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  • Veterans Programs
  • Active Military
  • Military Sexual Trauma
  • First Responders
  • Victims of Sexual Abuse
  • Kiddo Programs
  • Adolescent Therapy
  • Chris Finch, LCSW
  • Rachel Tenney, LCSW
  • Emma Kinney, CSW
  • Sierra Burnett, APRN
  • Courtney Summers
  • Sadie Moellmer
  • Elena Abatgis
  • Contact Gallop To Growth
  • Resource Links
  • Gus' Gallery
  • Lightning's Gallery
  • Annie's Gallery
  • Rhythm's Gallery
  • Stables Contact
  • Forms
  • Steve's Gallery
  • Fred's Gallery
  • Big Ted's Gallery
  • More
    • Home
    • About
    • Traditional Therapy
    • Equine Asst. Therapy
    • Insurance
    • Programs
    • Specialized Services
    • Veterans Programs
    • Active Military
    • Military Sexual Trauma
    • First Responders
    • Victims of Sexual Abuse
    • Kiddo Programs
    • Adolescent Therapy
    • Chris Finch, LCSW
    • Rachel Tenney, LCSW
    • Emma Kinney, CSW
    • Sierra Burnett, APRN
    • Courtney Summers
    • Sadie Moellmer
    • Elena Abatgis
    • Contact Gallop To Growth
    • Resource Links
    • Gus' Gallery
    • Lightning's Gallery
    • Annie's Gallery
    • Rhythm's Gallery
    • Stables Contact
    • Forms
    • Steve's Gallery
    • Fred's Gallery
    • Big Ted's Gallery
  • Home
  • About
  • Traditional Therapy
  • Equine Asst. Therapy
  • Insurance
  • Programs
  • Specialized Services
  • Veterans Programs
  • Active Military
  • Military Sexual Trauma
  • First Responders
  • Victims of Sexual Abuse
  • Kiddo Programs
  • Adolescent Therapy
  • Chris Finch, LCSW
  • Rachel Tenney, LCSW
  • Emma Kinney, CSW
  • Sierra Burnett, APRN
  • Courtney Summers
  • Sadie Moellmer
  • Elena Abatgis
  • Contact Gallop To Growth
  • Resource Links
  • Gus' Gallery
  • Lightning's Gallery
  • Annie's Gallery
  • Rhythm's Gallery
  • Stables Contact
  • Forms
  • Steve's Gallery
  • Fred's Gallery
  • Big Ted's Gallery

Our Mission Statement

  

At Gallop To Growth, we believe in providing comprehensive mental health care that caters to the unique needs of each individual. We offer a range of services, including traditional mental health therapy and equine-assisted psychotherapy. We believe that every person deserves access to quality mental health care, and we strive to create a safe and supportive environment where our clients can explore their thoughts and emotions. Our mission is to empower our clients to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.

What We Treat

    

  • Depression
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Anger issues
  • Grief and loss
  • Chronic pain
  • Phobias
  • Shame and guilt
  • OCD
  • ADHD
  • Stress and Anxiety Disorders
  • Relationship and family issues


Who We Are

Experienced. Compassionate. United by Purpose.

The Gallop To Growth Team

    At Gallop To Growth, our team brings together a diverse group of licensed clinicians, equine

professionals, and support staff who share a common passion: helping people heal through

the transformative power of horses.  Our therapists are experienced in treating a wide range of mental health concerns including PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, self-injury, and trauma. Each clinician is trained in evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR.


   Our clinicians hold certifications in equine-assisted psychotherapy models including EAGALA,  PATH Int.l, Natural Lifemanship, HEAL, and ARCH. We work with individuals, couples, families, children, and veterans—offering a unique and powerful therapeutic approach that is trauma-informed, relational, and experiential.


   Our clinical director, Chris Finch, LCSW, is a certified EAGALA Mental Health Specialist and

Military Service Provider with extensive experience in VA suicide prevention and trauma care.

