Compassionate, Supportive & Trauma-Informed
Experiential and Therapeutic Equine-Assisted Learning
for Essential Life Skills Development and Enhancement
HEART (Horses Empowering Autistic Resilience Together) is our equine-assisted learning (EAL) Autism & Horses program that helps foster significant improvements in emotional regulation, social communication, and self-confidence through various horse-assisted interactions. The rhythmic motion and calming presence of horses create a multisensory environment that helps reduce anxiety and stress, promoting relaxation and emotional stability. This unique interaction supports the development of emotional resilience by promoting patience, perseverance, and adaptability when navigating obstacles and challenges, such as those associated with tailored, ground-based activities and objectives.
Participants often experience a profound sense of accomplishment and independence, which directly translates into increased confidence and resilience in facing everyday life challenges. The bond formed between the individual and the horse is seen as a catalyst for social engagement, often leading to enhanced eye contact, verbal communication, and social awareness.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) can be a therapeutic and valuable tool for individuals with autism, particularly in the areas of sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social skills. The unique bond between humans and horses can foster trust, empathy, and non-judgmental interactions, leading to improvements in emotional well-being and social communication.
In our HEART EAL program, we provide basic instruction and guidance that promote safe and authentic connections and partnerships between the human and horse participants. We also facilitate experiential activities and interactions that encourage the development and enhancement of essential life skills that are foundational to such observable and measurable behaviors as: 1) interacting with others, 2) overcoming difficulties and solving problems, 3) taking initiative, 4) managing conflict, and 5) understanding and following instructions.
Our desire is to help enable autistic kids, youths, and young adults to make healthier transitions into adulthood and to be more successful in navigating daily life. In addition, our sessions are approached with compassionate, supportive, and trauma-informed care, while the safety and welfare of the human and horse participants also take priority, physically and emotionally!
*** NEW & RETURNING CLIENTS ***
Effective Spring 2026, our sessions will use a small group format.
Participants must be verbal, age 6 or older, and identify as or with
ASD Level 1, Asperger’s Syndrome, or High Functioning Autism.
• • •
We are also pleased to leverage Kellie Cunningham Sipos’ He Leads Me with Horses as the foundation for our small group sessions. Kellie’s heart for ministry, coupled with her extensive equine background, has provided this powerful tool which enhances our ability to serve you, our participants, through equine-assisted learning with faith at the center. Kellie sees horses as partners in God’s work, offering connection without judgment and presence without words.
Written with heart, experience, and a deep trust in God’s leading, the lesson plans weave together horsemanship skills, life lessons, and biblical truth. Creative, engaging activities help participants of all abilities grow in confidence, communication, and trust both with the horses and in their walk with Christ.
From groundwork to mounted activities, each lesson is built on Scripture and practical application, where horses and faith come together, transformation happens, hearts are softened, trust is built, and lives are changed as God works through the beauty and strength of His creation… the horse.
*** Kellie Cunningham Sipos is a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through PATH International. With over two decades of experience leading equine-assisted programs, Kellie has helped hundreds of individuals find healing, confidence, and purpose through the gentle power of horses. Kellie combines her professional expertise with deep faith. Her passion lies in creating meaningful, Christ-centered experiences that meet people where they are.
*** ALSO REQUIRED ***
To satisfy our insurance requirements, a signed Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity
is required for each participant. You can download and review a copy here:
AUTISM & HORSES (HEART) TESTIMONIALS
Jaxsin (9)
Before we started Autism & Horses Jaxsin was very soft spoken practically unable to hear him, he was constantly worried, and just in a shell. When we started working with Victor and Helen you could see him open up little by little. He was very loving with the horses and it was so nice to see him light up and be excited. He’s become a little louder when speaking and even his school has commented on the improvements he’s made while in this program. Our family is very thankful to Victor, Helen and the horses that they take care of. They really made a difference in Jaxsin’s life and functioning.
