Hi Holly,
This is an interesting topic. My kids benefited from their participation in Equi-Ed a therapeutic equestrian program in Santa Rosa CA.
Good Therapy also published an article titled What Horses Have to Do with Trauma and Recovery. Attached please find one research article, I am sure there are more! Also attached is a slide deck from a NCHPAD conference that discusses the intersection between trauma and equine therapy.
While these resources will help round out your understanding and provide a bit of background, a Junior High School student might find this information from 4H Youth Development more useful and age appropriate: 4H Guide Dog Project
Additionally, there is a special place in Santa Rosa called Forget Me Not Farm that has partnered with the local Humane Society and provides a safe place for at-risk children and animals to bond and "break the cycle of abuse". Their contact information is available on their website.
Going forward, I hope you will share a follow up note about how this project evolves - from both the perspective of the youth - and from your perspective - and maybe include a bit of insight into how ACEs science and trauma informed practices help support resilience for this youth and others!
Thanks again for posting your question!