Where stability rides alongside every child
Pairing foster children with horses to provide consistency, emotional growth, and lifelong connection. Every child deserves something they can count on.
In a world of change, we offer the one friend who stays
Children in the foster care system often experience upheaval—new homes, new schools, lost relationships. Stable Friends changes that narrative by creating trauma-informed, consistent relationships between foster children and horses.
We don’t do temporary.
We match each child with a gentle, vetted horse, and ensure that bond remains, no matter how often the child moves. Through expert horsemanship, attachment-centered mentorship, and full logistical support, we provide not just a program… but a lifeline of trust, stability, and healing.
The Heartbeats
Behind the Healing
Of participants report
improved self-worth
within the first 90 days
Horse-child pairings
remain intact across
multiple placements
Of age-outs remain
engaged in post-program
mentorship or alumni tracks
Of children show
measurable academic or
behavioral improvement
within 12 months
We call that riding toward resilience.
I had six placements in one year. I lost my friends, my school, my room... but never my horse. She waited for me at the next barn. That’s how I knew I still mattered.
- Tanya, 13
The program: Built on Hooves, Held Together by Heart
The Horse Moves with the Child
When a child’s placement changes, even across long distances, we ensure their horse is waiting at a barn nearby, so the bond never breaks.
Horsemanship for Emotional and Life Skills
From grooming and feeding to riding and goal-setting, children learn accountability, empathy, and patience—skills that translate beyond the paddock.
Rooted in Trauma-Informed Care
Our model is aligned with research on ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and uses structured routines and attachment-based activities to restore trust.
Mentorship Through Graduation
We offer 2–4 years of alumni support, peer mentorship opportunities, and even international horseback adventure capstones for college-bound graduates.
Fully Funded, Zero Burden
Stable Friends covers everything, transportation, tack, veterinary care, boarding, and instruction, so foster families and group homes can say “yes” without hesitation.
The Horse Moves with the Child
When a child’s placement changes, even across long distances, we ensure their horse is waiting at a barn nearby, so the bond never breaks.
Volunteer With Heart, Hands,
and Hope
Every child in our program needs more than just a horse, they need a community that believes in them. That’s where you come in.
When you volunteer with Stable Friends, you’re not just feeding hay or mucking stalls, you’re helping rebuild trust, confidence, and connection in the life of a child who’s known too much uncertainty. Whether you’re guiding a grooming session, transporting kids to the barn, lending a hand at fundraisers, or simply showing up with kindness, your presence becomes part of their healing.
Stories That Found a Home
A Bond Like No Other
I found my best friend. My horse, Ella, has been a constant source of joy and support. I no longer feel lonely and it comforts me to know that where ever I go she goes too. We support each other when we feel stressed. She has a story too and lets me know how she feels with her ears and soft nickers.
Supporting Dreams
My horse became my homework buddy. It just seemed easier to do with him around. I plan to graduate from high school. That wasn’t something I ever cared about before. The drama of my life took up all of my headspace. Now, I just sit in peace with my horse and think of things I want to do in my future, The other horse people at the barn have big plans and I want to as well.
Be the Stable in Someone’s Story
Children in foster care don’t need another program.
They need someone, or something that never leaves.
Be part of that. Be the reason a child finds hope in a horse.