★★★★★
– Kelly R.
Caden (15)
My 15 year old son Caden has Asperger’s. He has always had a hard time interacting with others. Since he joined the Autism and Horses program, he is able to communicate his feelings differently. He made an instant bond with Rio and he is his best friend. Since starting the program he says he has found a purpose and has dreams and goals of working with horses and helping other children face the same battles he has. This program has opened up a whole new, beautiful world for my son and we could not be more grateful.
★★★★★
– Ashley P.
Sean (15)
The visits with the horses and watching Sean bond with Casey has been amazing. I too have learned so much about how horses and humans interact. There have been sessions I witnessed with Sean that made me cry happy tears. To see my son smile big when otherwise blank faced has truly been memorable. Sean is so calm and finds his pace with his horse. I’m so very proud of him. I highly recommend this program and its leaders. It will not only change your autistic child’s life but it will change yours too as the parent.
★★★★★
– Kathy H.
Carson (8)
For Carson it has meant growth and independence. The program has helped Carson be able to connect with people and animals in ways that he couldn’t previously. I believe it has also helped him to learn more independence by fostering a sense of confidence and pride in himself for what he has accomplished with his horse. We’ve also seen improvements at home and his sessions in following directions, being more gentle, having more patience, and perseverance to do hard things.
★★★★★
– Katelin S.
Luka (5)
The Autism and Horses program has been incredibly beneficial for Luka. Spending time with the horses has helped him build confidence in a calm, supportive environment, and he has grown more comfortable trying new things and expressing himself. The connection Luka has with Vega has been especially powerful, helping him feel relaxed, capable, and proud of his achievements. We’ve seen a noticeable positive impact on his self-belief, and the program has been a wonderful experience for him and us!
★★★★★
– Michelle P.
Joshua (19)
The heart behind Mentoring with Horses is what makes it so special. The mentors truly see and understand the children they work with. Watching Joshua’s connection with Gypsy unfold was truly something amazing. The one-on-one attention he received showed a deep understanding and care for the children they work with. He misses it so much and can’t wait to return.
★★★★★
– Melinda F.
Crew (3)
The Autism & Horses program has been so special to our family. Victor and Helen are not only amazing with the horses, they are also so incredible with my autistic son. They are patient and kind and because of their personal experience with autism they know exactly how to work with autistic children.
★★★★★
– Jessie P.
Abigail (17)
I am truly thankful that my daughter has access to an outstanding equine program. Victor and Helen are exceptionally kind, compassionate, and patient with all participants. Abigail has benefited greatly from working with the horses, particularly in building her confidence and enhancing her communication skills. Witnessing her increased confidence as she interacts with these magnificent animals is truly remarkable. The program caters to individual needs, allowing Abigail to experience calmness when simply being with her horse and to develop her communication skills through guiding her horse through obstacles on more challenging days. Abigail eagerly anticipates her weekly sessions.
★★★★★
– Sarah P.
Sean (15, in his own words)
Autism with Horses is very fun. I have learned things and bonded with the horses in a way I never imagined. The love and respect given to me by Mr. Victor and Mrs. Helen has been heartwarming to me. I get excited each time I get to come here. Thank you for giving me the chance to see life through different eyes. It has helped me a lot, especially with my anxiety.
★★★★★
– Sean H.
ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Our HEART EAL program is FREE of charge to approved participants.
Call or text us at (423) 268-4126 or fill out and submit the form below.
• • •
Please Submit This Form to Connect With Us About Our HEART EAL Program
We will be happy to contact you to provide more information, answer your questions, and explore together how engaging with our horses could be positively life changing!
Sessions Site Location:
Heartstone Ranch @ Free Will Baptist Family Ministries
90 Stanley Lane, Greeneville, TN 37743
Sessions Conducted By:
Mentoring with Horses LLC
(423) 268-4126 | MentoringWithHorses@gmail.com
