AURORA — Healing Through Horses for Alaskans

 AURORA’s mission is to improve physical, psychological, and emotional well-being for Alaskans of all ages through therapeutic horse-assisted services rooted in evidence-based practice and trauma-informed care.

Many Alaskans struggle with trauma, anxiety, isolation, and life-limiting conditions — yet rural and small communities often lack accessible, holistic support services.

AURORA fills a critical gap by offering structured, experiential healing through horses that supports emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience.

AURORA combines therapeutic riding and ground-based wellness (including EAGALA-aligned sessions) delivered in a safe, warm environment where clients build trust, self-awareness, and emotional regulation through guided interaction with horses.

Why this works:

• Horses naturally mirror emotional states, supporting self-reflection and insight.

• Experiential activities build calm presence, patience, and coping skills.

This experiential, non-traditional model is increasingly recognized as a strong pathway for trauma recovery and social-emotional growth.

 We serve individuals experiencing:

• Trauma and stress

• Emotional and behavioral challenges

• Disability-related isolation

• Youth at risk and caregivers

Participation is available through scheduled sessions designed for safety, choice, and respect.

AURORA delivers measurable benefits including:

• Increased emotional regulation and resilience

• Improved confidence and self-esteem

• Reduced anxiety and social isolation

Outcomes are tracked through participant-reported measures, attendance, and goal-based progress indicators.

AURORA is an Alaska-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Wasilla and surrounding Mat-Su Valley communities with a trained, safety-focused team following national best practice standards.

We prioritize:

• Trauma-informed, client-centered care

• Inclusive and culturally competent programming

• Partnerships with schools, health providers, and community organizations

With this investment, AURORA will build sustainable delivery capacity to reach more underserved Alaskans through expanded session offerings, strengthened operational reliability, data-driven outcomes tracking, and strategic community partnerships.

Support AURORA’s mission through participation, referrals, volunteerism, and contributions.