Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga

What was the inspiration to found Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga?

The inspiration for founding Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) came when Dr. Erin Christopher-Sisk and her husband, Jim Sisk, recognized the limited options available for injured racehorses after their careers ended. Their own horses, George and DW, had sustained career-ending injuries, prompting Erin to incorporate them into her therapy work. She developed an effective equine-assisted therapy model, which led to the establishment of THS in 2018. Together, Erin and Jim created a sanctuary where both horses and humans could find healing and new purpose.

With over 20 years of experience as a therapist and as the owner of ECS Psychological Services, a successful practice in Saratoga Springs, Erin had already built a deep foundation in mental health care. Her practice, ECS Psychological, focuses on treating trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, and Erin had long recognized the therapeutic potential of horses. This understanding, combined with her personal experience with George and DW, inspired her to integrate equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) into her clinical work.

Through the partnership between ECS Psychological Services and THS, Erin was able to formalize this innovative therapy model, using the horses at THS to help individuals confront and heal from complex emotional issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The collaboration between her practice and THS not only enhances the therapeutic journey for her clients but also provides retired racehorses with a new role, contributing to a holistic healing process for both the horses and the people who work with them.

What makes your program unique in the world of aftercare?

At Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS), what truly sets us apart is our innovative approach to integrating retired racehorses into mental health therapy. These horses aren’t simply given a place to retire—they are given a renewed sense of purpose as active participants in equine-assisted therapy sessions. This unique model helps them find new meaning while creating powerful therapeutic experiences for the individuals we serve.

Our approach is rooted in a strong partnership with ECS Psychological Services, ensuring that every session is guided by licensed mental health professionals. These therapists focus on supporting the mental and emotional well-being of their clients, tailoring sessions to foster healing and personal growth. But the success of our sessions also relies heavily on the expertise of our Equine Specialists, who play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and well-being of all involved—both humans and horses.

The Equine Specialists are responsible for ensuring the physical safety of the participants and protecting the mental wellness of the horses. They are attuned to the horses’ experience during the session, making sure that the animals remain comfortable, engaged, and healthy throughout the therapeutic process. Together, the licensed mental health professionals and Equine Specialists create a harmonious and balanced environment, where the needs of both the client and the horse are prioritized. This comprehensive approach ensures that the sessions are not only safe and effective but also deeply transformative for all participants.

What happens when a horse is accepted into your program?

When a horse is accepted into our program at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS), they become part of a lifelong sanctuary. We are a herd of 29 horses at full capacity, and once a horse joins us, they live out the rest of their days here—whether they arrive at the age of 2 or 29—as long as they are happy and thriving.

Because of our sanctuary model and the low turnover of horses, it’s a rare and special occasion when we take in a new horse. The first priority is allowing the horse to simply be a horse. They are gradually integrated into our herd and given time to adjust to their new surroundings, as well as to build trust with the humans who will care for them. This process helps the horse feel comfortable and secure in their new environment.

Once they’ve settled in, we don’t need to do much formal training because horses are inherently therapeutic. However, they do undergo a series of desensitization exercises to ensure they feel confident and calm in the various scenarios they may encounter during therapy sessions. These exercises expose them to things like crutches, wheelchairs, umbrellas, loud noises, and other elements that might arise in their interactions with people.

Once our equine team feels the horse is ready, they are gradually integrated into our therapy programs, where they help individuals heal and grow through the powerful connection that only horses can provide.

Do you ever rehome your horses, or do they stay in your program?

At Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, we are a sanctuary, and the vast majority of our horses stay with us for the remainder of their lives. However, our primary focus is always on what is best for the horse. If we believe a horse is well-suited for a riding career or would be happier in another environment, we are open to rehoming them. Currently, we have two horses in our adoption program, and this program will never exceed five horses at a time. It’s a very small part of what we do, as our goal is to provide a permanent, safe haven for our horses.

