LEAP (Lowcountry Equine Assisted Psychotherapy)

07/28/2026

“I’m Michael Maraia, a U.S. Army veteran and the singer-songwriter
behind MyZ Backroads. My experience with equine therapy inspired me to
share “Hug a Horse,” a song honoring the healing, trust, and peace
horses can bring. I created this song for people who understand how meaningful the
connection between humans and horses can be. I would be honored if
your team watched it and, if it resonates with your mission, shared
the video with your participants, staff, volunteers, or community.”

LEAP provides equine-assisted sessions to our Veterans and Active-Duty service members at no out of pocket cost to them. Please help us support a deserving military member by making a donation to support this important program. An estimated 17 Veterans and 1-2 active-duty service members die by su***de each day in the United States according to the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense reports. Please help us save lives.

“Hug A Horse” is a heartfelt country-inspired song about healing, c...

07/28/2026

That summer heat sure is hitting! Our barn cats love to find shade wherever they can 😻

07/22/2026

Direct contact with a horse has been shown to significantly lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and lower heart rate. Additionally, oxytocin (the ‘feel
good, all is well in the world’, hormone) increases significantly, producing a sense of calm and wellbeing. Feel the with LEAP.

07/18/2026

The Lowcountry Emergency Services Behavioral Health Summit was an incredibly impactful event focused on the mental health challenges faced by first responders and the importance of peer support. The summit provided valuable tools and resources for firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, telecommunicators, correctional officers, and coroners.
Pictured is LEAP’s Executive Director, Kathleen Broughan, with the life-size horse from the barn, covered in handprints from participants, a powerful symbol of healing, connection, and hope.

07/15/2026

Great kickoff at the Lowcountry Emergency Services Behavioral Health Summit! Gerald Mishoe, Executive Directtor of the Lowcountry Firefighters Support Team, puts the first handprint on the LEAP horse.

07/15/2026

If you’ve been to the barn, then you know it’s a special place. A place for solitude, reflection and healing. Here are a few views that keep us coming back ❤️

07/10/2026

Meet Leo, LEAP’s newest service dog-in-training! Life at the barn is full of exciting new experiences, and Leo is soaking it all in. From meeting horses to investigating interesting barn tools, everything is an adventure, including this very fascinating rake! We can’t wait to see all the things this curious pup learns along the way.

07/04/2026

We hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July!

07/02/2026

Zuri and Xena are two curious little fillies, always eager to meet the other horses around the barn and make new friends. Watching their playful, adventurous spirits reminds us to stay curious.

06/26/2026

There’s always company when doing chores at the barn! These girls are curious about everything and never miss an opportunity for a little adventure (or a snack of hay). We hope everyone has a wonderful Friday and finds a little joy in their weekend chores, too!