Help Us Build Something Transformative 

At Valdosta State’s Equine-Assisted Learning program, we are creating more than a facility—we are building a living, breathing learning environment where students, horses, and community come together in powerful ways. 

If something here sparks your interest, we invite you to step in, partner with us, and help bring this vision to life. 

Reach out to Dr. Kate Warner at kwarner@valdosta.edu or Dr. Gwen Scott Ruttencutter at gwescott@valdosta.edu to begin the conversation—your next step toward something meaningful might be closer than you think. 

Our STRIDES course offers students a powerful, hands-on learning experience at the barn. 

We are seeking donors to underwrite the cost of “barn days,” approximately $3,000 per class, ensuring that all students—regardless of financial background—can participate. 

Your support makes it possible for students to: 

  • Step outside the traditional classroom  
  • Engage in experiential, embodied learning  
  • Discover new ways of thinking, leading, and relating  

Sponsor a class—and open the gate to transformative learning.

We are working to expand both equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted therapy into our clinical preparation programs—creating innovative pathways for students in fields such as social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling, and nursing. 

With your support, we can develop certificate programs and specialized training tracks that integrate these approaches into clinical education and practice. 

This initiative will: 

  • Prepare graduate students to incorporate equine-assisted therapy into their professional practice  
  • Develop certificate and credentialing pathways that expand career opportunities  
  • Provide hands-on, supervised experiences that build competence and confidence  
  • Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across health and human services fields  

At the same time, we are committed to using equine-assisted learning as a powerful tool for clinician development—supporting the growth of the noncognitive and relational capacities that shape effective practice. Through guided experiences with horses, students have the opportunity to: 

  • Deepen self-awareness and emotional insight  
  • Explore presence, boundaries, and authenticity in real time  
  • Strengthen observation, attunement, and nonverbal communication  
  • Reflect on how their own responses influence and shape clinical relationships  

These experiences cultivate clinicians who are not only technically skilled, but also reflective, grounded, and responsive—able to navigate complexity with awareness, adaptability, and intention. 

Equine-assisted therapy expands the ways future clinicians can support clients. Equine-assisted learning strengthens the clinician themselves—developing the habits of mind, presence, and relational awareness that underpin meaningful change. Together, they create a more holistic, human-centered approach to care. 

Your investment helps us prepare professionals who are not only well-trained, but deeply attuned to the individuals and communities they serve. 

Help us shape the future of clinical training—where learning is experiential, relationships are central, and new possibilities for growth and healing can emerge.

Empower Our Equestrian Team & Club 

Our equestrian students are dedicated, hardworking, and passionate—and they represent VSU with pride. 

We are seeking support to help cover: 

  • Travel to competitions (including ~5 overnight trips per year for 15 riders)  
  • Riding lessons and training time  
  • Safety equipment, including helmets  
  • Intercollegiate team fees and competition costs  

Your investment ensures that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of student participation and success. 

Stand behind our riders as they step forward and compete. 

Our STRIDES course offers students a powerful, hands-on learning experience at the barn. 

We are seeking donors to underwrite the cost of “barn days,” approximately $3,000 per class, ensuring that all students—regardless of financial background—can participate. 

Your support makes it possible for students to: 

  • Step outside the traditional classroom  
  • Engage in experiential, embodied learning  
  • Discover new ways of thinking, leading, and relating  

Sponsor a class—and open the gate to transformative learning.

We are working to expand both equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted therapy into our clinical preparation programs—creating innovative pathways for students in fields such as social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling, and nursing. 

With your support, we can develop certificate programs and specialized training tracks that integrate these approaches into clinical education and practice. 

This initiative will: 

  • Prepare graduate students to incorporate equine-assisted therapy into their professional practice  
  • Develop certificate and credentialing pathways that expand career opportunities  
  • Provide hands-on, supervised experiences that build competence and confidence  
  • Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across health and human services fields  

At the same time, we are committed to using equine-assisted learning as a powerful tool for clinician development—supporting the growth of the noncognitive and relational capacities that shape effective practice. Through guided experiences with horses, students have the opportunity to: 

  • Deepen self-awareness and emotional insight  
  • Explore presence, boundaries, and authenticity in real time  
  • Strengthen observation, attunement, and nonverbal communication  
  • Reflect on how their own responses influence and shape clinical relationships  

These experiences cultivate clinicians who are not only technically skilled, but also reflective, grounded, and responsive—able to navigate complexity with awareness, adaptability, and intention. 

Equine-assisted therapy expands the ways future clinicians can support clients. Equine-assisted learning strengthens the clinician themselves—developing the habits of mind, presence, and relational awareness that underpin meaningful change. Together, they create a more holistic, human-centered approach to care. 

Your investment helps us prepare professionals who are not only well-trained, but deeply attuned to the individuals and communities they serve. 

Help us shape the future of clinical training—where learning is experiential, relationships are central, and new possibilities for growth and healing can emerge.

Empower Our Equestrian Team & Club 

Our equestrian students are dedicated, hardworking, and passionate—and they represent VSU with pride. 

We are seeking support to help cover: 

  • Travel to competitions (including ~5 overnight trips per year for 15 riders)  
  • Riding lessons and training time  
  • Safety equipment, including helmets  
  • Intercollegiate team fees and competition costs  

Your investment ensures that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of student participation and success. 

Stand behind our riders as they step forward and compete.