Miriam*, a young woman fresh out of high school, found herself at a crossroads. After graduation, she had drifted, feeling unmotivated and disconnected. Her friends had moved on to college or jobs, but Miriam felt stuck, shadowed by depression and a deep uncertainty about what to do next. Her family and friends suggested different paths, but none of it resonated. She felt lost and isolated, not just from her future but from herself. When she arrived at STEPS With Horses for equine assisted counseling, Miriam was cautious. The idea of connecting with a horse felt intimidating, but she was open to trying something new. That’s when she met Echo, a beautiful mustang with a rich copper coat, her eyes both intense and deeply perceptive. Echo was unique—not just because she was the only formerly wild horse in the herd, but because she had a keen sensitivity to the people around her. She could sense when someone wasn’t fully in touch with themselves or was hiding how they really felt. For horses like Echo, this “incongruence”—or lack of internal harmony—was unsettling. In the wild, horses rely on each other’s openness to stay safe and feel at ease. If one horse’s body language doesn’t match their emotions, it could signal a threat or disturbance to the herd, so horses are instinctively uncomfortable around hidden emotions. For Miriam, this was new and unfamiliar territory. She often felt she needed to mask her true feelings to protect herself and avoid showing her vulnerability. But Echo didn’t respond well to this kind of masking. In the early days, when Miriam would try to interact with Echo while still holding back her emotions, Echo would grow uneasy, shifting restlessly, pawing the ground, or even walking away. It was as though Echo could see right through her, sensing that Miriam was putting up walls. During one session, Miriam stood next to Echo, attempting to hide her sadness and confusion behind a forced smile. Echo grew visibly agitated, her ears flicking, her body tense. The equine specialist acknowledged Echo’s discomfort and Miriam’s therapist asked her to look inward. Tentatively, Miriam allowed herself to relax her guarded posture and let her true emotions come to the surface. She whispered to Echo, “I don’t know what I’m doing. I feel so lost.” Echo immediately calmed, her head lowering as she stepped closer to Miriam. This time, the mustang seemed open and welcoming, her soft eyes looking into Miriam’s as though she understood. In that moment, Miriam realized the power of being honest with herself and how her emotional presence could shift the connection between her and the horse. Over the weeks that followed, Miriam continued her work with Echo, learning to notice and embrace her own emotions instead of burying them. She found that her connection with Echo was strongest when she allowed herself to be fully present and authentic. This connection sparked something in Miriam; she felt seen and accepted, even in her most vulnerable moments. For the first time, she understood that she didn’t have to carry her struggles alone, and that letting her guard down was a strength, not a weakness. As Miriam began to open up more with Echo, the therapist encouraged her to explore these feelings beyond the pasture, carrying this newfound self-acceptance into her daily life. She started to reconnect with friends, sharing more openly about her struggles, and even took small steps toward planning her future. She began to feel a sense of purpose and motivation again, inspired by the bond she shared with Echo and by her own journey to self-acceptance. Miriam’s story is one example of the impact equine assisted counseling can have on young people struggling to find their way. Horses like Echo provide a space for healing that is both powerful and unique, helping individuals to break down emotional barriers and rediscover a sense of purpose and self-acceptance. This work is made possible through the generosity of those who support STEPS With Horses, enabling us to offer life-changing experiences for clients like Miriam. Together, we’re helping to create moments of connection and growth that can ripple out into their lives and beyond. Impressed by Echo's work? Join Echo's Carrot Club! Interested in working with Echo as a client? Fill out our Counseling Interest Form *Client name and details changed to protect client privacy and identity
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Alyse* was the youngest of five siblings, a quiet girl who lived in a whirlwind of change. Her father was in the military, and frequent relocations were a way of life. When he was deployed for long stretches, the house grew chaotic. Alyse’s siblings acted out in their own ways—angry outbursts, defiance, and emotional withdrawal. But Alyse? She retreated into herself, becoming a silent observer of the storm that seemed to rage endlessly around her. When she first arrived for her Equine-Partnered Play Therapy sessions, Alyse would greet the horses softly, her voice barely louder than a whisper. But as soon as she entered the play area, her focus shifted to the dollhouse. She would create a tornado that ripped through the house, again and again. The walls, the roof, the furniture—nothing was safe from her carefully crafted destruction. The play therapist, seeing this, recognized the tornado as a symbol of the chaos in Alyse’s home life, the uncontrollable forces tearing through her world. Bob, the miniature horse, was always nearby during these sessions. Though Alyse didn’t acknowledge him much at first, he would inch closer each