Our Mission

Gateway HorseWorks' mission is to incorporate horses for the mental health treatment of people. 

Our Vision

Gateway HorseWorks’ vision is to make the incorporation of horses for the mental health treatment of people accessible to all by prioritizing access for our most marginalized and vulnerable communities. Through the development of groundbreaking programs, education, and a community-driven approach, Gateway HorseWorks aims to further research in this field of practice and be a leader in innovative mental health solutions.

Our Values

Access

Since Gateway HorseWorks’ inception, we strived to make the incorporation of horses for the mental health treatment of people accessible in our community. Traditional talk therapy falls short or is rendered ineffective for people who have experienced trauma. The need has never been greater for more innovative tools in the mental health toolbox, however, access to groundbreaking mental healthcare, as well as horses, is still an elite experience. Gateway HorseWorks is dedicated to dismantling this lack of access with sustained intention. Additionally, we commit to centering diversity, equity, and inclusion as a keystone in the organization in order to create more access to this field of practice.

Self-Discovery, Growth, & Learning

As individuals, we maintain a deep curiosity about ourselves.  We cannot expect to help others on their journey of self-discovery, growth, and learning unless we are committed to knowing ourselves and owning our stories, choices, and actions.  This requires vulnerability, courage, and accountability.  

As an organization, we are deeply committed to holding space for ourselves and others, so we may reflect upon our choices and actions.  This allows us to grow in our mission.  We celebrate our successes, and learn from our failures.  In dedication to life-long learning, we encourage creativity and innovation. We practice compassion, empathy, and forgiveness at every opportunity.

Integrity, Trust, & Peace

We interact with others in a straightforward and honest manner.  We treat everyone as we wish to be treated.  We act in accordance with the EAGALA and the licensed Mental Health Professionals’ Code of Ethics.  By grounding ourselves in ethical practice, we build trust within the team, with our clients, and the community at large.  We always hold our animals, staff, participants, and environment in the highest regard.  Because integrity and trust are woven into the fabric of the organization, our clients find an oasis of peace and respite to heal their mind, body, and spirit.

Nature & Sustainability

We are devoted to never harming our animals or the environment; connecting with nature is a touchstone of this organization.  Not only does nature allow us a place to quietly connect to ourselves, it helps us to see the connectedness of all things.  We are deeply committed to creating an environment of sustainability:  in the lives of our clients, their growth & learning, and in support of long-term ecological balance.

Teamwork & Communication

We recognize that everyone brings unique skills, knowledge, and perspective to the organization. We remain curious about another’s point-of-view, so we stay open to new knowledge and insight.  No one is above another.  Everyone is an integral part of the organization, including the animals.  We lean into conflict with a focus on resolution.  We recognize that our words and actions have great power, and we do our best to propel them in positive directions.