He is planning to pursue his Doctorate in Social Work in the fall of 2025, focusing on advancing evidence-based treatment models within the field of equine-assisted psychotherapy.


We’re supported by a skilled and compassionate team of specialists:

• Elena Abatgis – Co-Founder and Director of Operations, blending decades of media

leadership with a passion for equine healing.

• Rachel Tinney, LCSW – Focuses on trauma recovery, OCD, and emotional regulation using

DBT/ACT and equine-assisted models.

• Emma Kinney, CSW – Specializes in advocacy and family therapy, integrating

horsemanship with clinical frameworks.

• Sierra Burnett, APRN – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner providing individualized medication

management with optional animal-assisted care.

• Sadie Moellmer – Barn Manager and Equine Bodyworker maintaining herd health and

therapeutic environment integrity.

• Courtney Summers – Equine Specialist with over 16 years of horsemanship, EAGALA, and PATH Intl. training offering structured, safe sessions.


Together, our team blends professional experience with genuine empathy. We offer a safe

space for clients to explore, grow, and reconnect—with themselves and with the world around

them.

Whether you're navigating grief, rebuilding after trauma, learning to regulate emotions, or

seeking a different kind of therapeutic connection—we're here. And the horses are, too.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you ready to take the first step towards a happier and healthier life? Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced counselors today.

Schedule Now

Chris Finch, LCSW

Sierra Burnett, APRN

Rachel Tenney, LCSW


Founder,

Clinical Director, Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and Equine Specialist


Meet Chris

Rachel Tenney, LCSW

Sierra Burnett, APRN

Rachel Tenney, LCSW


Equine Assisted Psychotherapist & Equine Specialist


Meet Rachel

Emma Kinney, CSW

Sierra Burnett, APRN

Sierra Burnett, APRN


Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and Equine Specialist


Meet Emma

Sierra Burnett, APRN

Sierra Burnett, APRN

Sierra Burnett, APRN


Nurse Practitioner,  Holistic Equine Specialist


Meet Sierra

Sadie Moellmer

Elena Abatgis, Business Operations Manager

Courtney Summers

Barn Manager, Equine Bodyworker, Trainer


Meet Sadie

Courtney Summers

Elena Abatgis, Business Operations Manager

Courtney Summers

Equine Specialist, Trainer, Riding Instructor


Meet Courtney

Elena Abatgis, Business Operations Manager

Elena Abatgis, Business Operations Manager

Elena Abatgis, Business Operations Manager

Office Administration 

Social Media

Communications


Meet Elena

Meet Our Therapy Horses

      At Gallop To Growth, our therapy horses are more than animals—they’re partners in healing. Each horse brings a unique horsonality and presence to the arena, helping clients build trust, develop emotional awareness, and practice real-time relationship skills.

    Our horses are specially selected for their gentle temperaments and sensitivity to human energy. They respond honestly and without judgment, offering powerful insights through their natural behaviors and interactions. Whether standing quietly or moving freely, they help clients of all ages reconnect with themselves in meaningful, grounded ways.

    We honor our horses not just as helpers, but as co-facilitators in the therapeutic process—and we care for them with the same compassion they offer our clients.

The Therapy Herd

Gus

  

Gus is a 6-year-old dark bay Mustang gelding adopted from the BLM—and while he may be small in size, his personality is anything but. With an abundance of playful energy and boundless curiosity, Gus is always ready to explore, connect, and keep you on your toes.


He’s the kind of horse that makes people smile just by being himself. Whether he's gently nudging for attention or investigating everything in sight, Gus brings joy and lightness to every session. He’s also a natural charmer with a heart full of courage.


Gus reminds us that confidence isn’t about size—it’s about spirit. And he's got plenty to spare.

Photos of Gus

Rhythm

  Rhythm is a 7-year-old sorrel Mustang mare with a story as unique as her name. Adopted from the Bureau of Land Management, Rhythm brings a beautiful balance of quiet strength and spirited energy to our herd.


