Equine-Assisted Therapy
Little Patch of Heaven
Identity-based healing through horses.
Non-profit organization
"He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing, and does not shy away from the sword." — Job 39:22
People aren't just struggling with symptoms. They're struggling with who they believe they are.
Rates of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions continue to rise across every age group. Survivors of abuse, chronic stress, and instability often carry trauma for years before receiving any support.
But the deeper crisis is this: trauma fractures identity. It replaces a person's true sense of self with shame, disconnection, and limiting beliefs about who they are and what they deserve.
Traditional therapy models often focus on managing symptoms rather than restoring identity. Talk therapy alone often cannot reach trauma stored in the body. And for many, especially children, trauma survivors, and neurodivergent individuals, words are simply not enough.
more likely to seek mental health support when animal-assisted therapy is an option vs. traditional counseling
dropout rate in animal-assisted therapy programs for students, compared to 40% in programs without animal interaction
Referred when traditional methods fall short
Clients with known barriers to conventional therapy or a history of non-responsiveness are more likely to be referred to equine-assisted therapy as a complementary or alternative option.
Healing that goes beyond coping. Healing that restores who you were created to be.
Little Patch of Heaven offers a unique approach to equine-assisted therapy by integrating the teachings of the Identity Exchange Program with intentional, horse-guided experiences.
Horses are highly attuned to human emotion. They mirror what's happening inside a person without judgment, labels, or expectations. When a participant carries tension, fear, or self-doubt into the arena, the horse reflects it back in real time. When they step into confidence, calm, and truth about who they are, the horse responds with connection and trust.
This isn't talk therapy. This is transformation you can feel in your body.
Our purpose is to guide each person toward discovering their true identity and understanding who they were created to be.
Two halters. Two identities. One powerful shift.
Each session is designed to help participants physically and emotionally experience the difference between leading from fear and leading from truth. Here's what a session looks like:
Name the Two Identities
The participant writes 2–3 limiting beliefs on one card ("I'm not enough," "I always fail," "I have to do this alone") and 2–3 identity truths on another ("I am capable," "I am loved," "I was created with purpose"). Each card is placed in a different halter.
Lead from the False Identity
Wearing the 'false identity' halter, the participant leads the horse through simple obstacles. They notice: tension in the body, hesitation, over-control. The horse often resists, drifts, or becomes inattentive. The limiting beliefs show up in the relationship.
Release
The participant sets down the false identity halter, takes a deep breath, and reconnects with the horse. "This is not who I am."
Lead from True Identity
With the 'true identity' halter, they repeat the same course. Posture shifts. Breathing grounds. The horse softens, moves closer, follows with willingness. Identity changes everything.
Reflect
With the horse still present, the participant processes: What felt different? How did the horse respond? Which identity took more effort? What truth felt strongest?
The first equine therapy center built on the Identity Exchange Program.
Little Patch of Heaven is not just another equine therapy program. It is the first equine therapeutic center to integrate the Identity Exchange Program into its model.
Rather than relying solely on traditional therapy or medication, our approach focuses on identifying and addressing root belief patterns, specifically the inaccurate or harmful self-perceptions that drive emotional and behavioral challenges.
Our work is conducted through an accredited program and uniquely incorporates equine-assisted activities. Horses naturally foster calm, provide structure, reflect emotional states, and encourage responsibility, helping clients develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation in a supportive, grounded environment.
Why clients choose us:
Research shows that individuals are 94% more likely to seek mental health support when animal-assisted therapy is offered compared to traditional counseling. Our program provides a peaceful, nonjudgmental environment and delivers a transformative experience unavailable anywhere else. By combining evidence-informed practices with equine partnership, we offer an innovative alternative that meets clients where they are and supports meaningful, lasting change.
Look what love can do.
The healing journey at Little Patch of Heaven extends to our equine partners too. Many of our horses were rescued from neglect and given a second chance. We plan to continue rescuing and rehabbing more horses as we grow. Their transformation mirrors the journey of every person who walks through our gates. We plan to continue rescuing and rehabbing as we grow.
