and Protectors.

Founded on the belief in every human’s innate capacity for resilience, and the understanding of the profound healing bond between humans and horses, Operation Equine operates from a holistic approach, combining the naturally curious, powerful, and relational personalities of horses with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Our team comprises experienced mental health therapists, certified equine specialists, and our multifaceted equine partners, providing a safe and non-judgmental environment for all participants.

Josh receiving a horse hug

How Operation Equine Works

Building trust is a foundational aspect of our program, mirroring the process of earning a horse's trust. By learning how to calm their nervous systems using mindful breathing and grounding techniques, and by practicing patience and the power of observation, participants learn to establish connections with their equine partners, fostering an environment of honest communication and relationship-building, encouraging them to embody what it truly means to feel present in the here-and-now.

Most sessions include ground-based activities such as grooming, leading, groundwork exercises, and experiential exercises specifically designed for building self-confidence, improving communication skills, and encouraging emotional regulation, fostering a sense of empowerment and connection: both individually and with their families.

For those grappling with the challenges of post-traumatic stress, moral injury, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, transition stress, and family challenges, the therapeutic presence of horses provides a calming and grounding influence, allowing participants to learn and/or regain a sense of agency within themselves, develop healthier coping strategies, and forge a renewed sense of purpose for themselves and for their families in a therapeutic, non-clinical environment.

WARRIOR Pack Trip Video 2020 Award at Equus Film Festival

Our signature program - The WARRIOR Pack Trip - incorporates the best of what we do on the ground with the experiential nature of wilderness therapy by hiring professional outfitters to take small groups of Veterans out on horseback, culminating in an integrative 6-day experience. This program is intended to not only partner with our participants to help them set and reach their personal goals, but also to provide the teamwork, camaraderie, and renewed sense of purpose that they yearn for.

By harnessing the innate wisdom, sensitivity, and relational nature of horses, Operation Equine

offers the unwavering support of a community dedicated to our participants’ ultimate well-being,

providing sanctuary where wounds are transformed into sources of strength, self-acceptance, and resilience.

Founder Michelle Kaye

WARRIOR Pack Trip participants

Training - Praying Hands Ranch

Through our innovative approach and our culturally competent providers, we honor the courage, the passion, the creativity, and natural leadership of military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families, reminding them of a brighter future filled with more possibility, self-forgiveness, and renewed purpose.

Equine-assisted therapy resonates deeply with veterans for several reasons:

1. Nonverbal Communication: Veterans often struggle to verbalize their experiences and emotions, especially those related to trauma. Horses communicate primarily through body language, offering a nonverbal avenue for veterans to express themselves and feel understood without the pressure of articulating their thoughts.
   

2. Trust and Agency: Veterans who have experienced trauma may struggle with issues of trust and self-regulation. Working with horses requires building trust and mutual respect, allowing veterans to regain a sense of agency in their interactions. As they develop a bond with their equine partners, veterans experience a shift in perspective, realizing that trust can be earned and agency over oneself can be regained.
   

3. Presence and Mindfulness: Horses are inherently present creatures, attuned to their surroundings and the emotions of those around them. Through interacting with horses, veterans learn to be present in the moment, practicing mindfulness and grounding techniques that help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, “checking out,” and hyperarousal.
   

4. Empowerment and Self-Reflection: Equine-assisted activities often involve setting and achieving goals, whether it's guiding a horse through an obstacle course or building a relationship through grooming. These accomplishments foster a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy, allowing veterans to see their strengths and capabilities in action. Additionally, horses are highly perceptive animals that reflect back the emotions and behaviors of those around them. Through observing the responses of their equine partners, veterans gain insight into their own emotions and behaviors, facilitating self-awareness and self-reflection.
   

5. Connection and Community: It’s about community: Military Service Members operate in “units,” horses operate in a herd. Equine-assisted therapy provides a unique opportunity for veterans to connect with others who share similar experiences. Group sessions foster camaraderie and support, creating a sense of belonging and community that is crucial for healing and recovery. The shared bond of working with horses and with each other transcends verbal communication, creating a space where veterans can feel more connected, less “on guard,” and better understood.

Annual Barnyard Julilee!

Help to support our Military Service Members, Veterans, and their families through the unique power of working with horses.

Save the date for Wednesday, September 18 to celebrate Operation Equine's 5-year anniversary and annual Barnyard Jubilee! Follow us on Facebook for tickets and more information as it becomes available.

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Operation Equine's 5th Anniversary Celebration & Barnyard Jubilee Fundraiser

Barnyard Jubilee

2023 Hero Awards Winner - Community, Michelle Kaye & Opertion Equine

https://youtu.be/6k45_CWCeQ4?feature=shared

Operation Equine

Operation Equine Team

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EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Michelle Kaye, Founder and Executive Director, Operation Equine for writing an excellent article and sharing photographs. Our sincere thanks to everyone involved in Operation Equine for providing equine-assisted services for Active Military Members, Veterans, First Responders, and thier families.

All images Copyright Operation Equine -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Operation Equine.

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