Experience the transformative power of equine-assisted therapy in a safe, compassionate space where individuals of all ages can heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves.
Our mission is to advance community health and healing by publicizing the power of horses to heal hurting hearts. Sharing our 22 years of experience and expertise, we are committed to equipping future providers of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning and providing evidence-based tools to individuals and groups that empower them not just to survive, but to thrive emotionally, relationally, and in all areas of life.
Horses are more than therapy partners—they are living, breathing mirrors of our emotional world. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, relational conflict, grief, or other challenges, the presence of a horse draws you into the present moment. In that space, memories of the past and worries about the future fade, and something new can begin to grow.
Horses are prey animals, which means safety is their highest priority. They constantly scan their environment—up to once every second—to detect potential threats. Over time, this has made them seven times more sensitive than humans to body language, tone, and subtle shifts in energy. This heightened awareness allows horses to read our emotions and intent, respond to them instantly, and reflect that response through their own body language and energy. It’s like standing in front of a giant emotional mirror—one that reflects feelings we may not have even recognized in ourselves. This is especially valuable, as research shows that two-thirds of people cannot identify their current emotions
Unlike humans, horses don’t label emotions as “good” or “bad.” They simply register feelings as information. This nonjudgmental acceptance is a gift for clients who tend to criticize or suppress their own emotions. Because horses always act according to how they truly feel, they invite participants into a space of authenticity—where your inside matches your outside. In this space, the horse responds with trust and connection.
Horses live entirely in the present moment. They are not thinking about yesterday’s stress or tomorrow’s to-do list. As you interact with a horse, that grounded presence draws you away from distraction and into mindful self-awareness.
When we focus too much on tasks or control, our connection with the horse weakens. But when we stay relational—attuned to the horse’s responses—cooperation flows naturally. This is the same skill that strengthens our human relationships.
Working with horses often means adjusting our own behavior before expecting the horse to change. This process builds new neural pathways, bypassing old emotional triggers and habits. The result is faster, deeper learning—because the lessons are felt, not just explained. Physiologically, a horse’s calm, steady heartbeat can help slow down our own heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce cortisol levels, creating an optimal state for clear thinking and emotional regulation.
Connection is the foundation for all healthy relationships—and all healing. Horses help us reconnect with ourselves, with others, with nature, and with our sense of meaning or the divine. These moments of safe, genuine connection create lasting neural pathways that strengthen emotional resilience, improve decision-making, and restore hope. In the presence of horses, healing is not just possible, it’s tangible.
Thriving with Horses is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.All donations are tax-exempt to the extent allowed by law. EIN No.: 99-4652526.
A safe, welcoming space where humans and horses heal, learn, and thrive together. Donate Today
