Founded in 2001, HorsePower provides a unique equine-facilitated, hands-on, learning program for at-risk youth ages 6-18 who are struggling due to circumstances that have caused emotional or behavioral issues. In 2011, HorsePower received 501(c)3 status as the need for the program grew and the positive effects of using horses in a therapeutic setting continued to be evident. HorsePower is the longest running mental-health equine program in the Greater Kansas City area. 

Typically, our students have limited success in relationships with people but are open to horses. As prey animals, horses interact with humans as they react and provide immediate biofeedback regarding the rider's internal state. These horses process and hold onto trauma in the same way as humans do. For this reason, therapeutic equine-assisted programs are effective for otherwise treatment-resistant individuals. With 5 trained, volunteer instructors, 8 horses, and a volunteer pool of over 100, we have brought HorsePower to students in need of our support. With mental-health needs on the rise for our youth, HorsePower is searching for solutions to meet the needs of all families and organizations requesting our help.