What makes my approach, EQUUSOMA™ different?

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EQUUSOMA™ is based on the belief that healing happens through

relationship. The horse isn't a tool or a therapist. They are a participant,

with their own personality, feelings, preferences, boundaries,

and needs. My goal is for our interactions to be a win-win for both

human and horse. We learn through connection, awareness, and

respect for each other. (Learn more about EQUUSOMA™ here)

 

What can I expect from a session?

 

Every session is different. Rather than following a set exercise, we pay attention to what is happening for you, for the horse, and between you. You might observe, approach, walk with, groom, touch, or simply spend quiet time with a horse. You don't need horse experience or special skills. We start where you are and go from there.

 

Will I get to touch or ride the horses?

 

You may get to touch the horses, but riding isn't part of EQUUSOMA™. Many people come to equine assisted therapy because they are excited about connecting with a horse. You may already be imagining what it will feel like to stand beside one, touch their coat, or feel their presence. Rather than rushing toward that experience, we slow down enough to notice what is happening for both of you. The horse may invite closeness, or they may need space. When both you and the horse are comfortable and willing, physical connection can be a beautiful part of the work.

 

However, connection begins before physical touch, for both horses and humans. We get to slow that beautiful process down! 

 

What if I'm already excited to touch the horse?

 

That's welcome! In fact, you can start noticing right now. As you read this and imagine being beside a horse, what happens in your body? Do you feel excitement? A flutter in your stomach? Calm? Nervousness? A desire to move closer? Maybe even a little hesitation? There is no right answer. This kind of noticing, what your body is telling you before anything even happens, is part of the work.

 

What if the horse doesn't want to interact with me?

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That's okay. A horse saying “not right now” isn't a failure. We can slow down, change our approach, or give the horse space. Horses have their own moods, preferences, relationships, herd dynamics, and physical and emotional needs. We respect what they are communicating rather than expecting them to participate for our benefit. Sometimes learning to notice and respect a boundary can be just as meaningful as experiencing closeness.

 

And that's actually part of the therapeutic experience: learning that connection doesn't mean getting what we want from another being. It means becoming aware of, and responsive to, what is happening for both of us.

 

Are horses going to heal me just by being around them?

 

No, and that's important. Horses are not “magic unicorns” that will heal everything simply by being in their presence. The horse isn't there to fix you. Instead, the relationship creates opportunities to experience connection, safety, boundaries, trust, emotions, and your own body in new ways. The healing comes through relationship and what we discover together.

 

Will every session involve the horses?

 

Not necessarily. Horses aren't the right intervention for every person or every situation. Sometimes another therapeutic approach may be more helpful. We'll work together to find what is right for you and for the horse.

 

What if I'm nervous around horses?

 

That's completely okay.You don't need to be experienced with horses or arrive feeling confident. We can start wherever you are and move at a pace that feels safe. And you can begin noticing right now: when you imagine being with a horse, what happens inside you?

 

Your excitement, curiosity, fear, or hesitation are all welcome. There is no “right” way to feel.

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FAQ's adapted from Sarah Schlote, MA, RP, CCC, SEP, EQUUSOMA™ founder.