Caring for Cowboys & Cowgirls™ (CFCC) Foundation

Caring for Cowboys & Cowgirls (CFCC) was born from the heart of Happy Horses and a shared belief in the strength it takes to ask for help, the powerful relationships between people and horses, and the importance of giving back to the communities that shaped us.

Rooted in Taylor Douglas’s commitment to challenging the “cowboy up” expectation that people must face difficult moments alone, CFCC was established by Taylor and cofounder Ashley Salemi Tarvis to carry that commitment forward.

Today, CFCC is working to advance equine-assisted therapy through research, awareness, collaboration, and greater access to meaningful mental health support.

Our Mission

Proposed mission, pending Board approval.

To challenge mental health stigma and advance equine-assisted therapy as an evidence-supported, accessible option for care through research, advocacy, and collaboration.

What We Do

  • Research & Credibility

    Support independent, rigorous research into equine-assisted therapeutic interventions and promote learning across clinical models.

  • Awareness & Advocacy

    Challenge mental health stigma, improve understanding of equine-assisted therapy, and contribute to conversations about professional recognition, integration into care, and reimbursement.

  • Access & Collaboration

    Build relationships among practitioners, researchers, organizations, and communities to help reduce barriers to appropriate equine-assisted therapy.

These pillars describe CFCC’s strategic directions and priorities, not grant programs, subsidies, or services currently available.

Respect for Horses and the Human-Horse Relationship

CFCC recognizes horses as sentient beings and valued partners in equine-assisted therapy. We are committed to respecting their welfare, autonomy, individuality, and capacity for choice. Ethical therapeutic practice requires consideration of both human and equine experiences, and this responsibility guides our research, partnerships, funding decisions, and advocacy.

The Future We’re Working Toward

  • Stronger independent evidence and greater professional understanding of equine-assisted therapy.
  • More open conversations about mental health and the courage to seek support.
  • Greater collaboration across therapeutic models, disciplines, and countries.
  • More opportunities for people to access appropriate equine-assisted mental health care.
  • Ethical practice that respects the well-being and agency of horses.

Current Board & Executive Leadership

  • Taylor Douglas, Board of Directors, Chairperson

  • Ashley Salemi Tarvis, Board of Directors, Treasurer and President

  • Ashley Gallagher, Board of Directors, Secretary

The leadership team brings experience in clinical social work, equine-assisted interventions, governance, and business development to advance the mission with integrity and financial transparency.

The Happy Horses Connection

CFCC grew from the heart of Happy Horses and its commitment to giving back. Through its support of the foundation, Happy Horses helps advance a shared commitment to mental health awareness, equine-assisted therapy, and stronger communities.

Join the Movement

There is room in this work for people from every background. Whether you are a clinician, researcher, horse professional, supporter, or someone who believes mental health care should be met with compassion rather than stigma, we invite you to be part of CFCC’s future.

Our Roots

Compassion. Courage. Connection.

Our Work

Research. Awareness. Access.

Our Ambition

Shaping the Future of Equine-Assisted Therapy.