A CENTER FOR 21ST CENTURY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:
Where horses and nature bring the best of leadership together for the dignity and benefit of all.
​
Your Donations are Tax Deductible.
Horses Healing Hearts
At First Nature Ranch we have seen how our horses and the natural setting facilitate a range of benefits for those who have experienced domestic abuse and trauma. Horses offer a non-judgmental and non-verbal environment where program participants can build hope and resilience and rebuild trust with themselves and others. Through their interaction with horses and nature, they can improve mindfulness and regain a sense of safety and stability.
How Equine and Nature Assisted Experiences Work
Equine and Nature Assisted Experience involves interacting with horses and nature in a safe, supportive setting under the guidance of an experience and credentialed coach. Sessions can include various activities with the horses, such as grooming, leading, and other activities, depending on the group’s needs and aims
Key Therapeutic Mechanisms
​
· Nervous System Regulation: Horses are highly attuned to human emotions and can mirror a person's emotional state, providing immediate and honest feedback. This non-verbal communication helps individuals become more self-aware of their feelings and learn to manage them more effectively.
· Non-Verbal Communication: For those who struggle to articulate their experiences, interacting with horses offers an alternative way to express feelings through body language and energy. This can be a vital stepping stone to verbalizing trauma in traditional therapy settings.
· Building Trust: The bond developed with horses can help survivors rebuild trust in others and themselves, a key aspect of recovery for many trauma survivors. Horses offer a safe, non-threatening space to foster this connection.
· Mindfulness and Presence: Working with horses encourages clients to focus on the present moment, which can be challenging for trauma survivors who often experience intrusive memories of the past or anxiety about the future.
· Co-Regulation: Through the rhythmic movements of the horse, participants can experience co-regulation, a process of regulating emotions by connecting with the horse's natural rhythms.
· Regaining a Sense of Control: Activities like leading a horse can help trauma survivors regain a sense of control and self-confidence, which is often diminished by trauma.
If you are interested in bringing a group of women for this multi-week program, or partnering with the program, please email Kerul@firstnaturefoundation.org.
We are not currently accepting individual applications for this program.
*First Nature Foundation is a Equine and Nature Facilitated Development center. We do not provide any form of equine therapy.*