10/16/2026
🐴💙 FEATURE FRIDAY: Meet Rachel Shields, M.Ed., LCMHCA! 💙🐴
At Horses for Hope, we believe horses have an incredible ability to connect, inspire, and help us grow. This Feature Friday, we’re excited to introduce Rachel Shields, who brings together her lifelong love of horses and her passion for helping others! 🐎✨
Rachel has been riding horses since she was just eight years old. Throughout her life, horses have provided a special sense of connection, comfort, and understanding. Now, she is combining that passion with her professional experience in mental health counseling through equine-assisted psychotherapy.
With over six years of experience supporting children, teens, and families, Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and Licensed School Counselor. Her work focuses on helping individuals navigate challenges, build confidence, develop coping skills, and discover their own strengths.
💙 What makes Rachel’s approach so special?
She believes that growth happens when people feel safe, supported, and understood. Through the unique connection between horses and humans, Rachel hopes to help individuals:
🌟 Build confidence and self-esteem
🌟 Develop emotional awareness and regulation
🌟 Strengthen communication and relationships
🌟 Discover resilience and personal strengths
🌟 Experience connection, healing, and growth
When she isn’t helping others, Rachel enjoys horseback riding, spending time outdoors, and making memories with family and friends.
Rachel reminds us that sometimes the greatest lessons in life aren’t taught in a classroom or an office—they’re discovered in the quiet moments spent beside a horse. 🐴💙
Please join us in giving Rachel a warm Horses for Hope welcome! We’re excited for the compassion, experience, and heart she brings to our barn family.
💙 Because at Horses for Hope, we’re building more than riding skills—we’re building confidence, connections, and hope.