Healing with Horses: Simple Changes Expands Free Mental Health Services
Grant from Potomac Health Foundation Provides Equine-Assisted Therapy At No Cost to Participants
Alexandria, VA – Simple Changes, the local nonprofit dedicated to improving lives through equine-assisted activities, has received a 2025 grant from the Potomac Health Foundation (PHF) to expand its Equine-Assisted Mental Health program, providing free mental health services to individuals in the community who face barriers to care.
The Potomac Health Foundation supports programs that improve access to health care for medically underserved populations. Its grant allows Simple Changes to offer Equine-Assisted Mental Health sessions at no cost to participants, while also covering transportation and translation services.
“Equine-Assisted Mental Health provides a different entry point into therapy,” said Simple Changes Executive Director Corliss Wallingford. “The work is hands-on and experiential, allowing participants to observe their reactions, regulate emotions, and build skills in real time.”
Sessions are conducted by a licensed clinical social worker and a certified equine specialist, who guide clients through structured and unstructured interactions with horses designed to promote emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness.
Since July 2025, Simple Changes has provided nearly 200 individual contact hours through the program. Clients include individuals and groups, with outreach to first responders, veterans, law enforcement personnel, and others seeking mental health support.
Each session is tailored to the participant’s needs. Clients work with a two-person team to set goals based on current symptoms and challenges. Sessions may include meeting the horses,
setting intentions, grooming or leading exercises, mindful breathing, and guided reflection on both equine behavior and human–horse interactions.
Horses play a central role in the therapeutic process. Their nonjudgmental responses can reflect human emotions and behaviors, helping clients recognize patterns, manage stress, and develop healthier communication and trust. The physical activity involved in working with horses can also support overall well-being.
Participants describe the experience as grounding and calming. “With the horses I feel grounded and connected,” shared one client. “When I leave the barn, I carry that grounding with me into the week.” Another noted, “For the first time in a while, my mental anxiety loop stopped circling.”
Founded in 2005, Simple Changes was established to help individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges build meaningful connections with horses. The organization offers therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine-facilitated learning, and equine-assisted mental health services, with a focus on fostering independence, purpose, and personal growth.
Community members interested in learning more about Equine-Assisted Mental Health services or seeking support can email [email protected] or call 703-835-6323. Services are provided at no cost, thanks to funding from the Potomac Health Foundation. Space is limited, so please call or email for more information.
