How Equine-Assisted Mental Health Sessions Transform Lives: A Veteran’s Healing and a Widow’s Journey Through Grief

How Two Powerful Case Stories Unfolded

At Arenas for Change (ARCH), we treasure deep, meaningful conversations that reveal the behind-the-scenes moments of truly transformative experiences. That’s exactly what our ARCH social media Lives are all about!

During May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we held two special ARCH Live sessions that offer a heartfelt, in-depth look at powerful case stories featured in the Horses for Mental Health Seen Through Horses Campaign.

The campaign, generously sponsored by Zoetis Equine, is held each May to raise awareness of the powerful impact of equine-assisted services for mental health and personal growth, and to generate funding for organizations providing these services. As part of the campaign’s efforts, Horses for Mental Health produces beautiful case story videos to illustrate the unique impact horses bring into therapy and wellbeing sessions.

If you haven’t yet seen the short, emotional 3-minute campaign videos, we highly recommend starting there. Then, dive into the ARCH Behind-the-Scenes recordings to hear more details about the processes, directly from the facilitators who guided these life-changing journeys.

Finding Hope Again: A Veteran’s Story — Healing Strides of Virginia

This moving case shares the journey of a veteran who had reached the point of believing he was done with life. Thanks to the healing presence of horses and ARCH Certified facilitators at Healing Strides of Virginia, he found an unexpected, life-saving transformation.

🎥 Watch the 3-minute Campaign Video

🎥 Watch the ARCH Behind-the-Scenes Conversation with Carol Young, Healing Strides

Moving Through Grief — Hope Meadows Foundation

This powerful story follows a woman overwhelmed by grief after losing her husband to cancer. With the support of ARCH Organization Member, Hope Meadows Foundation, and their horses, she discovered a path forward through her sorrow, reclaiming hope and strength.

🎥 Watch the 3-minute Campaign Video

🎥 Watch the ARCH Behind-the-Scenes Conversation with Anne Kichurchak and Donna Zalar, Hope Meadows

These stories are just two examples of the many incredible journeys unfolding every day through equine-assisted services for psychotherapy, counseling, and personal and professional growth. We invite you to watch, reflect, and share these videos to help spread awareness of the life-changing work happening across the Seen Through Horses movement.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting the healing power of horses.

ARCH is honored to be connected with Healing Strides of Virginia and Hope Meadows Foundation as proud organizational members.

ARCH Organizational Membership offers your entire team access to flexible online learning, a supportive professional peer community, and a dynamic, story-based approach that strengthens facilitation skills, supports certification, and fosters lasting professional growth.

Whether your team is new or growing in equine-assisted and nature-based services, ARCH is here to help you elevate your impact.

🔹Click here to explore ARCH Organizational Memberships and take your services to the next level.