Diamond Program (Lorraine Flores, LMFT)
Founded in 2010, Horse Sense Education and Advocacy has been dedicated to providing high-quality horse products aLorraine Flores, LMFT, works side by side with Program Director Kristin Praly, and PATH certified instructors, to provide trauma-informed, equine-assisted mental health support for individuals. Together, they create a safe, rel
Founded in 2010, Horse Sense Education and Advocacy has been dedicated to providing high-quality horse products aLorraine Flores, LMFT, works side by side with Program Director Kristin Praly, and PATH certified instructors, to provide trauma-informed, equine-assisted mental health support for individuals. Together, they create a safe, relational environment that promotes emotional regulation, communication, and personal growth through meaningful interactions with horses.
Lorraine Flores, LMFT, brings over 40 years of experience working with youth and young adults. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lorraine has dedicated her career to helping individuals build emotional regulation, self-awareness, and healthy relationships. For the past 10 years, she has integrated equine-assisted therapy into her work, combining clinical expertise with the powerful, intuitive connection between humans and horses. Through Horse Sense, Lorraine creates a supportive, experiential environment where participants learn, heal, and grow—guided by the wisdom of horses and grounded in evidence-based therapeutic practice.
- Assessment (required before starting): $275
- Diamond Program Sessions (8-week package): $230 per session (includes licensed therapist + equine instructor) → total $1,840 for 8 weeks
- Weekly lessons without a therapist (horse encounter only): $130 per lesson
- One-time session without a therapist (must complete assessment first): $150 per session
This program offers private, horse sessions designed for personal growth, confidence building, and connection.
Each weekly 60-minute session pairs licensed therapists with expert equine instructors, creating a safe, supportive space where children (ages 5–12) can build confidence, communication skills, emotional regulation, and leadership.
Each week, participants dive into engaging, hands-on activities, from barn tours and horse communication to sensory adventures, riding, obstacle courses, and team-building games. Sessions include welcome time, mounted or unmounted work, sensory breaks, and a cool-down, all tailored to each child’s needs and abilities. The program culminates in a joyful final-week showcase where participants celebrate the skills they’ve learned, including a special parade, horse decorating, and a certificate ceremony.
Our approach is designed for flexibility and personalization, whether focusing on gross motor development, social connection, or simply offering a powerful space to build resilience, confidence, and joy. With expert staff, proper safety protocols, and a heart-centered mission, the Diamond Program helps every child discover their brilliance and shine like the diamond they truly are. nd services to our customers. We have grown from a small local business to an internationally recognized brand.
- WE ARE A 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION EIN#87-4627869
OUR MISSION
Horse Sense Education Nonprofit is an organization aimed to improve the quality of life of humans and horses through integrative and educational programs.
Horse Sense was created for the love and understanding of people and horses.
First, we rehabilitate horses. Then, we build connection and partnership between horse and human through step-by-step education. The goal of these comprehensive interactions with horses is to empower and enrich lives.
Outcomes include improved self-esteem, self-confidence, leadership skills, emotional regulation, communication skills, and empathy, patience and mindfulness.
We believe that no matter your background or age, there is always room to grow, and something new to learn. We offer a safe, enjoyable, experience to tap into these opportunities in a supportive and educational environment.
Additional benefits of equine interactions include:
· Spiritual Well-Being through Connection to Nature - nature’s impact on the human spirit, to unplug and be present, is restorative, healing, and fosters deep meaningful connection in people
· Physical Health Benefits - improved strength, flexibility, building core strength; improvers circulation
· Mental Health Benefits- interpersonal interactions, relationships, quality of life, mindfulness
· Reduce Stress- deeper breathing, relaxed state of mind, connection with self and extraordinary being.
· Improve Brain Function - improves balance coordination, stimulates new neural pathways
· Feelings of Relaxation - better breathing, better immune system, helps inflammation, improves digestion, increases brain function and ability to cope.
(They/They/Them) All need to identify in their own unique way. Everyone is a Diamond. We honor all.
2025 Mental Health Hero Honoree
Horse Sense Education & Advocacy is honored to be named a 2025 Mental Health Hero by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin.
The award highlights our work providing equine-assisted programs that support mental health and wellness. We are proud to continue serving our community through these transformative experiences.