Bridging Unicorns
Who We are
Bridging Unicorns is a not-for-profit horse rescue and horse-human healing and development project. On the horse side, we rescue and rehabilitate horses from the slaughter pipeline. On the human side, we facilitate individual and group programming that supports human-horse healing and development alongside rescued horses. We also raise awareness around the inhumane horse slaughter industry.
Note: We are not a formal 501 c-3 at this time but are in the process of obtaining 501c-3 donation status through a partner nonprofit
Active Programs
Horsemanship & ‘Partial Leases’ with kids and families
This is a great opportunity for kids and families new to horses to experience regular horse time and learn basic horsemanship on the ground on a peaceful 30 acre ranch in Erie.
Our first rescue, Ocean, is a gentle, safe older horse and is great with kids and families. He is not ridable by adults (gentle riding is possible for some kids depending on size) due to arthritis but loves treats, grooming, walks, obstacle courses/games, and generally being together.
In exchange for coming out once a week to be with Ocean (we call it a 'partial lease') we ask for a sliding scale $100-125 donation per month in month to month installments. For families where not all members have a strong horse background, we can supervise and teach basic horsemanship and care to kids for an additional $30-40 per visit (this may fluctuate depending on the number of family members present) until cleared to visit without supervision. A central goal is to make access and education with horses financially possible for families and kids while giving rescue horses a newfound experience with loving human care. All proceeds go directly to both of our rescue’s care.
‘Partial Lease’ for adults
This is a great opportunity for adults who are wanting horses in their lives to engage regularly with our gentle giant, Ocean. For individuals who do not have a strong horse background, we will train for $30 per visit on top of the monthly donation with the opportunity to grow into a ‘partial lease’ once able to confidently practice safety and on the ground care. For individuals with a strong horse background, there are opportunities to come without supervision on a ‘partial lease’ after 1-2 training sessions. In exchange for coming out at an agreed upon cadence to be with Ocean we ask for a $80-125 ‘partial lease’ donation per month to in month to month installments depending on the number of visits per month. All proceeds go directly to our rescue’s care and our basic operating expenses.
Some snapshots of Ocean, Rasa, and our community of wonderful participants:
Bridging Unicorns Mission
Rescue & Rehabilitation
We rescue horses from auction, kill lots, and slaughter and neglect in Colorado and beyond. We give them the love and nurture beings deserve, rehabilitate them medically and socio-emotionally, and help them to trust in people again.
Youth Leadership Development
We offer youth volunteer opportunities as well as train teen facilitators in essential practices of equine facilitated leadership work, empowering our teens in their personal leadership and supporting them in passing the magic on to other youth. Bridging Unicorns also funds scholarships for equine facilitated youth leadership sessions with partner EquusLibere, which empower and mentor teens and young leaders through coaching and development work with horses.
Grief & Hospice Care
In partnership with nonprofit hospice TRU Community Care and grief support organization, Heartlight Center, we offer group grief and loss support programs for hospice patients, their families, and anyone experience grief and loss. Horses are powerful therapeutic partners and guides in the grief and loss process. Through the process of working in a group in partnership with horses, group sessions support participants in healing and cultivating awareness of our mental, emotional, somatic, and spiritual responses to loss and the grieving process.
The Arts
The arts are at the heart of Bridging Unicorn’s programs and ethos. We use live music performance as a core vehicle to raise awareness around the Bridging Unicorns message and core initiatives. Creative expression is a cornerstone of Bridging Unicorns programs, and group work with the horses often incorporates painting, writing, and other forms of creative expression and play alongside rescued horses.
Ways to Support
Donate
Donate
In support of our active rescue and programs, this is the most impactful way to support.
Participate
Stay tuned for upcoming events.
Volunteer
From horse care to administrative and fundraising functions, help us serve our four legged friends. Please contact us to learn more.
Spread the Word
Follow @bridgingunicorns on Instagram. Share our media and mission to raise awareness and generate support.
How Your Donations Support
$12,000 Covers a Rescue (Plus Emergency Medical Fund) for 1 Year
$6,000 Covers a Rescue (Plus Emergency Medical Fund) for 6 Months
$1000 ‘Bails’ a Slaughter-Bound Horse from Auction or Feedlot
Donations of all sizes contribute to equine rescue and rehabilitation, youth programs, grief/hospice care programs, and operational expenses.
Every amount, no matter how small or large, makes a huge difference.
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for upcoming events.
See Us in Action
About the Founder
Bridgit Wald is the founder of the Bridging Unicorns project and its partner, EquusLibere. Horses were and are a central part of her personal healing and development journey, and she is passionate about sharing rescue, rehabilitation, and community horse-human healing and development work with others. Bridgit brings training and certification in equine facilitated learning, youth leadership, chaplaincy, mindfulness, and other areas central to Bridging Unicorns programming. Beyond Bridging Unicorns she is passionate about her work in coaching and organizational development consulting in corporate sectors, making music and art, and her many four-legged furry friends. You can learn more about Bridgit here.
“Bridging Unicorns was born out of questions around — what is presence, service, and practical compassion in the face of suffering in the world —- especially amidst gross neglect and abuse propagated by systems we co-create.
My wish is that this project, through those it touches, helps to liberate - through relationship - that within each one of us which is awake to our hearts, our empathy, and our unique purpose.
May one horse and these humble beginnings ripple outwards, in tangible and intangible ways, and contribute to a wider movement of healing. ”
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