Horses that heal: Equine therapy rising in popularity

Bridget Williams introduces a child to a horse at Red Horse Healing in Rapid Valley, S.D., on Feb. 21, 2026. Photo by Bart Pfankuch
Bridget Williams introduces a child to a horse at Red Horse Healing in Rapid Valley, S.D., on Feb. 21, 2026. Photo by Bart Pfankuch

Bridget Williams gathered a group of children together in her barn to show them how to safely give a horse a treat.

Williams told them not to hold the treat near the horse’s mouth because it can’t see the snack and could mistakenly bite a finger. Instead, she said, show the horse the treat and then lower it for gentle chomping by the appreciative animal.

The brief lesson was intended to build trust …