 Bob: Hi folks! It's me, Bob, the Official STEPS Human-Equine Relations Manager and your host for today. Welcome to my show, Starbuck! We're thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with you today. Can you tell us a bit about your background as a therapy horse? Starbuck: Thank you for having me! Well, my journey started as a dressage show horse, where I had the privilege of showcasing my skills and grace in the ring. But as time went on, I felt a calling to serve a different purpose. That's when I transitioned into becoming a therapeutic riding lesson horse for individuals with disabilities. Nowadays, I work at STEPS With Horses in Fort Worth, Texas as both a counseling partner and therapeutic riding partner for individuals with mental health challenges. Bob: That's remarkable, Starbuck. How old are you, and can you share your breed with us? Starbuck: I'm currently 26 years old, and I'm a Shire/Thoroughbred cross. My mixed heritage gives me a unique combination of strength and agility, which comes in handy during my therapeutic riding lessons. Bob: It certainly does. Can you tell us about your friendships in the herd and who you spend the most time with these days? Starbuck: For many years, my closest companion was Keyman. He was my best friend, my anchor, and the one who truly understood me. Losing him was hard, and I still carry that bond with me. These days, you’ll often find me hanging out with Snoop. He keeps things light, reminds me not to take myself too seriously, and is pretty good company when you’ve seen as much life as I have. Bob: That kind of connection really matters. Now let’s talk about your work in equine-assisted counseling. How has it helped you learn to trust people again? Starbuck: Participating in equine assisted counseling has been a transformative experience for me. I had encountered some challenging situations in the past that made me skeptical of human intentions. Through this therapy, I've had the opportunity to work closely with caring and compassionate clients who have helped me rebuild my trust in people. It's been a journey of healing and rediscovery. Bob: That's truly inspiring, Starbuck. Your resilience shines through. Can you share your special talent in helping clients feel safe and overcome their fears. Starbuck: Certainly! One of my special talents is creating a safe space for clients to express themselves and grow. Many individuals who come to the sessions may have fears or anxieties, but through our interactions, I can sense their emotions and provide a calming presence. I have a way of connecting with them, allowing them to feel safe enough to face their fears and embark on a path of personal growth. It's incredibly rewarding to witness their progress. One of my favorite activities is working with the teen group. There’s something powerful about walking alongside young people who are figuring out who they are and learning to trust themselves. They show up brave even when they don’t feel it yet, and I’m honored to be part of that process. Bob: Absolutely, Starbuck. Before we conclude, we'd love to know from your perspective as a therapy horse, what is the most important thing you want people to know about equine assisted counseling? Starbuck: That's a great question. The most important thing I want people to know about equine assisted counseling is that it's not about riding horses or just being around animals. It's a powerful and effective form of therapy that can bring about profound emotional and psychological healing. Horses, like me, have an innate ability to sense and respond to human emotions without judgment. In these sessions, we become partners in the healing process, offering support, trust, and a safe space for clients to explore their feelings and overcome challenges. Bob: It's evident that you play a vital role in the therapeutic process, Starbuck. Thank you for sharing your remarkable journey with us today. Your dedication and compassion are truly inspiring. Starbuck: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my story. It's an honor to be part of such a meaningful endeavor. I look forward to continuing to help clients on their healing journeys and making a positive impact in their lives. Want to support Starbuck? Join Starbuck's Carrot Club! You'll receive a special gift, personalized monthly newsletters, and more! Interested in working with Starbuck as a client? Fill out the Counseling Interest Form!
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January 2026
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