We are a nonprofit tucked in the Colorado foothills near Longmont. We work with first responders, veterans, and law enforcement— partnering them with horses because horses meet people exactly where they are, and that simple, honest connection becomes the foundation for everything we do here.
Equine assisted therapy help people connect in ways that traditional therapies can't. Horses have a way of picking up on what’s happening beneath the surface — not because they're trained to, but because connection is just how they exist in the world.
Everything we do here at Gifted Herd runs on donations. That means your support directly feeds our horses, funds our therapy groups, and helps us keep exceptional team continue to support the community.
About Gifted Herd —
First Responders and Veterans, when you've spent years in high-stakes environments, learning to shut down what you feel becomes a survival skill. Horses have a way of picking up on what’s happening beneath the surface — not because they're trained to, but because connection is just how they exist in the world. We weave that connection together with EMDR — a well-researched, trauma-informed therapy that helps people process what they've been through without having to relive it all over again.
Why Equine Therapy?
Horses, like all animals— including humans— have a limbic system in the brain responsible for sensing danger and processing emotional information. As prey animals, horses rely heavily on this system for survival, enabling them to detect even the slightest incongruities in their environment. This heightened sensitivity allows horses to perceive inconsistencies in behavior and emotional states in both animals and humans. Within their herd, horses communicate with authenticity, trust their instincts, and respond accurately to body language and emotional cues. Their ability to mirror human emotions makes them especially effective partners in therapeutic settings.
Horses offer immediate, nonverbal feedback that helps individuals become more aware of their emotions, intentions, and behaviors. This reflective process can be deeply insightful, as the horse’s response often reveals how a person's actions are being perceived—not only by the animal but also by others in their life. For many, it is less intimidating to build emotional and physical connections with a nonjudgmental animal first, making it easier to explore and practice new ways of relating and being.
Equine assisted therapies offer a unique and engaging way to support physical, emotional, and developmental growth for children and adults alike. Whether it's building confidence, improving coordination, or simply creating joyful moments, our horses are here for you. We invite you and your family to become part of our warm and inclusive community, where every ride is a step toward empowerment, connection, and discovery.
Please contact us with any questions or to set up an appointment
