A Meaningful Journey of Connection, Healing, and Growth

A whole year has passed since we hosted our first ever Equine Therapy program- Roots and Wings: Trailblazers, and we were so thrilled to host it again in 2026. This year, we worked with Common Ground Collective near Park City, with an incredibly supportive group of adults, while being surrounded by horses, nature, and opportunities for growth.. Each program is as unique as the teens who participate in it, but with each week comes incredible breakthroughs that show how vital these programs are for healing. Something that made this program extra fun was the weekly ride in a LIMO!

Each week teens connected with each other, the mentors, and the horses. They

were able to walk, groom, and even ride the horses in this program. There is something uniquely powerful about horses that makes Equine Therapy so impactful. Their calm presence encourages trust, self-awareness, and emotional connection in ways that can be difficult to describe but are easy to witness. Moments of reflection and healing unfolded naturally, creating memories that will stay with them long after this program.

As part of the final week of our eight-week program, we were encouraged by Common Ground Collective to provide an unforgettable and unique experience to our equine therapy program- each teen selected an important adult to join them for the last session.

The day began with excitement as the group traveled together in an 18-passenger limo, sharing music, laughter, and anticipation for the adventure ahead. After arriving, everyone enjoyed a home-cooked breakfast provided by Common Ground Collective, before spending time with the horses and reflecting on their experiences they'd had throughout the program.

Throughout the day, our teens demonstrated incredible courage as they stepped outside their comfort zones and embraced this new experience they shared with the adult they brought. Parents, guardians, caregivers, and CASA volunteers connected with their teen, learning about the progress, accomplishments, and personal growth the teens had experienced over the previous eight weeks. Watching these relationships strengthen through meaningful conversations was a powerful reminder of how important connection is in the healing process.

Experiences like this reinforce why our work matters. Healing from trauma does not happen in isolation. It happens through relationships, supportive environments, and opportunities to discover strength and resilience. We are grateful for partners like Common Ground Collective and for every opportunity to create spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and empowered.

As we celebrated the conclusion of this program, we were reminded that growth often happens one brave step at a time. For these teens, that journey included horses, community, and the unwavering support of the people who care about them most.