In the stall, she’s calm, observant, and deeply intuitive—often tuning in to the emotional energy around her. But out in the pasture, Rhythm shines with playful confidence, running with purpose and, of course, rhythm.


Clients often find comfort in her calm presence, while others are inspired by the contrast between her stillness and her spark. Rhythm teaches that it’s okay to be gentle and powerful all at once.

Photos of Rhythm

Lightning

 Lightning is a 13-year-old red roan Quarter Horse gelding who brings plenty of personality—and affection—to the barn. While his name suggests speed, Lightning moves at his own pace and saves his bursts of energy for the moments that matter.


More than anything, Lightning sees himself as a lover boy. He leans into connection, seeks attention with a sparkle in his eye, and knows exactly how to charm his way into your heart. His playful nature and expressive face make him a fast favorite among clients of all ages.


Lightning reminds us that love can be both bold and gentle—and that healing often begins with a nuzzle and a kind eye.

Photos of Lightning

Annie

  

Annie is a 10-year-old red roan Quarter Horse mare and the undisputed sweetheart—and heavyweight—of our herd. As the largest horse at Gallop To Growth, Annie carries a quiet confidence that the other horses recognize instantly.


But don’t let her size fool you—Annie is all heart. She adores affectionate attention and isn’t shy about asking for it. If she feels overlooked, you’ll likely get a gentle nudge reminding you she’s ready for some love.


Her affectionate, grounded presence offers clients a sense of security and acceptance. Annie shows us that strength and softness can live side by side—and that it’s okay to ask for what you need.

Photos of Annie

Steve

 At 23 years old, Steve is a retired barrel racing champion and a registered Quarter Horse with a heart as big as his stride. After an impressive career, Steve found his true calling in 2021—not in the arena, but in the hearts of those he comforts.


Steve has a gentle, affectionate nature that draws people in. He’s especially gifted at making clients feel seen, safe, and valued—whether it's a child taking their first step into the round pen or an adult seeking quiet reassurance. He genuinely loves people and lives to show it.


Now a beloved member of our therapy herd, Steve reminds us that second chapters can be even more meaningful than the first.

Photos of Steve

Fred

  Fred is a 7-year-old buckskin Quarter Horse/Paint gelding with a big build and an even bigger heart. Standing just over 16.5 hands tall, he’s one of the tallest in our herd—but it’s his affectionate nature that truly stands out.


Fred came to us through the kind recommendation of his owner, who recognized his gentle soul and knew he'd make a perfect therapy partner. She was absolutely right. Fred thrives on connection—whether he’s quietly standing beside a client or nudging in for some extra love.


Clients are drawn to his calm confidence, and his steady presence often provides comfort and reassurance during emotional moments. Fred teaches us that strength and sweetness go hand-in-hand.

Photos of Fred

Big Ted

  At 16.5 hands tall, Big Ted lives up to his name—but it’s his heart, not just his height, that makes the biggest impact. A 12-year-old flea-bitten grey gelding, Big Ted came to Gallop To Growth through a serendipitous connection. His owner, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, generously offered him to our program after learning about our work with equine-assisted psychotherapy.


What we didn’t know at the time: Ted had already been serving as a therapy horse for veterans. It was in his blood, and it shows. Gentle, affectionate, and incredibly intuitive, Big Ted brings a grounded, calming presence to our sessions—especially for those seeking safety, stability, and strength.


He reminds us that healing often comes full circle, and sometimes the right horse finds you when you need them most.

Photos of Big Ted

Our Locations

Traditional Therapy

Cottonwood Corporate Center


2825 E. Cottonwood Pkwy.

Suite 500

Cottonwood Heights, UT. 84121

(385) 446-3080

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Gallop To Growth Stables


1010 S. Angel Street

Layton, UT 84041

(385) 446-3080

Visit Our Stables

Our stables provide a space for clients to practice mindfulness, to find peace and to heal.  

Learn more
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