Expanding Access to Connection, Healing, and Growth
Through our nonprofit foundation, The Rosie Project delivers evidence-based equine experiences to military and first responder communities, schools, and correctional facilities—supporting healing, learning, and connection in accessible, impactful ways.
Our Programs
Equine-assisted programs designed for military, schools, and correctional communities.
Support Our Work
Help expand access to equine-assisted programs for communities that need it most.
Get Involved
Partner with us, support our mission, or learn more about the people behind the work.
Our Mission
The Rosie Project Charitable Foundation exists to expand access to equine-assisted programs for individuals and communities who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience this work.
Through partnerships with schools, military and first responder organizations, and correctional programs, we provide structured, evidence-based experiences that support emotional regulation, literacy development, and meaningful connection.
Rooted in the belief that healing happens through connection, our mission is to create safe, intentional environments where individuals can build awareness, restore confidence, and move forward with greater clarity and support.
Why This Work Matters
Equine-assisted programs offer a unique, evidence-informed approach to connection, learning, and emotional regulation.
Horses are highly attuned animals that respond to human presence and behavior in real time. This creates a powerful opportunity for individuals to develop awareness, build trust, and experience meaningful connection in a way that is immediate and accessible.
In environments where traditional approaches may feel limited—such as schools, military communities, and correctional settings—this work provides an alternative path forward. It supports individuals in developing confidence, improving emotional regulation, and engaging more fully with themselves and others.
The impact is both personal and measurable—creating space for growth, learning, and restoration.
Our Approach
The Rosie Project Charitable Foundation delivers this work through structured, intentional programming designed to meet the needs of each community it serves.
All programs are grounded in research, trauma-informed practices, and a deep understanding of equine behavior. Each experience is facilitated with a focus on safety, consistency, and meaningful outcomes for both participants and horses.
Through partnerships with schools, military and first responder organizations, and correctional programs, The Rosie Project is able to bring this work directly into communities—expanding access while maintaining a high standard of care and professionalism.
At the core of every program is a simple principle: when individuals are given the opportunity to experience connection in a safe and supportive environment, meaningful change becomes possible.
Our Programs
This program provides equine-assisted experiences that support emotional regulation, stress recovery, and connection. Through guided, ground-based interaction with horses, participants engage in a structured, non-clinical environment that encourages awareness, resilience, and a greater sense of stability.
Designed For:
Individual Mindfulness/Meditation
Group Mindfulness/Meditation
Military & First Responders Program
This program combines literacy development with equine-assisted learning to support confidence, focus, and emotional regulation. Reading in the presence of horses creates a calm, non-judgmental environment that helps participants feel more at ease, making the learning process more engaging and accessible.
Designed For:
School & Community-based Partnerships
Small Group Sessions
Gallop Into Reading Program
This program uses equine-assisted experiences to support accountability, emotional regulation, and personal growth within correctional and justice-based settings. Through structured, hands-on interaction with horses, participants develop awareness, responsibility, and a greater capacity for connection in a safe, guided environment. Breathwork is also incorporated into these sessions, helping participants experience a sense of calm and regulation that they can carry with them beyond the program and into more challenging environments.
Designed For:
Partnerships w/ Correctional Facilities
Juvenile Courts & Community Schools
Restorative Justice & Prison Program
Recent Press
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San Diego Voyager
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The San Diego Union Tribune
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![Young man sitting on a bench against a beige wall, wearing a gray polo shirt and cream-colored pants, casting a shadow on the wall.]()
CBS: The Zevely Zone
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![A man with gray hair wearing a blue sweater and beige pants sits on a neutral-colored bench, looking to his right with a calm expression. Shadows cast on the beige wall behind him.]()
Ranch & Coast
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Canvas Rebel
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San Diego Magazine
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The Coast News
Our Story
The Rosie Project was founded by Laura Spielman, whose path into this work began during a pivotal season of her life. Like many people at a crossroads, she was searching for clarity, steadiness, and a deeper understanding of herself—and found that in horses.
What began as a personal experience quickly became a deeper pursuit. Laura immersed herself in the study of horse behavior, nervous system regulation, and the connection between horses and humans. With a background in education and years spent working closely with military communities, she built The Rosie Project as a practice that is both structured and deeply human.
Today, The Rosie Project Charitable Foundation extends this work beyond private sessions, bringing equine-assisted programming into schools, military and first responder communities, and correctional settings. Each program is designed to create a safe, intentional environment where individuals can develop awareness, regulation, and meaningful connection.
Nicole Trotta, Equine-Assisted Breath and Nervous System Specialist
Helen Bohm, Equine Expert
Laura Spielman, Founder
Meet Our Board
Our Partner Organizations
Organizations we collaborate with to expand access, support our work, and strengthen the impact of our programs.
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The Rosie Project is a proud partner with Laughing Pony Rescue in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Laughing Pony Rescue is organized to rescue and rehabilitate all breeds of neglected or abused horses; to restore and train these horses so they can be matched to a loving and forever home; to teach and disseminate educational materials to the public including, but not limited to, materials relating to the care and plight of horses; and the use of horses for therapeutic purposes, therapeutic being defined as helping people with limited physical or mental disabilities that will help them to improve their current state or provide an enjoyable respite from their current condition. It is also our mission to provide a forever home for certain rescued horses that may have difficulty being placed elsewhere.
Where you can find them:
https://laughingponyrescue.org/ -
The Masterson Method® is an equine bodywork approach that focuses on releasing tension and improving comfort through a gentle, interactive process between practitioner and horse. Rooted in mindfulness and observation, the method works with the horse’s responses in real time, creating a deeper level of awareness and connection. This approach supports both the physical and emotional wellbeing of the horse, aligning closely with The Rosie Project’s commitment to horse-centered, evidence-informed practices.
Where you can find them:
https://mastersonmethod.com/ -
Mr. Gillick of Gillick Legal, APC successfully represents clients in high-stakes business litigation, resolves challenging corporate disputes, and provides compassionate and effective defense in criminal cases. Mr. Gillick’s strategic approach, combined with a deep understanding of the law, has led to numerous favorable outcomes, including dismissals, settlements, and victories in court, consistently safeguarding his clients’ interests and advancing their goals. Mr. Gillick’s passion for animals and uplifting community members experiencing distress makes him a natural fit as an advisor and trusted partner of The Rosie Project.
Where you can find him:
https://gillicklegal.com/ -
Katy’s Farm is a California-based nonprofit animal sanctuary dedicated to rescue, care, and meaningful human–animal connection. Home to a diverse group of animals—including horses, pigs, goats, and other rescued species. The farm provides a calm, welcoming environment where individuals can engage with animals in a thoughtful and supportive way. This partnership aligns with The Rosie Project’s commitment to creating spaces that prioritize compassion, connection, and the wellbeing of both animals and people.
Where you can find her:
https://www.katysfarm.com/ -
Limited Farms Equestrian is a California-based equestrian facility dedicated to high-quality horse care, training, and horsemanship. With a strong emphasis on horse welfare and thoughtful, consistent handling, they provide an environment where both horses and people can develop trust, skill, and connection. This partnership supports The Rosie Project’s commitment to maintaining a safe, horse-centered environment that prioritizes the wellbeing of every animal involved in the work.
Where you can find them:
https://limitedfarmseq.com/
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To learn more about our The Rosie Project, our programs, or to schedule a consultation call, please fill out our inquiry form.
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