U R Herd

U R Herd

Healing Hearts. Empowering Youths. Strengthening New Orleans.

In New Orleans, too many young people and families are carrying the weight of trauma, loss, violence, and generational hardship. At U R Herd, we believe healing is possible, and it can begin in nature, beside a horse, in a space where people feel heard, seen, safe, and valued.

U R Herd exists to empower underserved youth, families, and communities to build healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Through specialized trauma-informed care rooted in cultural humility, we provide innovative mental health and learning programs designed to meet people where they are, emotionally, culturally, and economically.

Based at Magic Meadow in New Orleans, U R Herd is an Equine-Assisted Mental Health Counseling and Learning program that partners licensed mental health professionals, educators, and rescue horses to create transformative experiences.

Why Horses?

For many young people, traditional talk therapy can feel intimidating or inaccessible. Horses offer something different.

In the presence of these intuitive, non-judgmental animals, youth begin to regulate their nervous systems, build trust, and experience connection in a new way. Outside the classroom walls and in the calming rhythm of nature, learning becomes embodied. Emotional regulation becomes tangible. Confidence grows.

Our programs include:

• Suicide prevention education

• Trauma-informed counseling

• Life skills development

• Academic support

• Family engagement services

All delivered in a safe, supportive, and culturally responsive environment.

While equine-assisted programs are recognized globally, particularly through the EAGALA model, U R Herd is the only organization in New Orleans providing this specialized mental health approach. Our rescue horses are not just part of the setting; they are part of the healing team.

A Moment of Change

When “J” first came to U R Herd, he barely spoke. Suspended from school, struggling with anger, and carrying grief he didn’t have words for, he kept his hood up and his distance.

During one session, he was invited to lead a horse across the field. The horse stopped. Instead of pulling harder, J paused. He took a breath. He softened his posture.

The horse stepped forward.

It was a small moment, but it was the first time J realized that calm leadership, not force, created connection. Over time, that lesson translated into school, into friendships, into home.

Today, J speaks with confidence. He knows how to pause. He knows how to regulate. He knows he matters.

A Community Impact That Ripples

Our mission is to help youth and families break cycles of generational trauma, build resilience, and develop lifelong skills. When a young person learns emotional regulation, when a parent rebuilds confidence, when a family reconnects — the impact extends far beyond the individual.

Imagine:

• Young people who feel empowered instead of overwhelmed.

• Families who feel connected instead of isolated.

• Communities that are peaceful, resilient, and thriving.

That ripple effect strengthens all of New Orleans.

Your Support Makes Healing Possible

We are committed to making our services accessible to everyone, regardless of economic, cultural, or social background. Many of the families we serve cannot afford private therapy. Your support ensures that cost is never a barrier to healing.

By investing in U R Herd, you are investing in:

• Suicide prevention

• Trauma recovery

• Youth empowerment

• Community resilience

• The care of our rescue horses who help make this work possible

Together, we can create a city where healing is not a luxury; it is a right.

Join us. Partner with us. Help us expand this life-changing work across Greater New Orleans.

Testimonials

"My Kids were in nature with horses and did not see this as therapy even though I could see them working through their feelings and then the magic happened and the horses helped us as a family."

"I didn't Trust anybody before but working with the big horse helped me calm down and earn the horses trust. That horse helped me feel much better around people too"

" How can horses possibly help me with my trauma, I thought. I was skeptical. I was wrong. It has been a real healing, learning experience for me".

" They get me, I am at home here"