HORSES & HEROES INC

Horses & Heroes (H&H) was founded in 2014 by the inspiring Julie Baker, a military wife, mother, and passionate horse enthusiast. From early on, Julie understood that just like people, traumatized horses need emotional safety, physical security, and time to heal from their scars.

Since its inception, H&H has been committed to a mission built on integrity, trust, and healing, offering integrative and alternative behavioral health services at no cost to military personnel, first responders, and their families. Our approach is all about providing whole-body therapies that address the deep-seated effects of unresolved trauma.

We believe that real change starts at the grassroots level, empowering children to thrive into successful adults. Our educational and therapeutic programs are crucial in raising awareness and driving systemic change.

For those struggling with haunting memories or emotional pain, H&H offers a compassionate path to recovery—especially for individuals who may hesitate to seek traditional counseling. We utilize baseline behavioral health scales to measure critical indicators such as suicidal ideation, unresolved trauma, anxiety, and depression. Our supportive initiatives range from peer support training and group workshops to recreational activities for alumni and individual counseling explicitly tailored for military and first responder families. We are proud to have a strong presence at the Kansas City VA, significantly enhancing outreach for veterans. Additionally, with our strong female leadership, we create an inclusive space for veteran women who often feel out of place in traditionally male-dominated environments.

H&H stands out as one of over 600 EAGALA-certified programs and is among the elite 30 national programs awarded the distinguished Military Designation. We provide unique alternative services that set us apart, including:

- Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) for Individuals
- Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) for couples
- Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) for families
- Therapeutic Massage (TM)
- Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
-Volunteer Opportunities

At H&H, hope is our anchor. We cultivate an environment brimming with possibilities for growth and wellness, as shown by the heartfelt stories of veterans who have completed our programs.

Kara, an Army veteran, shared her journey: “I was so blessed to find Horses & Heroes during a time when I felt lost in the shuffle at the VA. As a disabled veteran, I worried about the costs, but H&H stepped in with top-notch therapy at no additional cost. Being in the field with the horses grounded me while I opened up about tough experiences. The healing I found there is something I'm forever grateful for!”

Another veteran who faced unimaginable grief said, “After my traumatic event, I longed for peace, and I found it among horses who knew trauma too. They taught me serenity and how to be present in a way I couldn't achieve with traditional therapy. This experience will stay with me always.”

The impact isn’t just for veterans—children are finding solace too. One daughter reflected, “I’ve been in therapy for three years, but nothing has brought me as much peace as being around the horses. You are so kind and easy to trust. I’m endlessly grateful.”

Our clinical protocol is carefully designed, enabling us to monitor, assess, and ensure the best possible outcomes for everyone we serve. Our licensed clinical counselors conduct thorough pre- and post-behavioral health assessments to ensure our programs truly make a difference.

With your support, we can broaden access to these unique resources, inviting you to be a vital part of this transformative journey. Together, we can create a ripple effect of healing and hope!