Rick, a wary teenager, carried the heavy burden of a painful past. Raised in an abusive household, he learned early on that showing emotions could lead to more hurt. He became very good at hiding his feelings, always saying he was "fine," even when he was really hurting inside. By the time Rick started equine assisted counseling, his emotional walls were firmly in place. At the ranch, Rick met Maggie, a gentle and perceptive therapy horse with a unique ability to sense the emotions of those around her. Despite Rick’s calm appearance, Maggie quickly sensed the storm brewing inside him. Whenever Rick said he was "fine," Maggie would respond with gentle nudges or restlessness, sensing the truth behind his words. In their sessions together, Maggie could see into Rick's inner world. She would nuzzle him gently when he was sad, stand quietly by his side when he was anxious, and sometimes even refuse to move when Rick was especially guarded. These subtle but powerful reactions from Maggie showed the difference between Rick's words and his emotions. Rick's counselor helped him understand these interactions, showing him that Maggie was responding to his true feelings, not the mask he wore. At first, this made Rick uncomfortable. He wasn’t used to anyone, let alone a horse, seeing through his defenses. But Maggie's kind presence and patience slowly chipped away at his emotional armor. One memorable moment stands out in Rick's journey. During a tough session, Rick stood beside Maggie, insisting he was fine. Maggie stepped closer and rested her head gently on his shoulder. This simple act of comfort broke through Rick's walls. He began to cry, letting out all the feelings he had been holding inside. Maggie stayed with him, her calm and steady presence giving him the safety he had never known. This breakthrough marked the beginning of a big change. Rick started to trust the process, realizing that he was in a safe space where he could express his true self. With Maggie's help, he began to explore his emotions, understanding that they were valid and deserved to be felt and expressed. As Rick grew more comfortable with his feelings, he started to share more about his past, his fears, and his dreams for the future. He learned to recognize and name his emotions, a skill that had eluded him for so long. Maggie was there every step of the way, her quiet support reinforcing the lessons Rick was learning. Over time, Rick’s relationship with Maggie helped him rebuild his sense of self. He no longer felt the need to hide behind a facade of being "fine." He embraced his emotions, understanding that they were a vital part of his healing process. Rick found strength in his vulnerability, realizing that it was okay to show his true feelings. Today, Rick is a testament to the power of healing and self-discovery. With Maggie and the equine assisted counseling program, he found a path to emotional resilience and self-awareness. Rick learned that he is safe, valued, and worthy of love and understanding. His journey with Maggie transformed his life, teaching him that it is not only okay but necessary to be true to himself. If you or someone you know could benefit from similar services, contact us to learn more about our programs. For those looking to make a difference, consider donating to support services that empower youth like Rick on their path to healing and growth.
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Welcome to another edition of the STEPS Herd Member Spotlight! Today, we're delighted to feature an interview with Maggie, the matriarch of the STEPS herd. Conducting the interview is none other than our very own Bob, a charming and curious member of the herd who always brings a unique perspective to our conversations. Let's dive right in and hear Maggie's incredible story in her own words. Bob: Hi Maggie! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. Let's start at the beginning. Can you tell us a bit about your life before coming to STEPS? Maggie: Hi Bob! It's a pleasure to chat with you. My story began in a place I’d rather forget—a kill lot. It was December 2014 when a rescue group found me and my filly, Molly. We were both in a pretty rough spot, and I was terrified of what the future held. Bob: That sounds really scary. How did you end up getting rescued? Maggie: The rescue group managed to track down my previous owner through my papers. Molly was my first foal, and I was very protective of her. They noticed an indentation on my side where a girth would go, a sign that I had experienced some rough handling in the past. The Thomas Foundation was contacted to take Molly. When they arrived, they insisted on taking in just Molly, but also me and another orphaned filly named Candy. Bob: Wow, that must have been quite a day. I heard you gave them a bit of a chase? Maggie: [laughs] Yes, I did! Molly and Candy loaded easily, but I wasn’t so sure. I broke loose and led everyone on a merry chase around the pasture. I guess I was just too scared to face what might come next. Eventually, I realized they meant no harm and agreed to load. Bob: It's completely understandable to be cautious. So, where did you go after that? Maggie: I moved around a bit and got to know some wonderful humans who took great care of me. Eventually, Molly and Candy were adopted together by a wonderful family in Sedona in December 2020. They’re now working cow horses on thousands of acres, living their best lives. Bob: It must have been hard to be separated from Molly and Candy. Did you make any new friends at the ranch? Maggie: Absolutely, it was tough to see them go, but I’m so happy they found a good home. At the ranch, I became great friends with Sissy. We’ve been inseparable ever since. I only agreed to come to STEPS if Sissy could come with me. Bob: It's great to hear you found a close friend in Sissy. How would you describe your life now at STEPS? Maggie: Life at STEPS is peaceful and fulfilling. I get to be with my herd, enjoy the company of wonderful people, and most importantly, feel safe and loved. I’ve always been a protector, and here, I can finally let my guard down and let others take care of me too. Bob: Speaking of letting your guard down, I wanted to ask you about your work with clients who have experienced trauma and PTSD. With PTSD Awareness Month upon us, could you tell us how you help these clients through equine assisted counseling? Maggie: Absolutely, Bob. Equine assisted counseling can be incredibly beneficial for clients with PTSD. The grounding effect of interacting with us horses helps clients feel safe enough to start processing their past trauma. Horses, like us, live in the present moment. When clients spend time with us, they often find it easier to stay grounded and focus on the here and now. Bob: That makes a lot of sense. How do you think being among the herd helps clients let their guard down? Maggie: When clients are among us, they often feel accepted and understood without judgment. Our calm and gentle nature provides a sense of security, allowing them to relax and let their defenses down. It’s much like how I feel safe and loved here at STEPS. This environment helps clients begin to trust again, both in themselves and in others. Bob: That sounds really powerful. Can you talk about how clients learn to readjust to life after trauma by observing the herd? Maggie: Certainly. Horses are naturally aware of our surroundings but not overly hypervigilant. We respond to potential threats appropriately, but once we assess that we’re safe, we return to a calm state. Clients can learn a lot from observing this behavior. It shows them how to balance awareness with relaxation, helping them understand that it’s possible to feel safe without being constantly on high alert. Bob: That’s such an important lesson. What about the acceptance and empathy people feel from the herd? How does that contribute to their healing? Maggie: The acceptance and empathy they feel from us are crucial for their healing. Many clients with PTSD have experienced rejection or misunderstanding from others. Here, they find unconditional acceptance. We don’t judge their past or their pain. Instead, we offer a nonverbal connection that can be incredibly soothing and validating. This empathy helps clients feel seen and valued, which is a significant step toward healing. Bob: I know the work you do is truly transformative. How do you feel being a part of this process? Maggie: It’s incredibly fulfilling, Bob. Knowing that I can help someone find peace and start healing from their trauma is a wonderful feeling. Just as I found a safe haven here, I’m glad to be part of providing that for others. It’s a beautiful cycle of healing and connection. Bob: Thanks for sharing, Maggie. It’s clear that your work is making a big difference in the lives of many. Here’s to continuing to support and heal together, especially during PTSD Awareness Month. Maggie: Thank you, Bob. It’s been a pleasure talking with you. Here’s to our wonderful herd and the bright future ahead! Stay tuned for more heartwarming stories and interviews from our beloved herd members. Until next time, take care and cherish the bonds that make us family. During PTSD Awareness Month, you can make a difference by Donating or joining Maggie's Carrot Club! Want to work with Maggie as a client? Fill out a Counseling Interest Form! |
AuthorSTEPS With Horses Archives
October 2024
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