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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!
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September 2024
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