Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have horse experience to participate?
Not at all! We approach your relationship with your horse, right where you are, as you are. All your sessions are a collaboration between you and your horse!
I’m not sure equine-assisted therapy is for me. How would I know?
Equine-assisted therapy isn’t for everyone. Maybe you have tried other forms of therapy, and they just didn’t feel as satisfying as you had hoped. Maybe you just want to try something different. If you value hands-on experiences and holistic healing practices, this may be something that works for you.
Why Sacred Presence? What makes you different?
We have personally experienced the essence, the fruit, of this work in our own lives. Having been transformed through this work, we bring ourselves to each session. Just as we ask you and your horse to do so. Connection is meant to be a shared experience, not one that is “counseled.”
How is this different from talk therapy?
Talk therapy isn’t for everyone. Some of us struggle with the honesty and vulnerability of opening up to another human. Equine-assisted therapy is experiential. Rather than verbally processing issues, we explore your patterns as they show up in the moment with your partner horse.
Do you offer couples therapy?
We offer individual one-on-one sessions. Although, we recommend both partners participate separately.
Do you see children or teens?
We serve individuals 17 years of age and older.
What would a typical session look like?
That depends on where you’re at on any given day. You may find us spending more time in nature to help you connect to yourself. You and your horse may be ready to explore communication in a round pen. Or perhaps you and your horse find joy and connection through grooming. Regardless of the activity, compassionate connection is always the goal!
Can I ride my partner horse?
Sacred Presence is not a riding program. A saddle and bridle place the rider in the position of control over the horse. Control—whether controlling or being controlled—does not promote healthy connection. We focus on developing the relationship from the inside out.
Where do you get your horses?
Most of our horses are donated to us from friends in the community. Others are personally owned by us. They all have different backgrounds and stories: some are former polo ponies, others have worked cattle, and some are former hunter-jumpers. Some of them have trauma of their own.
Do you train your horses to do this work?
We actually untrain our horses! Most domesticated horses have been trained to comply, to be controlled by their rider or handler. We want our horses to respond authentically to us, of their own free will. Control has no place in healthy, connected relationships.
What should I wear to an equine-therapy session?
Close-toed and close-heeled shoes! Comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather. A good rule of thumb would be, if you would wear it on a long hike, it’s probably good for the barn. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are appropriate. Bring a WATER BOTTLE!