Healing Hoof Steps Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning Services

"Improving lives one FOOT and one HOOF step at a time."

Providing Equine Therapy & Learning Services to the Florida Panhandle


Healing Hoof Steps is proud to be a Certified Community Partner with the United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties for 2019!

Healing Hoof Steps is PROUD to be certified and recognized as an EAGALA Military Services Provider!   We are ONE of only 17 Programs to hold this certification in the United States!

Located in Crestview, Florida

History of Healing Hoof Steps

Healing Hoof Steps was founded by Narissa Jenkins in 2014.  After nearly 2 decades in business marketing, she found herself at crossroads looking for a way to give back and lead a more fulfilling existence.  Her horse, Saideira (one of Secratariat's Great Great Granddaughters), had such a therapeutic quality during the most difficult of times.  This therapeutic hobby would become the catalyst to what is Healing Hoof Steps today.  During her research to understand the therapeutic benefits, Narissa learned of EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association).  The EAGALA Model of therapy used a ground-based approach and had been a proven treatment for various aliments such as depression, anxiety, P.T.S.D and so much more.   At the time, there were no individuals offering this type of equine assisted therapy in Northwest Florida.  As the daughter of a Vietnam Vet, Narissa knew the effects of P.T.S.D. on family members.  She also knew that our area's deeply rooted military culture could benefit from having additional therapeutic resources available to individuals and families.  Healing Hoof Steps found it's permanent home at 3922 Jace Drive in late 2015.   Clinical Director, Connie Baldwin LMHC, joined the team in 2017 after spending several years as a Team Leader with Marcus Littrell's Lone Survivor Foundation in Texas.  In early 2018, a private donation funded the construction of a new barn with a finished office for clients use.  The barn completed phase one of the three phase master plan for Healing Hoof Steps.  

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Equine Therapy Programs equine therapy

What is Equine Therapy/Learning?

  • Tri-Team Approach using a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an Equine Specialist & Horses
  • Horse is used as a partner for emotional growth
  • Experiential ground activities
  • Not horsemanship or riding
  • Works with metaphors
  • Process feelings, behaviors and patterns

What conditions are treated with Equine Assisted Therapy?

  • Depression or Anxiety
  • At-Risk Youth
  • P.T.S.D./Trauma
  • Relationship Issues
  • Grief
  • ADHD
  • Family Counseling
  • Women's Issues

Looking for Equine Assisted Therapy Programs in other states?  Check out www.EquineTherapyNetwork.org to see over 1,700 programs and how to contact them!