time, keeping a gentle watch over her. His presence was calm, quiet, and steady. And as Bob approached, something magical happened—the tornado would weaken. The destruction would stop. Alyse would pause, turn toward Bob, and smile faintly as if remembering he was there all along. She would brush his mane, running her small fingers through his coat, and speak to him softly. Bob seemed to understand, lowering his head as if to listen, his large, dark eyes reflecting her unspoken words. Over the course of the sessions, the tornado became less frequent. Alyse still played with the dollhouse, but now she would rebuild it, carefully placing the furniture back in its proper place. The chaos in her home hadn’t disappeared, but her relationship with Bob gave her something constant, something that couldn’t be torn apart by the storm. At home, subtle changes started to emerge. Alyse was still quiet, but she no longer withdrew completely. She began to talk more with her mother, share small details about her day, and she even started to sleep with fewer nightmares. When her siblings argued, Alyse didn’t flinch away from the noise—she was learning, in her own way, to rebuild even when the world felt overwhelming. In her play therapy sessions, Bob became a central figure in Alyse’s stories. Instead of the tornado, there was now a brave little horse who protected the dollhouse, standing firm while the winds howled outside. Alyse’s play grew more complex—she began to create stories of strength, of healing, and of finding calm amidst the chaos. One day, Alyse arrived at her session with a drawing. It was of Bob standing next to the dollhouse, surrounded by a beautiful, peaceful scene—no tornado in sight. When asked what had changed, Alyse simply smiled and said, "Bob helps me feel safe. So now, the house stays safe too." In that moment, the play therapist knew that Alyse had found a way to cope, a way to manage the storms of life. And while the tornado might never disappear completely, Alyse now had Bob to anchor her, helping her weather whatever came next. *Client's name and details have been changed to protect client identity. Photo does not depict real client. You can make a difference in the lives of children like Alyse. Give a gift for North Texas Giving Day at https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/stepswithhorses Serena* had always been good at hiding her emotions. After years of bouncing around from foster home to foster home, she’d learned that showing vulnerability only made things harder. When she was finally adopted at age 10 by a loving family, everyone told her she should feel lucky, but she just felt confused. Her new parents were kind, patient, and wanted to understand her, but she couldn’t bring herself to trust them completely. She built walls around her heart, laughing off tough moments, masking her feelings with sarcasm or silence. As Serena grew older, her isolation deepened. She longed to feel connected to her family but didn't know how to let her guard down. She would retreat to her room, spend time alone, and avoid deep conversations. Whenever someone came too close to her emotions, she’d dodge it with a joke or change the subject. One day, during her equine assisted counseling session, Serena was brushing Donkey. Donkey was known for being able to sense emotions in a way that humans couldn’t. Whenever someone felt vulnerable, anxious, or overwhelmed, Donkey would step in—literally. He’d place himself between them and whatever seemed to be causing the distress, like a quiet protector. Serena had always felt at ease with Donkey. His presence was calming, and he didn’t demand anything from her, unlike the humans in her life. They would spend time in silence, the sound of the brush moving through his fur and the rhythm of his breathing soothing her. But one day, as she absently brushed his coat, something slipped. “I don’t know… sometimes I just wonder why she left,” Serena mumbled, thinking about her biological mother. The words came out before she could stop them. She tensed, realizing she’d revealed more than she ever meant to. Quickly, she tried to cover it up. “But, hey, who needs her anyway, right?” The therapist, standing nearby, observed quietly. Serena’s joking tone didn’t fool Donkey. He stopped grazing and his ears perked up. Without warning, Donkey backed up slowly and gently pressed his body against Serena’s side. His warmth surrounded her like a shield, his solid weight a grounding presence. Serena froze, confused by his sudden movement. “Why is he doing that?” Serena asked nervously, her voice tinged with fear. The therapist smiled gently. “Donkey can sense when someone feels vulnerable or anxious. He tends to do this when he thinks someone needs protection. He must have picked up on something you’re feeling.” Serena felt her chest tighten. She didn’t want to believe it, but she could feel it in the pit of her stomach—the sadness she’d been burying for so long. Her walls had cracked just a little, and Donkey had noticed. He wasn’t judging her or pulling away. He was standing right there, refusing to leave her side. A deep breath escaped Serena’s lungs, shaky and uneven. She felt her face flush as tears welled up in her eyes. For the first time in years, she let go. The sobs came, heavy and raw, as she collapsed into herself, her face buried in Donkey’s soft fur. The weight of her sadness, anger, and confusion poured out in waves she could no longer control. “I never got to say goodbye,” Serena cried. “I didn’t get to ask her why.” Donkey stayed rooted beside