Healing in the Presence of Horses: The Sierra Sage Story

Yerington NV – June 4, 2026

Written by Josie Steehler, Communication Specialist for Rite of Passage

Off the highway in Yerington, girls are discovering the healing power of horses. At Sierra Sage Treatment Center, youth who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or adversity are finding confidence and connection through equine therapy.

What begins as caring for a horse often becomes something much deeper. These young women are growing from their pasts and gaining the tools needed to lead successful lives going forward.

“The ranch has always been a safe place to connect; the horse doesn’t have an agenda,” says Sierra Sage Program Director Beka Graham.

“The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man,” says Sierra Sage Ranch Manager Cecilia Smith. “Horses have been known to be therapeutic to those that love them, and that’s why so many people love them- because they are a grounding release.”

Smith holds certifications from several respected equine organizations, including Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) as an instructor, and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as a certified professional. Smith is a passionate, patient, and knowledgeable equine professional committed to sharing the restorative power of horses with the girls at Sierra Sage.

“Ms. Smith, our instructor, believed in me even when I didn’t. She checked in on me when I was struggling and even gave me tips on how to regulate my anger. Her support and willingness to be there is one of the main things that keeps me going,” says Sierra Sage student Davina.

There is so much more to healing with horses than just being around them. From brushing to exercise, and cleaning to feeding; there is responsibility involved in caring for a horse, and even this is a part of equine therapy.

Sierra Sage’s equine therapy is centered on curriculum from the Certified Horsemanship Association, but Smith also combines clinical assignments from each girls’ treatment plan to create a tailored therapeutic experience for each of them. She also meets with case managers and therapists to understand the girl’s trauma and the behavioral struggles they are facing.

“I just kind of weave their treatment into regular horsemanship and let the magic happen,” says Smith, “there’s no walls between me and them, and there’s no walls between them and the horses.”

Horses respond honestly to emotion. They don’t judge someone by their past or diagnosis; they react to energy and presence. The honest connection to horses is what makes equine therapy so powerful for people who are healing.

“Rango became more than just a horse I worked with; he became my safe space. Every time I had the chance to see him, I felt a sense of happiness and peace that I didn’t always feel elsewhere,” says Sierra Sage alumna Tehaine, “being with him gave me a sense of comfort, like I could just be myself without fear or pressure.”

For many of the girls who come to Sierra Sage, horses are entirely new. Some have never been around horses before arriving at the program. Others have struggled with relationships, self-doubt, or finding healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges. Sierra Sage Equestrian Center offers them something new: a judgement-free environment where healing can happen naturally.

“Borrego has helped me every way possible. He’s helped me build my relationship back with my family. He’s helped me be more confident in my skin. He’s helped me learn to love myself. But most of all, he’s helped me learn how to trust again,” says Sierra Sage Student, Kayahna.

The positive effect the equine therapy program has on these girls carries through the rest of their lives. Many fell in love with horsemanship and have gone on to start careers working with horses and animals or continue to surround themselves with horses in their free time. But the impact would not be possible without the help of the community.

Sierra Sage is a non-profit program that relies on support from the community to help sustain life-changing experiences like equine therapy. Program Director, Beka Graham, saw a need for dedicated fundraising support for the equine therapy program, and so was born: Hope Roundup.

“These kids don’t get these types of opportunities from where they’re coming from,” says Sierra Sage deputy Director Kristin Jarboe, “a number of them haven’t had consistency in a really long time. Something as simple as buying a ticket, coming to hear them talk at the event, or just saying ‘hi’ as they pass by, the impact that it makes on these kids is tenfold.”

“We’re grateful and thankful to all our community members, business owners, people who’ve given their time and energy and bought a ticket to the Hope Roundup,” adds Graham, “It’s made a big difference over the years in the program.”

The fourth annual Hope Roundup will be held June 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Yerington Theatre for the Arts. Guests will enjoy food, drinks, live music, dancing, and an opportunity to see firsthand how the equine therapy program is changing lives at Sierra Sage.

“Sierra Sage’s equine therapy program is part of a long tradition of providing experiential learning opportunities that help young people grow. Each year, we look forward to welcoming our partners and community members to Hope Roundup to support this incredible program and the young people it impacts,” says Ski Broman, Rite of Passage CEO.

To purchase tickets or make a donation to support the equine therapy program, visit hoperoundup.com. We sincerely hope to see you there.