Harmony IN Horses

06/12/2026

06/06/2026

Boone County Senior Services recently hosted a surprise “Mystery Trip” for 28 participants, and the destination was Harmony IN Horses! Guests enjoyed a hands-on experience interacting with our equine partners, including grooming the ponies, meeting our horses, and learning about the unique history and characteristics of America’s wild-born Mustangs. The group also participated in a special demonstration featuring Naomi and Kiki, which highlighted principles from our Brain-Based Horsemanship® and regulation-focused approach. It was a wonderful day filled with learning, laughter, connection, and meaningful interactions between people and animals. We were honored to share our mission and introduce our visitors to the healing power of horses in such a beautiful and engaging way. 🐴❤️

06/06/2026

Join Us for Small Group This Friday, 9 AM - 12 PM or Saturday, 11 AM -2 PM!

Looking for a fun and meaningful summer activity for your teen?

Our Small Group program offers 6 consecutive weeks of:
✨ Fun and friendship
🐴 Animal-assisted activities
🌳 Nature therapy
💪 Life and work skill development
🌱 Personal growth and confidence building

Participants will enjoy hands-on experiences with animals, time outdoors, and opportunities to learn valuable skills in a supportive environment.

Spots are limited, so don't wait! Register today! https://bensranch.org/our-program/small-group-program/

Make this summer one to remember!

06/03/2026

Exciting News!

This Friday and Saturday, we are launching two new Small Group sessions!

A few spots are still available for our Friday sessions at Harmony in Horses. Only ONE spot remains for our Saturday session at Carmel Equestrian Center!

Allow your teen to build:
🌱 Life skills
💼 Work skills
🐎 Confidence and responsibility
🌳 The benefits of animal & nature-based therapy

Financial assistance is available, making it easier for families to participate.

Don't miss this chance to make summer meaningful, engaging, and fun!
https://bensranch.org/our-program/small-group-program/

05/22/2026

Interesting research:

Human–horse interaction programs are becoming increasingly popular for improving well-being, yet their biological effects on both humans and horses remain unclear. This study explored whether interactive activities influence oxytocin, a hormone linked to social bonding, and cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, in both humans and horses. The results showed that salivary oxytocin levels in humans did not significantly increase following interactive activities, whereas plasma oxytocin levels in horses significantly increased after standing with humans or being rubbed by them. Cortisol levels remained unchanged in both humans and horses across all activities. These findings suggest that human–horse interactions may strengthen social bonds in horses while not eliciting a stress response in either species. This research provides scientific evidence supporting the benefits of human–horse interaction programs, contributing to the development and advancement of animal-assisted interventions aimed at enhancing both human and animal well-being.

Therapeutic programs involving human–horse interactions are gaining popularity as a means of enhancing human well-being. Understanding the physiological responses of both humans and horses during these interactions is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of such programs. This study examined...

05/22/2026

Our Executive Director, Lisa Latz Condes graduated from Boone County Leadership last week! We are proud to be serving youth and collaborating in Boone County!

05/22/2026

So exited to be providing mental health services for DCS in partnership with our horses and sharing it at the Provider Fair!

05/07/2026

“The best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse”

05/05/2026

A well-known study from Natural Resources Institute Finland, published in Science Advances, investigated how nature-based playgrounds affect children’s health. In this 28-day experiment, researchers modified urban daycare yards by adding forest soil, grass, and plants, and observed around 75 children aged 3–5. Compared to children playing in standard urban environments (with gravel or artificial surfaces), those exposed to natural materials showed a noticeable increase in the diversity of beneficial microbes on their skin and in their gut.

These microbial changes were linked to improvements in immune system function, including higher levels of immune-regulating cells such as T-cells and better balance in immune responses. However, the study did not claim a dramatic or instant “boost” in overall health; instead, it showed early signs of improved immune regulation, which may help protect against inflammatory and autoimmune conditions over time. The findings suggest that regular contact with natural environments can play an important role in supporting children’s developing immune systems.

05/05/2026

Hey Boone County & Western Hamilton County!

We’re excited to offer a 6-week small group experience this summer at Harmony In Horses, starting Friday, June 5th.

This program is designed for teens ages 13–18 who are struggling with anxiety and depression. It’s a work-based learning experience that helps get them out of the house, off phones and video games, and engaged in meaningful time outdoors and in nature.

Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up soon! Financial assistance is available for those who need it.

Register here: https://bensranch.org/our-program/small-group-program/

We’d love to have you join us—reach out for details or to reserve your spot today!