her, his calm energy unwavering. The therapist moved closer, kneeling beside Serena without saying a word. The silence between them was comforting, allowing Serena to feel her pain without the pressure of explanation. When the tears finally slowed, Serena felt lighter, as if she had shed something she’d been carrying for too long. She looked at Donkey, still pressed protectively against her, and for the first time in as long as she could remember, she didn’t feel the need to hide. Serena wiped her face and took a deep breath. “I didn’t think anyone could know how I felt,” she whispered. “But he… he just knew.” “Donkey doesn’t need words,” the therapist said softly. “He understands what you’re really feeling, even when you’re not ready to speak it.” Serena nodded, feeling a strange new sense of peace. It was still hard to believe that someone—or something—had seen through her walls. But instead of feeling exposed or scared, she felt safe. That day marked a turning point for Serena. Donkey had shown her that she didn’t have to hide behind jokes or walls. It was okay to feel pain, to be vulnerable, and to let others see her for who she truly was. Slowly, Serena began to open up, not only in her therapy sessions but also with her family. The walls she had so carefully constructed started to come down, and she discovered that the people in her life were willing to stand by her just as Donkey had—protective, patient, and understanding. *Name and details changed to protect client identity and privacy. Photo does not depict real client. Would you like to support Donkey's work with more clients like Serena? Give a one-time or monthly gift to Donkey's Carrot Club! Want to work with Donkey as a client? Fill out our Counseling Interest Form! Judy* first came to STEPS with Horses seeking relief from the deep wounds of childhood trauma. For years, she had carried the weight of painful memories, struggling with PTSD that clouded her daily life. Traditional therapy had offered some solace, but Judy felt a profound need for something more—a way to connect her healing journey with a tangible, grounding experience. She found that connection through equine assisted counseling at STEPS with Horses. In those early sessions, Judy learned to trust again, not just others, but also herself. Working alongside a compassionate counselor and gentle horses, she slowly began to unravel the tightly wound threads of her trauma. The horses, with their non-judgmental presence, offered a unique mirror to her emotions, allowing her to process her pain in a safe and nurturing environment. Over time, Judy achieved her initial goals: she processed much of her trauma and significantly reduced her PTSD symptoms. The horses had become silent yet powerful partners in her healing. However, Judy's journey didn’t end there. Recognizing her progress and her growing bond with the horses, the team at STEPS with Horses suggested she transition to their therapeutic horsemanship program. This program, part of the Spectrum of Therapeutic Equine-Partnered Services (STEPS) Model, provides a pathway for clients like Judy to "step down" from clinical counseling services into a non-clinical yet deeply supportive environment. Here, Judy could continue her journey, focusing on building confidence, enhancing her communication skills, and learning horsemanship and riding from a certified therapeutic riding instructor. When Judy first met Starbuck, she was taken aback by his size and beauty. Starbuck, an imposing former dressage show horse, stood tall and proud. Judy was both awed and intimidated. Riding him felt like a daunting challenge. Starbuck was not an easy horse to handle; his strong-willed nature required clear, confident communication. In their initial lessons, Judy struggled. Starbuck seemed to sense her hesitations and responded with his own form of resistance. He would test her boundaries, challenging her to assert herself. There were moments of frustration and doubt, but Judy was determined. She knew that Starbuck’s demands for clear direction and confidence were not just about riding—they mirrored the inner strength she was still learning to harness within herself. With each session, Judy grew more confident. Guided by her instructor, she learned to communicate effectively with Starbuck, using subtle cues and body language to convey her intentions. As she became more assertive, Starbuck began to respond more willingly. Their relationship transformed into a partnership built on mutual respect and trust. Riding Starbuck became a powerful metaphor for Judy’s own journey. Just as she had learned to guide him, she learned to take the reins of her own life, steering herself toward a future not defined by her past. The skills she developed in the therapeutic horsemanship program extended beyond the arena. Her newfound confidence seeped into every aspect of her life, empowering her to face challenges with resilience and grace. Through her work with Starbuck, Judy discovered a profound sense of accomplishment and self-worth. The once intimidating horse became a symbol of her triumph over fear and self-doubt. Each ride was a testament to her strength and the transformative power of the human-horse connection. Judy’s story is just one of many at STEPS with Horses, illustrating the incredible potential of STEPS’ services. From clinical counseling to therapeutic horsemanship, the spectrum of services offered by STEPS provides a holistic approach to healing and growth. For Judy, and countless others like her, the journey with horses is not just about riding—it’s about reclaiming their lives, one step at a time. *Name and details changed to protect client privacy and identity Want to become a client? Fill out our Counseling Interest Form! Interested in supporting Starbuck's work? Join Starbuck's Carrot Club! 