— EQUINE-ASSISTED HEALING · FORT MYERS, FL
Where Horses
Heal
Remarkable Kids
Animals & Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit pairing extraordinary horses with children who need confidence, connection, and a pathway to healing — right here in Southwest Florida.
12+
Active Programs
K-12
Ages Served
8
Conditions Addressed
4901
Neal Rd, Fort Myers
501(c)3
Tax-Deductible Gifts
— OUR MISSION
Connect. Heal. Empower.
Animals & Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to building meaningful connections between horses and humans in need of a better life. These horses are trained to empower individuals needing to rediscover strength, confidence, and peace.
By creating meaningful connections between horse and human, we cultivate healing, dignity, and a better future for all parties. Our programs serve children from all walks of life — from youth in crisis to families seeking enrichment and growth.
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Youth Development
Equine Care
Community Enrichment
— WHAT WE OFFER
Programs That Change Lives
From trauma-informed therapy sessions to art classes and summer camps — every program is designed to build confidence, develop life skills, and create lasting connections between kids and horses.
Core Youth Development
Leadership, life skills, and confidence-building programs using horses as partners in growth.
→ Graceful Growth Equine Youth Initiative (Parelli Method)
→ Kids Club — community service
& leadership
→ Work-to-Ride — earning riding through responsibility
Creative & Enrichment
Art, music, and creative expression programs that pair horse time with imagination and confidence building.
→ Paint & Ride — art class + horse time
→ Art Classes (Elements & Principles,
K–12)
→ Music Classes — beginner-friendly
Equine
Education
Hands-on horse science curriculum for curious young minds — from anatomy to genetics.
→ Jr. Equine Vet Explorers (Levels 1–4)
→ Anatomy, health care &
disease prevention
→ Genetics, history & EAL
creative classes
→ Jr. Vet Camp Intensives
Community Outreach
Bringing the healing power of horses directly into the community — at schools, shelters, and special events.
→ Gus & Stormy's Family Storytime — literacy + horses
→ Mobile Outreach — Stormy visits schools & organizations
→ Community events & pony rides
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Trauma-informed sessions and healing programs for youth in crisis, families, and individuals seeking emotional support.
→ EAL / EAP Therapy Groups — youth in crisis & safe houses
→ Family Enrichment Program (8-
week sessions)
→ Individual Equine Sessions
→ Peer Mentoring Program
Camps
& Seasonal
Immersive summer camp experiences combining riding, education, crafts, and community service
→ Summer Camps (Beginner + Themed Weeks)
→ Riding, grooming, games, crafts, pool time
→ Jr. Vet Camp Intensives
→ Community service component
— EQUINE PARTNERSHIP & THERAPY
Every Horse Is a Partner. Every Child Deserves Healing.
The ripple effect we create in our community begins with the extraordinary bond between horse and human. These magnificent, sentient creatures — sometimes sassy and grumpy — are a genuine gift that deserve kindness, love, and respect.
"While traditional therapy requires
dialogue, equine-assisted therapy only requires one's presence. Walking alongside them... grooming them... sometimes just standing in their shadow eliminates the need for overthinking."
Their emotional intelligence is significant and meaningful. Weighing between 900 and 1,200 lbs, horses read subtle body cues — recognizing tension, detecting emotional strain — and respond in ways that create profound breakthroughs for children.
Anxiety
Trauma & PTSD
Autism
Depression
Addiction Recovery
Developmental Issues
Emotional Regulation
Confidence Building
— MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Your Support Saves
Horses & Transforms Kids
Every dollar you give directly supports our horses and life-changing youth programs in Southwest Florida. Animals & Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit — your donation is tax-deductible.
Animals & Kids, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
— STORIES OF IMPACT
Lives Changed Here
My daughter had severe anxiety and wouldn't speak to strangers. After just 4 sessions of equine therapy at Animals & Kids, she started opening up. The horses gave her something talk therapy never could — a judgment-free connection.
M
Maria S.
Parent — Fort Myers, FL
The Jr. Equine Vet Explorers program completely changed my son's trajectory. He went from struggling in school to talking about becoming
a veterinarian. The hands-on
learning with real horses made all
the difference.
D
David R.
Parent — Cape Coral, FL
We brought a group of youth from our shelter and the transformation was immediate. The horses met the kids exactly where they were — no pressure, no expectations. Just presence and connection. It was remarkable to witness.
T
Teresa K.
Case Manager — SWFL Youth Shelter
— FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About Our Programs
— GET IN TOUCH
Come Visit Us
We welcome families, schools, social service organizations, grant funders, and prospective volunteers. Reach out to schedule a visit, ask about programs, or discuss partnership opportunities.
ADDRESS
HOURS
By appointment — contact us to schedule a visit
SERVICE AREA
Southwest Florida — Lee, Charlotte, Collier & Hendry Counties
— OUR COMMUNITY
Partners & Sponsors
Join the growing family of organizations and businesses supporting equine-assisted healing in Southwest Florida.
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