by Joel Elmore

‍

Many of the teens we serve at HopeTree Family Services have grown up unchurched, with very limited knowledge about the Bible or the hope it offers. In summer 2025, we set out to do something unique: we combined the healing power of Equine Assisted Therapy with faith-based lessons to reach our youth in a way that words alone often cannot.

Our Equine Assisted Therapy Program uses horses as more than just companions; they become living object lessons for biblical topics such as grief and loss, identity, love, forgiveness, and grace. Horses are uniquely sensitive to human emotions and nonverbal cues, making them powerful partners in helping youth process difficult feelings and experiences. ‍

‍One of the most impactful sessions this summer focused on the topic of idols. We placed hay in the back of a John Deere Gator and drove it around the arena. The horses chased after the hay, never quite able to reach it. We explained to our teens that idols, or anything we put before God, can pull us further away from what truly satisfies, just as the horses could never reach the hay. When we placed the hay in the center of the arena, the horses were finally able to eat and be nourished. This simple, visual lesson helped our youth understand that only when we keep God at the center of our lives can we find true satisfaction.

As Jesus said in the book of John, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Our program helps youth see that Christ came to fill more than just our immediate needs. He came to offer new life, purpose, and lasting fulfillment.

Each week, these equine therapy groups provide a space for our youth to unplug from technology, hear from scripture, and experience the power of prayer. The horses helped bring biblical concepts to life, making faith tangible and accessible for teens who may have never set foot in a church.

My prayer is that the seeds planted this summer will grow into faith that is deeply rooted in Christ. Through the unique blend of Equine Assisted Therapy and spiritual guidance, we are seeing lives transformed at HopeTree.

This unsolicited article was submitted by Rev. Joel Elmore, who serves as chaplain and activities coordinator for HopeTree Family Services, a BGAV ministry partner.