A Journey of Healing and Empowerment
By Tori Conner, LLMSW – Trauma Therapist
Group Participant: “The most helpful group I’ve ever attended. The facilitators helped me see things I never would have seen on my own.”
At Resilience, we continually seek innovative ways to support survivors on their healing journey. Recently, we embarked on an exciting partnership with Renew Therapeutic Riding Center (TRC), piloting a therapy group that harnesses the unique benefits of equine-assisted therapy. I had the privilege of working closely with Emily, an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) at Renew TRC, to develop and implement this transformative program.
Our group consisted of sexual assault survivors already engaged in our services at Resilience. The program aimed to provide a safe and empowering space where participants could connect with horses and each other. Over the course of four weeks, we explored themes of mindfulness, boundaries, relationships, and teamwork, all through the lens of equine-assisted activities.
From the start, it was clear that the horses had a unique ability to connect with the survivors. Being highly intuitive animals, they reflect human emotions, fostering genuine bonds and creating a strong dynamic of trust and empathy. As the participants grew more at ease, the horses showed signs of relaxation, curiosity, and connection. This authentic feedback helped survivors become more aware of and process their feelings, leading to profound realizations about their emotions and how they express them.
Group Participant: “The support from others and staff is truly amazing! And the connection with the horses has been “WOW”! It has become a new coping skill for me. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this opportunity!”
Each session was thoughtfully designed with a specific theme and corresponding activities. For example, during our session on mindfulness, participants engaged in grounding exercises with the horses, focusing on being present in the moment. The horses’ calm demeanor provided a soothing environment, allowing survivors to center themselves and find peace in the present.
In our session on boundaries, we used chalk to explore personal space and respect through activities that involved guiding the horses. Survivors practiced setting boundaries with the horses, which translated into valuable lessons about asserting their own needs and limits in their daily lives. The horses’ responses to these boundaries reinforced the importance of clear and respectful communication.
Equine-assisted therapy also offers a unique way to experience vulnerability and empowerment. The non-threatening presence of the horses allowed survivors to let their guard down and connect with their authentic selves. This vulnerability was met with empowerment as survivors gained confidence in their ability to communicate and connect with the horses.
Throughout the program, the role of peer support became increasingly evident. Survivors bonded over their shared experiences, offering each other encouragement and understanding. The horses facilitated these connections, serving as a bridge between the participants and fostering a sense of mutual trust and support.
Emily and I were continually amazed by the depth of the conversations that emerged during the reflection periods. While we had prepared a series of reflection questions, we often found that the participants’ discussions took on a life of their own. The insights and connections that arose from these conversations were a testament to the healing power of equine-assisted therapy.
As we conclude this pilot program, we are filled with hope and inspiration. The positive impact on the survivors has been profound, and we are committed to expanding these opportunities to include more participants in the future. The lessons learned and the connections made have reinforced the importance of innovative and holistic approaches to healing.
Group Participant: “I loved the zones of a horse [activity]. I loved when we did discussions before and after. The ideas and thoughts they said have stayed with me and always will. They have given me so much hope in healing from what I’ve been through.”
Equine-assisted therapy offers a unique and powerful way for survivors to experience vulnerability, empowerment, and connection. At Resilience, we are dedicated to continuing this journey and creating more opportunities for healing through the transformative power of horses. We look forward to the future with excitement and hope, knowing that together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community for all survivors.
