RUSTY HALO FOUNDATION

At Rusty Halo Foundation, we provide funding and programming for foster youth, formerly unsheltered youth, youth of veterans or first responders, youth having fled domestic violence, or are at risk of systems use. These youth come to an outdoor barn where they connect with nature, horses, and other animals. They experience equine assisted therapies, equine assisted learning, equine assisted coaching as well as expressive arts, nature walks, pasture adventures, and even energy psychology. The youth in the program become more self aware, see an increase in self regulation, learn to trust, increase communication skills, reduce anxiety and depression, and find their inner confidence and power. Being about to be in the outdoor setting is naturally regulating and they further this work when they learn to connect to themselves through the mirror of the horses, the sounds of nature, and the behaviors of the animals around them. We almost always see the youth come in anxious and sad, with heads down, feeling a bit withdrawn and they leave with their head up and big smile on their face, excited to come back. This environment provides them a safe space to reflect and look inward without judgement. They are more willing to do the work in this type of setting. Please help us bring as many youth out to the barn as possible, so they get to experience this extraordinary type of healing. Follow us on Instagram @rustyhaloranch to see how these youth are growing and healing while at the barn. Learn about the magnificent horses on our team and the volunteers that keep us up and running!