BIBLICALLY-BASED ~ EXPERIENTIAL ~ TRANSFORMATIONAL
~ Discipleship is learning from those we follow and intentionally investing in those who follow us—life on life, for lasting transformation. ~
Our Discipleship with Horses (DWH) program provides biblically-based Christ-centered equine assisted activities and experiential learning to teenagers and young adults for essential social and emotional life skills development while 1) helping participants see God’s relational truths – and even the very heart of Jesus – reflected in their equine partners, and 2) enabling navigation of their daily lives more confidently and effectively through sound wisdom, healthier relationships, and well-being.
DWH is a Gospel-driven equine assisted program in which principles of discipleship with Jesus Christ are intentionally employed to frame and guide activities, relationships, and learning experiences with horses. While other Christian organizations may engage with horses for therapeutic or recreational purposes to enhance spiritual well-being, DWH experientially integrates biblical discipleship principles directly into the equine assisted activities and learning.
In DWH, biblical parables, principles, and behaviors modeled by Christ are not only designed into the sessions but also freely incorporated within sessions as the Holy Spirit leads. Ground-based and even occasional mounted activities provide opportunities for experiencing authentic relationships with the horses, which in turn help model and deepen one’s relationship with God and other people.
DWH also encourages awareness of God’s faithfulness and seeks to help participants discover and strengthen their identity and self-worth in Christ from a healthy biblical perspective. After a number of sessions, participants may even begin to demonstrate increased self-worth, self-confidence, decreased behavioral challenges, and improved family, school, social, and work ethics and dynamics.
DWH strives to have relationships with horses mirror the biblical relationships Christians are called to have with Jesus Christ and each other. In doing so, DWH helps bring greater clarity and appreciation to the horse interactions as well as introduce and vividly demonstrate the relatable power and truth of God’s Word.
The ultimate goal of DWH is spiritual growth in Christ for each participant, involving the horse as an authentic, non-judgmental partner in potentially transformative experiences that help increase one’s faith, trust, self-awareness, empathy, compassion, and a deeper connection to and love for God’s Word.
By the way, even horses respond wonderfully to the simple and practical biblical application of God’s grace, mercy, and faithfulness, while the equine assisted activities and experiential learning (EAA/EAL) are simply things the participants get to do with the horses as they build strong relationships and grow together!
~ A Typical Session Experience ~
Whether it’s grooming for mindfulness and connection or any of the wide variety of groundwork activities that cultivate authentic mutual trust, confidence, respect, and so much more, participants enhance their spiritual understanding, essential life skills, and partnership with horses. Through the immediate honest feedback of horses and deeply memorable learning moments, learning unfolds naturally and authentically, while reflecting on challenges and celebrating successes in such a supportive environment strengthens faith. Participants also come to understand and appreciate both equine behaviors and their own relationship with the Lord in ways that can guide them into closer and healthier connections and relationships with both humans and horses, all while honoring and glorifying God in Christ!
~ SPRING SESSIONS ~
(Next Up: APR 5 – JUN 11, 2027)
WEEK 1: Trust in the Shepherd – God’s Guidance and Safety
WEEK 2: Listening and Communication with Horses (and God)
WEEK 3: Boundaries and Respect – Loving Like Christ
WEEK 4: Overcoming Obstacles – Faith and Courage
WEEK 5: Trust and Letting Go – Surrender and Partnership
WEEK 6: Emotional Regulation and Self-Control – Fruit of the Spirit
WEEK 7: Connection and Relationship – Abiding in God’s Love
WEEK 8: Patience and Waiting – Trusting God’s Timing
WEEK 9: Leadership and Servanthood – Leading Like Christ
WEEK 10: Forgiveness and Fresh Starts – Grace in Relationships
~ FALL SESSIONS ~
(Next Up: AUG 16 – OCT 22, 2027)
WEEK 1: Boundaries and Saying No – Honoring God and Ourselves
WEEK 2: Rest and Sabbath – Finding Peace with God and Horses
WEEK 3: Communication and Clarity – Speaking Truth in Love
WEEK 4: Celebrating Diversity and Unity – Many Gifts, One Body
WEEK 5: Teamwork and Collaboration – Working Together in Christ
WEEK 6: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking – Wisdom and Discernment
WEEK 7: Setting Goals and Perseverance – Running the Race with Endurance
WEEK 8: Respect and Personal Space – Honoring God and Others
WEEK 9: Creative Thinking and Flexibility – Embracing God’s New Ways
WEEK 10: Responsibility and Commitment – Faithfulness in Small Things
Note: DWH is delivered as an engaging youth & young adults ministry program. We reserve the right to change any weekly session’s topic at our discretion without notice.
To deliver our DWH programming, we are 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 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 Jesus Christ.
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.