Barnabas rescues horses from abusive and traumatic situations, including owner surrenders, seizures, and retired racehorses, many of whom have endured severe cruelty. These horses, in turn, provide emotional healing to humans facing distress, demonstrating a unique sensitivity to trauma. The farm’s diverse herd, ranging from miniature horses to large draft horses, serves as empathetic companions to clients, offering comfort through their intuitive understanding of unspoken emotional pain.

The therapeutic impact of these horses is exemplified by a poignant early experience where a horse comforted a middle school boy dealing with the trauma of his incarcerated parents. This interaction highlights the power of animal-assisted therapy, supported by the concept of neuroplasticity, which helps trauma victims rewire their brains. While Barnabas staff are certified life coaches and victim service providers, licensed therapists are brought in as needed, underscoring the farm’s holistic approach to healing through the human-animal bond.