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. Finding Strength and Healing from Trauma: Rosa's Journey with Belle in Equine Assisted Counseling5/29/2024 Rosa* walked slowly toward her new therapist, her heart heavy with the memories that had haunted her for years. The path to this place had been long and arduous, marked by a series of painful experiences from childhood that had cast long shadows into her adulthood. Today, she was meeting the STEPS Herd. Upon entering the pasture, Rosa was immediately drawn to Belle. As Rosa approached, Belle lifted her head from the hay, her large brown eyes locking onto Rosa's. There was something profoundly soothing in Belle's gaze, a calmness that seemed to radiate from the very core of the horse. Rosa felt a slight easing of the tightness in her chest, a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding slowly escaping. The equine assisted counseling sessions were a new approach for Rosa, recommended by her former therapist after traditional methods had only scratched the surface of her deep-seated trauma. Belle, a beautiful black and white paint mare, was known for her remarkable ability to connect with people in profound ways, offering a sense of peace and validation through her presence. Belle approached Rosa without hesitation, her movements slow and deliberate. Rosa felt a mix of awe and anxiety as the horse came closer, eventually nuzzling her hand. The simple touch was grounding, pulling Rosa from the swirling vortex of her thoughts into the present moment. Her therapist observed quietly, letting the interaction unfold naturally. In the weeks that followed, Rosa's sessions with Belle became a sanctuary. As she stroked Belle's coat, Rosa would talk, sometimes in halting sentences, other times in a torrent of words, about her past. Belle's calming presence made it easier to face the painful memories, her warmth acting as a balm for Rosa's pain. One particularly difficult session, Rosa found herself overwhelmed by a flood of memories from her childhood. She stopped stroking Belle and sank to the ground, tears streaming down her face. Belle, sensing Rosa's distress, lowered her head and nuzzled Rosa gently. The horse's soft breath against her skin was a reminder of the present, a contrast to the harshness of the past she was reliving. "Feel Belle's presence," the therapist’s voice came softly. "She's here with you, right now." Rosa reached up, running her fingers through Belle's mane. The simple act of connecting with the horse brought her back to the here and now, away from the dark corners of her mind. Belle's steady, rhythmic breathing was like an anchor, grounding Rosa in a moment of safety. As Rosa continued her sessions, she noticed changes within herself. Belle's feedback, though silent, was profound. When Rosa was anxious or angry, Belle would become still, a contrast to Rosa’s inner turmoil. These interactions helped Rosa recognize her own emotions more clearly. She began to understand the impact of her feelings, not just on herself, but on those around her. Belle's reactions were honest and immediate, devoid of judgment, and this unfiltered feedback was invaluable. It allowed Rosa to see her emotions not as something to be feared or suppressed, but as natural responses to her experiences. One day, during a session, Rosa felt a surge of anger as she recounted an incident from her past. Rosa then quickly tried to push the anger back down. Belle took a few steps back, her ears flicking with unease. Rosa paused, realizing the impact of her avoidance of her emotions. She took a deep breath, consciously acknowledging the emotion. Belle's ears relaxed, and she stepped forward again, closing the gap between them. "You're learning to manage your emotions," the therapist observed. "Belle is showing you how it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling." Rosa nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of control over her own emotions, a sense of empowerment. The validation Rosa found through Belle's treatment was transformative. Belle accepted her without hesitation, offering companionship without demands. This unconditional acceptance helped Rosa see her own worth and strengths. She began to believe in her ability to heal, to find peace amidst the chaos of her past. Months later, Rosa stood beside Belle, her hand resting on the horse's neck. The journey was far from over, but Rosa felt a resilience she hadn't known before. Belle had not just been a companion; she had been a guide, leading Rosa through the labyrinth of her traumas to a place of acceptance and strength. As Rosa pressed her forehead gently against Belle's, she whispered, "Thank you." The mare nickered softly, as if acknowledging the words. In that moment, surrounded by the quiet of the stable and the steady presence of Belle, Rosa felt a profound sense of gratitude and hope for the future. *Name and details changed to protect client privacy and identity. Photo does not depict real client. Belle is proudly sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. To join Belle's Carrot Club and support her powerful work, visit Belle's page. Want to work with Belle as a client? Fill out the Counseling Interest Form! |
AuthorSTEPS With Horses Archives
October 2024
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