Supporting Leo: A Gentle Soul in Need of Care
At Walk Intuit, healing begins in relationship. With our bodies. With our stories. With the land. And with the beings who meet us there—patient, present, and profoundly attuned.
One of those beings is Leo.
Leo is a blonde, warm-toned gelding with a kind soul and a steady presence. Though he joined our herd just a few months ago, he’s already become a beloved member of our community—offering comfort, connection, and safety to those navigating deep healing. Whether in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy or beginner riding lessons, Leo meets people with an intuitive gentleness that invites trust.
He’s the kind of horse you feel safe near—before you even realize how much you needed to. And now, Leo needs our help.
What’s Going On
Leo was adopted into our program with a known diagnosis of Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy (ROARS), a condition that affects his breathing, particularly during exertion. As this condition has progressed, it’s become clear that Leo will need surgery to ensure his comfort, long-term health, and ability to continue supporting our clients in therapy and lessons.
Sometimes called “roaring” due to the sound affected horses make when breathing, this condition is caused by nerve dysfunction in the larynx, which restricts airflow and makes physical activity difficult or painful (SmartPak Equine, University of Minnesota Extension). While it's not uncommon, it is serious—and without treatment, Leo’s quality of life and role in the herd would be compromised.
This surgery is our way of ensuring Leo receives the same quality of care he offers others so generously.
Why Leo Matters
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a trauma-informed, somatic therapy model that supports clients through real-time relational experiences with horses. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EAP engages the nervous system and unconscious patterns through movement, observation, and connection.
As described by Psychology Today and VeryWell Mind, equine therapy is especially effective in supporting individuals with trauma, anxiety, grief, and attachment wounds.
Horses don’t analyze—they attune. They respond to what’s real in the moment.
Leo is particularly gifted in this. Whether working with a child learning to trust again, a teen exploring identity, or an adult reconnecting with their body after trauma, Leo brings a sense of steadiness and warmth that opens the door to healing. His presence is soft but powerful. And it’s already made a difference.
An Invitation to Support
We are committed to caring for the animals who care for us.
Your donation toward Leo’s surgery helps ensure his comfort, recovery, and long-term ability to continue showing up for others. It’s a tangible way to say thank you—for the healing already offered, and for the years of service to come.
Whether you give $10, $100, or share Leo’s story with someone who can give more—your support becomes part of a shared circle of care.
How Else You Can Help
Sponsor Leo: If you're part of a foundation or interested in long-term giving, reach out to us about herd sponsorship opportunities.
Share Leo’s Story: Awareness builds sustainability—for our horses, our programs, and the community we serve.
Partner with Us: We’re always looking to collaborate with organizations, treatment centers, and supporters who believe in relationship-based healing.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for caring. Together, we can ensure that Leo—and our entire herd—continue walking beside those on the path to healing.
With warmth,
The Walk Intuit Team
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Trauma-Informed. Intuitively Attuned. Clinically Grounded.
Walk Intuit is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization
