HORSE POWER PROGRAM

Trauma Support and Addiction Recovery

In partnership with Plum Creek Recovery Ranch we provide a program for trauma support and addiction recovery. By interacting with a powerful, sentient animal, equine-assisted learning & therapy helps people gain insight into their emotions, relationships and patterns of behavior.

Our focus is on establishing connection and trust to aid in the healing process. Horses are prey animals and, unlike dogs or cats, must be hyper-vigilant of their environment to “be safe.” They do not trust unconditionally. Thus humans have to work to gain their trust and cooperation. Horses extend trust and feel safe with those who are congruent, where one’s internal emotional state matches their external behavior and body language. 

A mental health professional or recovery specialist and a trained facilitator specializing in equine-assisted learning ensures a positive and safe experience.

Please note: NO riding is involved in our programs and NO prior horse experience is needed! Safety is paramount. All horse-human interactions are designed to build on each other, with the pace adjusted for each individual. For this reason, groups are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of six participants.

HorseLink Horsepower Program

Benefits of Equine-Assisted Learning include:

  • Greater emotional resilience.  Are we generally able to weather the ups and downs of life? That’s emotional resilience. Horses teach us how to ride out the storms of our emotions–and gain valuable insight along the way

  • More authentic communication. Are we saying what we mean, and meaning what we say? Often, our voice and body language give us away. Horses respond not to what we say, but to how we say it

  • Recognizing your strengths and expressing your authentic self. Doing so allows you to live more joyfully.

  • Healthier boundaries. Do we give away so much of ourselves that we feel empty, or so little that we feel alone? Equine-assisted learning programs can help people set (and maintain) healthy personal boundaries, discovering how to access the body’s wisdom to be present and grounded in the moment

HorseLink Horsepower Program

“I learned that setting my own boundaries establishes a mutual connection and respect. I also learned the importance of checking in with myself.”  – J.D.

“The most valuable part for me was overcoming anxiety to do what I wanted to do. I learned when I get triggered, I need to breathe and come back to the present where it is safe.”  – A.M.

“I felt internal strength that has wavered so much lately. Regrouping is so important. I LOVED this!”  – Program participant

“Phenomenal experience today. Words cannot describe it.”  – Program participant