That said, we will always take any horse back when it is truly their time to retire. We view ourselves as a “retirement home” or a sanctuary for horses that have no other options, preventing them from potentially vulnerable situations. Our commitment is to give these horses a safe, fulfilling life, whether that’s within our program or through adoption if it’s in their best interest.

Let’s also talk about the human impact. You run a number of programs. Would you like to describe each of them?

At Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, our programs are designed to foster healing, growth, and personal development through the powerful bond between humans and horses. Here’s an overview of the services we offer:

• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP): A therapeutic approach where licensed professionals and equine specialists guide clients through interactions with horses to address mental health challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and trauma.
• HorsePlay: A flexible program for individuals of all ages. By engaging with horses, participants learn emotional regulation, communication skills, and build self-confidence.
• Laughter and Learning: An educational program focused on children, blending horse interactions with fun activities designed to enhance social and emotional development.
• TeamBuilding: This program brings groups together, providing an opportunity to improve communication, trust, and teamwork through facilitated horse-based activities.
• Military & Veteran Services: Tailored specifically for veterans and active military personnel, this program helps individuals manage stress, heal from trauma, and build resilience through guided equine therapy.

Each of these programs is designed with care, ensuring the well-being of both participants and the horses, creating lasting and transformative experiences.

Do you have a story about a horse and/or human that we can share with our readers? (Please share a photo, if possible.)

Heidi, a Gulf War veteran, found a path to healing at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) through the Freedom Rein Project, a program that provides FREE equine-assisted psychotherapy to veterans and service members. After enduring Military Sexual Trauma (MST) during her service, Heidi carried deep emotional scars. MST, which affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men in the military, is linked to PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.

For years, Heidi sought help from mental health professionals but found true healing only at THS. “I came here thinking it would be just like the therapy I’d been through before, but that wasn’t the case,” Heidi shared. “These horses are absolutely amazing, and the people here have taken so much pain away from me.”

Her equine therapy experience was unique, a connection that is personal for every participant. “It’s not going to be identical to my story,” she said. “It’s going to be what the horse needs to give you to heal. It’s a horse wrapping their energy around you, letting you know they are there for you without you having to say anything.”

Heidi’s story shows how equine therapy can transform lives. With your support, THS can continue to offer these crucial services to more veterans who have given so much for our country.

Thank you, Heidi, for your service, and for sharing your story of healing through horses. To see her whole story, click this link to go to YouTube.

How does THS receive funding?

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) receives funding for its services through a combination of sources, with most of the support for our Veteran services coming from a grant with the VA. However, the demand from our military participants has outgrown this funding, and we are always in need of additional resources to meet their needs. 

While we also receive smaller grants and program income, much of our support comes from private donations and fundraising events. To continue providing these vital services to veterans like Heidi, we rely on the generosity of our community to bridge the gap and ensure that no one is turned away. Every contribution helps us reach more veterans who deserve the opportunity to heal through our equine therapy programs.

If people want to help your program, what can they do?

There are many meaningful ways people can support Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) through time, talent, and treasure. As a small organization caring for 29 horses and hosting numerous events, volunteering is crucial to our operations. We rely on volunteers to help care for our herd and assist with events that raise awareness about the important work we do.

In addition to volunteering time, we are always grateful for gifts of talent. We’ve had artists donate pieces for auctions, photographers and videographers capture the beauty of our programs, and skilled individuals help with repairs and maintenance around the farm. Whether you’re an artist, craftsman, or simply someone who enjoys lending a helping hand, your contributions are incredibly valuable to our mission.

Of course, financial support is essential to keeping our programs running. Donations of any size are deeply appreciated and can be made through our website. Individuals and businesses can also support us through event sponsorships or foundation grants that fund our therapeutic programs. Every bit of support helps us provide the healing power of horses to those who need it most. To learn about another program that combines retired Thoroughbreds and humans, read this article about James River Horse Foundation.

To learn about another program that combines retired Thoroughbreds and humans, read this article about James River Horse Foundation.