Wisdom of Horses

Equine Assisted Mental Health and Wellness

Drawing on the emotional intelligence and present moment awareness of horses to help humans grow, heal and thrive.

A stylized illustration of a blue dragon with black accents, standing on its hind legs with wings spread, featuring a small handprint symbol on its flank.

Horses possess an extraordinary ability to read and respond to human emotions and intentions.  This makes them the ultimate lie detectors and the most honest of teachers.  When you step into the arena with a horse, they invite you—and sometimes demand—that you be your authentic self. 

If you’re anxious but trying to appear calm, the horse will likely sense the underlying tension and respond accordingly, perhaps by moving away or displaying their own sense of unease.  However, if you are truly present, grounded and clear in your intent, they are more likely to engage with trust and cooperation. 

In this manner, horses serve as a real-time reflection of our current mental and emotional state, and provide prompt feedback as we develop our own awareness and develop beneficial skills and approaches to life. 

For example, when leading the horse, one may become aware of outdated relationship patterns and receive positive results for practicing new, more beneficial relationship skills. 

As the horse rewards clear, assertive (non-aggressive) boundaries and clear intentional leadership we are encouraged to step into our own power and confidence.  

A child wearing a black t-shirt, leggings, and pink rain boots is petting a white horse inside a fenced area on a sunny day. A large saguaro cactus and desert vegetation are visible in the background.
Two women sitting on the ground with a black horse standing over them, the horse leaning its head down towards one of the women.
A person with a cap painting hear art on a dark brown horse's side inside a stable.

Our Approach

  • At Blue Horse Medicine Ranch we are committed to creating a sanctuary where humans can reconnect with the natural world and rediscover their innate sense of peace.

  • We view horses as sentient teachers and partners, not tools.  Our work is rooted in a sacred, non-judgmental dialogue between species. 

  • Somatic Wisdom: we recognize that the body and the heart often speak louder than words.  We trust the horse’s ability to mirror nervous systems and guide us toward emotional balance.

  • We honor the “now” as the only space where growth occurs.  We utilize the grounding nature of horses to anchor the mind and calm the spirit, allowing us to meet our horse partners in the present moment.

  • Radical Authenticity: we believe that healing begins the moment we drop our masks.  Like the horse, we value the honest alignment of inner truth and outer action.

Schedule a Session
Three people petting a large brown horse outdoors under a large tree in a fenced area.

Meet the Healing Herd

A white horse with black spots and a blonde mane standing on dirt ground in a fenced area.

BLUE

A tan horse with a long mane standing on a patch of dirt and sparse grass, next to a potted plant, in a garden area with trees, plants, and outdoor lamps in the background.

APOLLO

Close-up of a brown horse wearing a leather bridle with a background of a blue sky and some buildings in the distance.

SUGAR

A light brown horse with a dark mane standing on dirt and shade in a yard, with a peach-colored wall and some shrubs in the background.

MISSY

A brown and white horse standing among desert shrubs and rocks with a background of dry bushes and fencing.

WIZARD

A black horse with a white star on its forehead standing on a dirt ground in an outdoor enclosure, with trees and a metal fence in the background, under a clear blue sky.

SASHI

A woman wearing a large straw hat, sunglasses, a gray T-shirt, and black leggings is walking a black-and-white horse in an outdoor setting with desert trees, cacti, and mountains in the background.

“Working with Marla and the equine therapy program has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

When I first arrived, I was fresh from a suicide attempt and carrying a level of heartbreak and grief that felt impossible to hold. I did not know how to trust myself or the world around me. I only knew that I needed a place where I could feel safe again.

Marla and the horses gave me that space. Their presence allowed me to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with parts of myself I thought were gone forever. Through this work, I began to rebuild my sense of self, confidence, and safety. I processed deep layers of grief and felt supported every step of the way. The horses met me with honesty and gentleness, and Marla guided me with compassion, patience, and wisdom.

This modality of therapy has been instrumental in my recovery journey. It truly saved my life. Today, I am living a peaceful life and can see how far I have come. I carry a strength and calm that I never imagined possible. I am deeply grateful for Marla, the horses, and the healing they helped me find.”

— Cynthia

The question I am most often asked by astonished first-time participants is, “It seems like magic, how do they do it?”

As prey animals, horses have evolved acute senses to survive, allowing them to read human breathing, heart rate, and energy with precision. They are indifferent to social status or appearance; instead, they focus on congruence—the alignment between our internal emotions and our external actions. Because predators are often deceptive, horses prioritize this authenticity to determine if they are safe. When we show up with honesty and clear intent, these social beings move past their survival instincts to seek genuine connection.

Come Meet the Herd
Two people with horses in an outdoor corral. One person is sitting on a red stool, working with a small white horse with black spots. The other person is standing near a larger white horse. The area is fenced with metal panels, and the ground is dirt. There are desert plants and trees in the background.

What we offer

There is a unique power in healing together. 

Our group offerings create a supportive environment for reflection, connection, and insight. Guided by the presence of the herd, the language of metaphor, and the shared human journey, these groups offer profound opportunities for growth and fun.

  • Team Building: For groups and corporate retreats, our exercises highlight the importance of collaboration, enlightened leadership, and mutual respect.

  • Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Learn mindfulness meditation for stress reduction with the assistance of horses. The calm presence of horses helps to ground you in the present moment, offering a powerful way to unwind and de-stress. Mindfulness sessions offered for individuals and groups.

  • Arena Sand Tray: A highly engaging hybrid that combines the metaphor and symbolism of sand tray play with active horse play.  There are toys and props and horses in a giant sand tray - the arena.  This activating group experience is both fun and deeply transformative.

Every session is tailored to meet your group’s specific goals, ensuring a meaningful and memorable experience.

Let’s Work Together

For more information or to schedule a group or retreat, please fill out the form and I’ll get back to you soon.