HORSES & HEROES INC

Horses & Heroes (H&H), a Kansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, brings together two healing journeys—rescued horses overcoming hardship and veterans, first responders, and their families recovering from trauma. Through Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), H&H provides a trauma-responsive, experiential approach that engages the brain and body to help individuals rebuild trust, regulate emotions, and rediscover connection.
From the beginning, H&H has been driven by a heartfelt mission grounded in integrity, trust, and healing. We passionately provide integrative and alternative behavioral health services at no cost to military personnel, first responders, and their families. Our approach emphasizes whole-body therapies that address the deep layers of unresolved trauma, offering a compassionate refuge for those in need.

Julie Baker, a military wife, mother, and dedicated horse lover, founded H&H in 2014. With her Master's in Neuroscience & Trauma, Julie recognized early on that, like people, traumatized horses also need emotional safety, physical security, and the time to heal from their experiences.

We believe that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level, empowering children to grow into successful adults. Our educational and therapeutic programs help raise awareness and drive change in our community.

For those grappling with painful memories or emotional distress, H&H extends a gentle path toward recovery—especially for individuals who may feel hesitant about traditional counseling. We use baseline behavioral health scales to measure critical indicators such as suicidal thoughts, unresolved trauma, anxiety, and depression. Our supportive initiatives range from peer support training and group workshops to recreational activities for alumni and personalized counseling tailored to military and first responder families. We take pride in our strong presence at the Kansas City VA, where we enhance outreach and support for veterans. Additionally, our focus on strong female leadership creates an inclusive environment for veteran women who often feel out of place in typically male-dominated settings.

H&H is recognized as one of over 600 EAGALA-certified programs and is honored to be among the elite 30 national programs to receive the distinguished Military Designation. We offer 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 guiding light. We strive to create an environment filled with possibilities for healing and growth, as demonstrated by the heartfelt stories of veterans who have found solace in our programs.

Kara, an Army veteran, expressed her gratitude, saying, “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 costs, but H&H provided exceptional therapy at no expense. Being with the horses grounded me as I opened up about my toughest experiences. The healing I found there is something I’m forever grateful for!”

Another veteran, who faced profound grief, shared, “After my traumatic event, I longed for peace, and I discovered it among horses who understood trauma too. They taught me how to find serenity and be present in ways I couldn’t achieve with traditional therapy. This experience will always be a part of me.”

The impact of our programs extends beyond veterans—children are also finding comfort. One young girl 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.”

We have designed our clinical protocol with care, allowing 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 guarantee that our programs truly create a positive difference.

With your support, we can expand access to these essential resources and invite you to be an integral part of this transformative journey. Together, we can weave a tapestry of healing and hope—a journey that impacts not just individuals, but entire communities.