On April 30, National Therapy Animal Day, we honor the therapy horses at St. Joseph’s Indian School who stand quietly beside our students as they learn to breathe, trust and grow. But even more, we celebrate the children who show up with courage — sometimes nervous, sometimes excited, but always learning.
In partnership with our Family Service Counseling team and equine specialists, equine therapy at St. Joseph’s gives our Lakota (Sioux) students a safe, structured space to work through big feelings, practice new skills and experience calm in the presence of these powerful animals.
The šúŋkawakȟán — horse — holds a special place in Lakota culture. They are viewed as relatives and respected for their strength, intuition and ability to mirror human emotion. That cultural connection adds a meaningful layer to each session, helping students feel grounded and understood as they build confidence alongside the herd.
“Horses are very intelligent and beautiful animals,” said Joanna, a St. Joseph’s student. “They hold a special place in my heart. They understand me like no human can.”
Students groom, lead, observe and interact with the horses from the ground. They learn how to read horse body language, respect boundaries and notice how their own emotions and energy affect the animals. The goal is simple but profound: help children gain confidence, regulate emotions and build healthy relationships — both with others and with themselves.
The growth they’re seeing is remarkable.
In her first session, a third grader arrived tearful and scared to even step into the arena. Over time, she has made big gains in her ability to face her fears and now enjoys her time with the horses. Younger students who once felt intimidated by the size of the horses are gaining confidence, too. With the help of printed and laminated “horse emotion” cards posted around the arena, they’re learning to assess what the horses are communicating and decide when and how to approach them safely.
“Students are gaining confidence and assessing the body language of the horses to confirm they can interact with horses of all sizes with confidence,” said Megan, Director of Counseling Services.
Teachers are noticing the difference, too. Abby, a first‑grade teacher, shared how much her students look forward to their time with the horses and how it helps them remain regulated in the classroom. Even students who struggle with high energy or big emotions often settle into a calmer rhythm when they’re near the herd.
Tonya, a member of the counseling team, also uses the horses to teach gentle assertiveness. When a horse steps into a student’s space, she coaches them to set boundaries — a lesson that carries into friendships and daily life. And for one fourth-grader coping with grief, simply standing quietly beside the horses helped him breathe easier.
“I calmed down like the horses were,” he said.
It’s a feeling other students have experienced, too.
“I feel way more relaxed after spending time with the horses,” said Shayla, a St. Joseph’s student. “I think the Equine Therapy program is really helping a lot of kids here.”
“Being with the horses just puts me in a better mood. It gives me a break from stress and school,” said Kansas, another St. Joseph’s student.
These moments may seem small, but they ripple outward. As we head into May — Mental Health Awareness Month — we’re grateful for the donors who make programs like this possible. Your support ensures our Native American students have access to healing experiences that honor their strengths, nurture resilience and help them grow in ways that feel natural and empowering.
Learn more about how equine therapy supports our students’ mental and emotional well‑being by visiting our website today!
