Northford non-profit All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue (ATKH) has undertaken a unique partnership with non-profit Soul Friends, an animal assisted family therapy program based in Wallingford.

During weekly visits, Soul Friends equine specialists and mental health clinicians are co-facilitating to provide a therapeutic experience for children and adults in sessions with ATKH rescues.

Working with different types of therapy animals, Soul Friends’ offers “...goal directed intervention in which an animal meeting specific criteria is an integral part of treatment,” according to soul-friends.org

“Its all about fostering relationships and connection with the animal and the human,” said Kim Severance, Soul Friends equine specialist.

Soul Friends’ also holds sessions at two Connecticut horse farms. ATKH is the only non-profit equine facility in the program.

“We’re two non-profits helping each other,” said ATKH founder Mary Santagata.

Founded in 2010, ATKH relies on donations to support its mission to rescue horses and find adoptive new homes. Over 100 horses have been saved to date. In addition to owner surrenders, ATKH teams up with the CT Department of Agriculture to take in horses from active investigations and seized horses due to abuse and neglect cases. Santagata also takes in rescues of wild horses, including Mustangs.

When it comes to helping horses, Santagata sees the benefits of the Soul Friends collaboration. One current rescue, a wild horse, Kat, endured a disfiguring mouth injury which would have normally led to euthanization, if ATKH hadn’t stepped in. Now, Kat especially enjoys having her back scratched by one of Soul Friend’s clients with whom she’s made a special connection.

“I think it’s awesome that they work with all these horses here, who’ve had a lot of trauma, who’ve been abused, who’ve been neglected,” said Santagata. “When they are part of therapy sessions, they get that one-on-one attention, and they’re gaining more experience working with people. I think it’s really helpful.”

Severance has also seen how client interactions are helping ATKH rescues.

“It’s so in tune with what these horses might need, or be lacking in experience prior to coming here -- that human connection,” said Severance.

Soul Friends founder, CEO and clinical social worker Kate Nicoll says it’s especially rewarding to see clients interact with ATKH rescues.

“I’m used to working with other horses, but this is very special. Working with rescued Mustangs really changes the work,” said Nicoll.

On a windy day last week, Nicoll said she was literally “just blown away” by the actions of one ATKH Mustang, Ari.

“It was a very windy day, and Ari was just standing there. Her mane was just flowing in the wind. And it just struck me, ‘That’s a wild horse, out in the elements.’ Other horses would be kicking it up. The way Ari was responding, it really showed me how special it is to work with Mustangs. The really cool part, too, is that since their prey instinct is heightened, it is really is striking when a Mustang chooses to connect with a client.”

Through loving care provided to the horses by Santagata, and the patient work of Soul Friends team members, including ATKH supporter, Soul Friends equine specialist and North Branford resident Elisabeth Caplan, ATKH rescues provide a very distinct opportunity for clients.

The horses are a big assist with Soul Friends’ family program for military veterans and first responders, led by clinician Judith Liu. Liu drives two hours from her New York home for regular sessions with clients at ATKH.

“I couldn’t ask for a better group of horses,” said Liu. “The trauma of their own experience that they bring in to the space with families, I think, also pushes this ability to connect, and be empathetic with the horses. I’ve seen moments where families do see that; with their kids being a very different version of themselves with the horses as they’re trying to connect with the horses.”

Founded in 2003, Soul Friends has served 8,000 children and families, to date. The non-profit provides therapy animal assistance working with therapy dogs, horses, goats, guinea pigs and more. It’s equine program is all ground work with no mounting or riding involved, Nicoll noted.

“It mirrors a herd dynamic, so the connection is that we’re asking to connect,” she said. “Horses form trust-based relationships with other horses. There’s a lot of mutuality that goes in a trust-based relationship. On the ground is where trust is formed.”

Just being within proximity of a horse can open a window to self-awareness and emotional balance, Severance added.

“So often, we do have these internal feelings, like fear and anxiety. The horses will show us if we’re showing something different on the outside. Fear and anxiety are pretty strong emotions. The horse will feel that, and they might be confused by it and back up. As the client works with the horse and begins to understand that, and begins to understand what’s going on in their own bodies, and can work to take control over that, they start to see the horse come closer. And we can’t make the horse do that. It’s all choice, on the horse’s part.”

That’s part of Soul Friends’ philosophy, added Nicoll.

“From when I started the non-profit 20 years ago, we’ve always integrated animals in clinical work in partnership. They always have choice and consent. They have a voice.”

With a 2021 national grant from the Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education, Nicoll expanded Soul Friend’s equine therapy efforts to offer free, six-session programs for military veteran and first responder families. Specific goals of the program are to assist families with communication after experiencing trauma or loss.

“This is the first known curriculum program of its kind in the country that is phase-based and trauma and attachment informed,” said Nicoll. “The foundation said it is pioneering work.”

A little over 30% of Connecticut military veterans have children; and studies have shown the stress of raising children increases the likelihood of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), she said.

In 2022, the Latham Foundation provided a second grant to Soul Friends to continue the program. Currently, at least one more grant-funded opening exists for another family to join.

“As the word gets out; it lets veterans statewide know that this is resource,” said Nicoll.

At present, Nicoll is applying for another grant from another organization. If received, Soul Friends will start offering additional sessions at ATKH to assist foster and adoptive parents and children.

Right now, Soul Friends is raising awareness on the April 23 Dandelion Festival, organized in collaboration with tri-state New York Blue Star Families. The day will celebrate military family kids with exhibitors, games, giveaways, horses, program partners including AKHER, and veteran and military service organizations. It’s set for 1 to 4 p.m. at Dream View Farm, 37 Valley View Drive, Meriden. Register at community.bluestarfarm.org/events

ATKH supporters can follow Santagata’s efforts at All The Kings Horses Equine Rescue on Facebook, which has 15,000 followers. The page is also the place to find upcoming fundraising events. Donations to ATKH are welcome at allthekingshorsesequinerescue.com