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Rescue & Renew, Equine-assisted Services
11/01/2025 (Palm City, FL) – The Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (ERAF) proudly announces the launch of its newest initiative, Rescue & Renew, an Equine-assisted Services (EAS) program designed to foster transformative connections between humans and horses. This innovative program utilizes ground-based equine-assisted services and is made possible through the generous support of the Willow Creek Foundation, whose dedication to animal welfare and community wellness has been instrumental in its creation.
Program Overview
Rescue & Renew is a ground-based initiative, meaning no riding is involved. All sessions are led by a certified Equine Specialist or a Licensed Mental Health Professional, accompanied by a designated volunteer horse handler. The program seeks to partner ERAF companion (non-rideable) horses with community members and groups, providing the benefits of direct, on-the-ground interaction and partnership with horses.
Equine-Assisted Services
ERAF invites mental health providers to engage in the therapeutic benefits of Equine-assisted Psychotherapy sessions. Providers addressing the mental health needs of at-risk youth, veterans, first responders, trauma survivors, and others who may benefit from equine-assisted services are encouraged.
Individual and group sessions, team building, and leadership through Equine-assisted Learning are other available options through the program.
ERAF will provide an equine specialist and suitable program horses for sessions through the Rescue & Renew program.
Jeannie Jones, (Resilient Spirit Counseling, LLC) LMHC and EAGALA-certified Equine Mental Health Specialist, serves as the Rescue & Renew program facilitator, ensuring professional guidance and support throughout the sessions.
Program Benefits
Through guided, experiential sessions, participants engage with ERAF’s rescued horses to foster trust, mindfulness, and empowerment. Horses, known for their sensitivity to human emotions and behaviors, provide unique opportunities for self-discovery, stress relief, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
Rescue Horse Evaluation and Opportunities
Rescue horses participating in Rescue & Renew undergo thorough evaluation and preparation through ERAF’s Begin Again program. This process ensures that each horse is suited for ground-based equine-assisted services, focusing on their readiness and well-being before joining sessions with participants.
As the demand for equine-assisted services continues to rise, there is an increasing need for horses with the temperament and skills required for this type of work. The Rescue & Renew initiative not only provides meaningful engagement for these horses but also broadens their adoption prospects. Through the program, suitable rescue horses have new opportunities to find their next chapter in facilities that offer equine-assisted services.
Program Support
The Willow Creek Foundation’s contribution enables ERAF to launch the Rescue & Renew program with a solid foundation. Their support ensures professional facilitation, top-notch horse care, and effective outreach to local communities that stand to benefit most from these transformative services.
Individual and corporate donations are encouraged and contribute to the care and training of the rescue horses participating in the program. Our Champions Club offers the option to sponsor our equine participants monthly. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made at www.eraf.org/ways-to-give or by mail at ERAF, P.O. Box 1199, Palm City, FL 34991
Program Participation
For prospective clients or mental health providers interested in participating in the Rescue & Renew program, please get in touch with us for more information about enrollment, scheduling, or collaboration opportunities. https://www.eraf.org/programs/rescue-and-renew/contact-form/
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