Serene Strides

Meet Serene Strides

At Serene Strides, we believe growth can happen in unexpected places, sometimes with four hooves standing right in front of you.

We provide equine-assisted learning experiences that give young people opportunities to build confidence, develop communication skills, practice responsibility, and discover more about themselves through meaningful interactions with horses. Our programs are designed to create a welcoming space where participants can slow down and connect with horses, nature, each other, and themselves.

Serene Strides' vision centers on respect for both people and horses. A key part of our mission is providing opportunities to learn life skills through developing relationships with horses. We aim to eliminate barriers that prevent people from all backgrounds from accessing this valuable experience. Our trained social workers bring that same care to our equine partners, honoring them as living beings with their own needs and boundaries—not simply as a means of helping people. At the heart of our work is a connection that supports the well-being of both.

Your donation helps make these experiences possible. Every gift supports the care of our horses, participant scholarships, and the everyday work required to keep these opportunities accessible to the people we serve.

Who We Are

Serene Strides began with three social workers—Chelsea, Gina, and Susie—who were colleagues and friends. In the spring of 2023, beneath the big tree on Gina’s property in Los Molinos, the idea for the organization took shape.

Each founder brought her skills and dedication and turned their shared vision into a reality. Chelsea and Gina completed a one-year program at the University of Denver to become certified in equine-assisted mental health from The Institute for Human-Animal Connection. Meanwhile, Susie drafted the bylaws and articles of incorporation, established the 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and registered the organization with the State of California. By the fall of 2024, Serene Strides began offering programs to youth, families and professionals who would not otherwise have access to this opportunity. The addition of Board Members, Carrie and Lyndee, round out our expertise in horse care, non-profit management and connections across the North State.

Unique to the North State, Serene Strides is facilitated by trained professionals and based on research that demonstrates the critical impact that horses can have on mental wellness and social-emotional learning. Equine-assisted learning programs offer opportunities to practice self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, communication, and responsible decision-making. These skills are practiced through activities focused on mindfulness, relationship-building, and teamwork.