Baby
Before Brought in extremely malnourished with a large abscess in her knee. She had been handled roughly and was afraid of being approached or touched.
After Now thriving, teaching students, and returning the love she was given.
Pegasus
Before Arrived malnourished after passing through multiple homes. His owners could no longer afford his care. They said he couldn't be ridden and didn't like people.
After Now confident, connected, and working with students every day.
Captain
Before Came in malnourished after being abandoned at a boarding facility by his previous owner.
After Now healthy, strong, and an integral part of the program.
Past experiences do not define true identity. Not for horses. Not for people.
This isn't just an idea. It's already in motion.
Moriah has personally invested over $20,000 to build this program from the ground up. Little Patch of Heaven currently has:
- Multiple trained horses ready for sessions
- A barn and arena on owned land
- Essential equipment for operations
- An established lesson program serving students of all ages
- A growing community and waitlist of families ready to begin
The facility is nestled in a peaceful, secluded mountain setting in the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee, just 8 minutes from the regional airport.
A dual-healing model built to grow.
As the program develops, Little Patch of Heaven will expand to include the simultaneous rehabilitation of both people and horses. Rescued horses coming from neglectful or traumatic backgrounds will journey alongside clients through trust-building, emotional regulation, and restoration.
Clients gain a powerful mirror: watching a horse rediscover its strength after trauma reinforces the truth that healing is possible for them too.
Target populations: All ages initially, with a long-term focus on at-risk and troubled youth.
Individual and group Identity Exchange-based equine therapy sessions
Partnerships with schools, churches, therapists, and community organizations
Corporate wellness retreats, institutional contracts, horse rescue and rehoming program
What your investment builds.
To launch operations at full capacity and serve the families already waiting, Little Patch of Heaven is seeking $180,000 in funding.
Year one operations, salary, and horse care (vet, farrier, feed, hay)
Electrical and plumbing installation in the barn
Barn completion and finishing
Three additional therapy horses
Fencing improvements for safety
Round pen construction for groundwork and training
Every dollar invested goes directly toward creating a safe, fully operational facility and ensuring the highest standard of care for both clients and horses.
Built to sustain and scale.
Revenue Streams
- Institutional contracts — Schools, VA facilities, and rehabilitation centers
- Insurance reimbursement — Where applicable
- Grants and donations — Supporting scholarship access
- Corporate wellness and retreats — Part of the long-term growth plan
Go-to-Market Strategy
Referral partnerships with therapists, schools, and churches
Community outreach to organizations including Oasis of Kingsport, Family Promise, and Hope Haven
Growing social media presence and digital marketing
Direct relationship-building within the Tri-Cities community
Meet Moriah Dayton
Moriah brings over eight years of experience training, rehabilitating, and caring for horses, with a deep emphasis on restoring animals from challenging and neglectful situations. She developed her skills through seven years of mentorship under a professional riding instructor and has spent four years teaching students of all ages through her own lesson program.
Moriah is a graduate of the Identity Exchange Program and is currently completing Catalyst, the program's advanced hands-on training in identity-based facilitation and strategic program development. This equips her with a proven framework for guiding personal transformation and identity restoration. She has successfully rehabilitated and rehomed multiple horses from neglectful environments, witnessing firsthand the resilience that emerges when any living thing is met with patience, structure, and consistent care.
She is deeply committed to this calling and has seen meaningful progress as doors continue to open for Little Patch of Heaven.
"Just as with humans, horses respond profoundly to consistent care, compassion, and reassurance. When provided with patience, structure, and kindness, they are able to rediscover their strength and potential."
— Moriah Dayton
Be part of the story.
Little Patch of Heaven is ready to launch. Families are waiting. Horses are ready. The foundation is built. What's needed now is partnership.
If this mission resonates with you, Moriah would love to connect.