Coached by Horses: One Hoofbeat at a Time!

09-01-2025

A few years ago, I bought 17 acres in Texas and brought my two horses there to live with me. Quickly, two became 3 which became 5, etc. You know how it goes! 

But I was at a crossroads in my life. My brother had passed away suddenly and I found myself asking “is this all there is?” “Is this all I have to show for my life?” My life had not gone as planned but I also know, life rarely works that way. Still I I found myself standing in the space between who I had been and who I knew I was meant to become. It was a restless feeling inside I couldn’t shake. I had accomplished what I thought I was supposed to, followed the path laid out before me, but it no longer felt aligned and it no longer fulfilled me in a way it had before. Deep down, I knew there had to be something more—something more meaningful, more authentic, more connected. It wasn’t just about changing direction; it was about finding a deeper purpose.

I’ve been through difficult times in my life–more than I care to count actually. Life would heavy, uncertain, and overwhelming. There were moments when I questioned my strength, my direction, and even my worth. But through it all, something within me kept searching for healing and clarity. My niece moved in with me shortly after I moved to Texas and that’s when horses came into my life—not as an escape, but as quiet, powerful partners in my journey. 

Being with them taught me how to be present, how to listen to my intuition, and how to regulate my emotions in ways I never had before. They didn’t judge or try to fix me; they simply responded to who I was in the moment, reflecting my truth with honesty and grace. Through their presence, I found a deeper connection to myself, learned to trust again, and slowly began to rebuild my confidence. 

I still have days that challenge me and days when it is a struggle to simply put one foot in front of the other but those days don’t last as long any more. I have my faith in God and with the help of my horses, I have emerged stronger, more grounded, and more aligned with who I truly am.

Horses are uniquely powerful partners in healing and personal growth because of their sensitivity, honesty, and ability to live in the present moment. 

Horses are incredibly sensitive to body language, tone of voice, and emotional energy. They respond immediately and honestly to how a person is feeling—not what they’re saying. This real-time feedback helps people recognize emotions they may not be fully aware of and begin to understand how their internal state affects their external world.

Horses don’t hold grudges or worry about the future—they respond to what’s happening right now. For people who struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or trauma, being with a horse can be grounding. Their presence invites you to slow down, breathe, and connect with the here and now, which is a key step in emotional healing.

Unlike people, horses don’t care about your past, status, or mistakes. They aren’t influenced by appearances or words. This creates a safe and nonjudgmental space for people to be their authentic selves—often for the first time. People often struggle with mixed messages or confusing social cues in their relationships. Horses, on the other hand, give clear, direct feedback through their behavior. This helps people learn how to build trust, communicate clearly, and lead with integrity.

Horses don’t respond to manipulation, masks, or bravado. They connect when you are real, open, and emotionally congruent. That encourages people to drop their defenses and practice being authentic and emotionally honest—first with the horse, then with others.

I had finally discovered what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I wanted to help others find that same center, balance and authenticity through horses that I had.

Equine-assisted coaching (EAC) is a transformative, experiential approach to personal development that involves guided interactions with horses. Unlike traditional talk-based methods, EAC engages the body, mind, and emotions through real-time, in-the-moment experiences. Horses, as intuitive and non-judgmental animals, act as mirrors, reflecting human emotions and behaviors in ways that encourage deep self-awareness, emotional healing, and the development of healthier relational patterns.

EAC is not horseback riding. Instead, it typically involves ground-based activities such as leading, grooming, observing, or engaging in specific coaching exercises designed to bring awareness to your patterns, strengths, and blind spots.

How It Works

Interactive Activities

Sessions involve structured, hands-on experiences with horses. Common exercises include leading a horse through an obstacle course, observing herd dynamics, or simply standing in stillness with a horse. These activities serve as metaphors for real-life situations, offering profound insight into how individuals show up in their relationships, work, and inner world.

Non-Judgmental Feedback

Horses are prey animals, which makes them incredibly attuned to subtle shifts in body language, tone, and emotional energy. They respond authentically in the moment, without judgment or agenda. This immediate, honest feedback can reveal hidden emotions, internal conflicts, or incongruences between intention and behavior, offering a powerful mirror for self-exploration.

Goal-Oriented, Forward-Focused

While traditional therapy may focus on processing the past, equine-assisted coaching is action- and results-oriented. Coaches help participants clarify personal goals, explore what's getting in the way, and co-create steps toward meaningful, sustainable change. Whether working on leadership, confidence, stress management, or communication, the coaching process is tailored to the individual's needs.

There are many benefits to EAC:

• Increased Self-Awareness
  Interacting with horses helps individuals become more conscious of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This heightened awareness is the foundation for meaningful change.
  
  

• Improved Relationship Skills
  Participants learn to communicate more clearly, set healthy boundaries, and recognize nonverbal cues—all critical components of strong relationships.
  
  

• Greater Emotional Resilience
  By practicing regulation, presence, and trust in a safe, supported environment, clients often experience increased confidence, reduced anxiety, and an enhanced ability to navigate challenges.
  
  

• Clarity and Confidence in Decision-Making
  The immediate, unfiltered feedback from horses can help cut through mental noise and uncertainty, making it easier to make authentic, values-driven choices.

Equine-assisted coaching is suitable for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. No prior experience with horses is required.

In a fast-paced, often disconnected world, horses invite us to slow down, listen more deeply, and lead from a place of authenticity and presence. Through equine-assisted coaching, participants rediscover inner strengths, unlock new perspectives, and cultivate lasting change—all in partnership with these powerful and sensitive animals.