It Takes A Herd Foundation Inc is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit founded in 2025 to address a growing and often overlooked need: meaningful, inclusive support for individuals and families affected by dementia and the burden of caregiving, including military veterans and their loved ones. Through a dementia-friendly, non-riding equine-assisted program, the Herd partners with horses to build connection, camaraderie, and community.
The program is intentionally designed to meet participants where they are in their dementia journey. In a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive setting, individuals engage in structured, ground-based interactions with horses led by a Certified Dementia Practitioner who is also certified in Equine Assisted Learning. Sessions focus on purposeful engagement, emotional regulation, and restoring a sense of partnership between care partners and people living with dementia.
Each It Takes A Herd program runs once per week for four consecutive weeks, with two-hour sessions that include hands-on activities and peer connection. Participants may groom, lead, or quietly spend time with the horses, while care partners learn practical, real-world dementia care strategies they can use at home. The emphasis is not on performance, but on presence — creating moments of dignity, normalcy, and shared experience.
Veterans are a valued and intentionally included part of the It Takes A Herd community. Research shows veterans face a higher risk of dementia due to factors such as traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Through the calm, nonjudgmental nature of equine-assisted work, veterans are given a unique opportunity to reconnect with themselves and others while reducing social isolation and stress — whether participating as care recipients, care partners, or volunteers.
Though a young nonprofit, It Takes A Herd is already making a meaningful impact. Since receiving 501(c)(3) status in 2025, the Foundation has delivered three veteran-focused programs serving 23 veterans, with additional veteran-facing programs planned for 2026. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to expanding access, building partnerships, and ensuring no veteran or family faces these challenges alone.
It Takes A Herd is deeply grateful to Run For The Troops for their generous support and partnership, which makes this impactful work possible and strengthens the veteran community we serve.