By LORI GREEN LeROY
Guest Columnist
Did you know that horses can sense your heartbeat from four feet away and even synchronize theirs with yours? It’s a remarkable reminder of the power of connection, one that guides everything we do at Harmony IN Horses.
On our peaceful farm just north of Zionsville, we see this connection come to life every day. We witness young people who have experienced profound trauma begin to trust again. We see them learn to lead, communicate, and believe in themselves, all with the help of a horse. These gentle animals, once wild or unwanted themselves, mirror the emotions of the humans they encounter. They don’t judge or criticize. They simply respond with honesty, empathy, and presence.
At Harmony IN Horses, we harness that connection to help youth who have been impacted by foster care, adoption, or trauma. Through equine-assisted learning, mentorship, and nature-based programs, we create a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Lori Green LeRoy and Angel, one of the horses at Harmony IN Horses. (Photo provided)
The power of Horse PowHER
One of our newest initiatives, the Horse PowHER Program, is designed especially for teen girls who have endured significant adversity. These young women come to us burdened by fear, anxiety, and a loss of self-worth. But through their relationship with horses, they discover something powerful: strength, confidence, and leadership.
When a participant steps into the arena, she quickly realizes that she cannot force a 1,000-pound animal to follow her. She must earn that trust through calmness, clarity, and authenticity. In the process, she learns how to regulate her emotions, communicate her needs, and believe that she can make an impact without raising her voice.
Each week, we see transformations unfold: one quiet moment, one steady breath, one soft nuzzle at a time. Girls who once struggled to make eye contact now stand tall beside their equine partners, proud of the trust they’ve built together.
Community support that creates ripples of change
This work wouldn’t be possible without a caring community that believes in the healing power of connection. We are deeply grateful to Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for their generous grant that is helping us expand access to the Horse PowHER Program and other transformative experiences. With their support, dozens more teens will be able to step into the corral, take a deep breath, and begin a journey toward healing.
Anthem’s commitment to improving the whole health of our communities aligns perfectly with our mission. They understand that mental and emotional well-being are just as important as physical health and that sometimes, the best therapy doesn’t take place in an office, but under open skies and beside a gentle horse.
Healing happens here
At Harmony IN Horses, healing is quiet, authentic, and deeply personal. It happens when a young person learns to trust again. It happens when a horse lowers its head to meet a trembling hand. It happens when laughter returns after years of silence.
Our “horse staff” includes three gentled wild mustangs, two ponies, and two miniature horses, all with stories of resilience that mirror those of the youth they serve. Together, they help teach courage, connection, and compassion in ways that words alone never could.
We invite our community to be part of this healing journey. Whether by spreading the word, volunteering your time, or supporting our programs, you can help us continue changing lives, one heartbeat at a time. Because when horses and humans come together with understanding and respect, the possibilities for trust, confidence, and hope are limitless.
Lori Green LeRoy is the co-founder and board president of Harmony IN Horses. Click here to learn more.