Equus is the Latin word for “horse”. Research says that horses have been on the planet around 55 million years. WOW! Their history of evolution has cultivated the qualities of adaptability, resilience, attunement, safety, and connection. Horses have survived through a myriad of time periods, as well as many dramatic weather and geographical changes. 

Horses know their connection to the whole, to all of creation and have lived in harmony for a very long time. They are a living replica of how to weather storms and find balance and harmony. 

Because horses are prey animals, they have highly developed sensory intelligence, meaning they are sensitive to the environment and one’s intentions, emotions, and body language. For humans, they reflect what we are expressing, whether we are conscious of it or not. Often we are not, because most of us are hiding old wounds… memories, experiences, trauma, loss, fears, etc. Horses mirror to humans in a honest and non-judgmental way, which not only helps us see what is often hard to see but also helps us open up and cultivate more inner compassion.

For someone who grew up in trauma, I have experienced horses as masterful guides throughout my healing journey over the last 25 years. Since trauma affects our nervous system as it relates to survival, horses help us learn how to strengthen our nervous system by teaching us to listen to our instinctual and intuitive nature. What is right for me? Does this feel right? What do I actually feel? Is this my feeling or someone else’s? Trauma cannot be overcome through sheer willpower or by verbal processing alone. I know this first hand because, believe me, I tried to “will” my trauma away for years. Thankfully, in my early 20’s, I found horses and began to learn more about myself, why I reacted, or overreacted, to certain situations and people.

Interestingly, horses aid in regulating our nervous system when in their presence. Experiencing what it is like to be present in our whole body’s intelligence, not just the mind, is a fundamental basis for the healing process – to access our wholeness and repair the fragmentation. When we have experienced trauma, and of course the spectrum of adversity varies, our brains often learn to stay in flight or fight. It’s for survival. When we are in that state most of the time, it is difficult to access the part of our brain that deals with logic, discernment, and problem solving – critical skills for healthy relationships.

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 70% of adults in the US have experienced a traumatic event in their lives, which makes mental trauma one of the most common psychological health conditions in the US. When we are in a heightened state of alertness, attempts to engage our logical, reasoning brain often proves futile, as we are not mentally present to process the information. That’s where horses come in! 

At Dove Creek, we believe that all beings – horses and humans – thrive in a safe place and flourish in a calm connected state. We also believe that horses and humans both possess an innate desire for connection. These two beliefs form the the foundation of our training program and our “Led By Horses” program (equine assisted coaching) where humans partner with a horse to gain insight and clarity on what is happening inside – emotionally, mentally, and physically.  Many say that equine partnering is not only transformative but is also a spiritual experience, and I must agree. When we can be present with our heavy emotions, feel them and release them, while having the presence of the horse supporting us, the peace and calm that surfaces is a powerful salve for the human heart.

Interacting with horses can facilitate a kind of “calling back” of lost parts of ourselves. This reconnection allows us to access higher levels of consciousness and self-awareness. And what is truly beautiful is that this approach to healing taps into the innate human-animal bond, offering a unique pathway that complements traditional therapeutic methods.

The potential of equine-assisted experiences and therapies extends beyond individual healing, inspiring new perspectives on our relationships with nature, our own instincts, and our capacity for connection and growth.

With Love,