About Us

Healing hearts through the gentle power of horses

Background

GRW Equine came into existence because a little girl’s heart and mind were saved by a horse. Together they found freedom running wild through the jungle of West Africa.

During the years of military service and working a corporate job with the military, horses showed up again in my own journey of proactively healing the abuse sustained in my life. It became apparent that horses were and always had been a profound place of safety, peace, and learning.

The relationships nurtured over the years with veterans, recovery groups, parents, and legendary horsemen have led to the development of a program that brings the power of the horse to our communities for experiential learning, mental and emotional growth, and healing.

In society we face two challenges to learning and healing.

Too little natural stimulus

Technology and the busyness of life has created a space where we get very little natural stimulus, particularly for children. In order for adequate brain development, all our senses need to be engaged through experiential stimulus: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—plus two crucial internal senses: proprioception (body position) and vestibular (balance/movement). These work together for sensory processing, enabling movement, coordination, and interaction with the world. Horses and the work associated with caring for them provide these things.

Healing requires safety, communication, and stimulation

When it comes to healing, people need safety, communication, and stimulation. Horses are one of the top known sentient animals on earth (alongside dolphins and elephants), meaning they have the unique ability to sense emotion and mirror. As a person navigates their own emotions and life, the horse provides instantaneous feedback, physical stimulus that unlocks pathways in the brain, and a safe environment for people to navigate their healing.