Trauma and the Healing Power of Horses

It’s become something of a joke these days, the notion of a “horse girl.” Girls and their horses have an inexplicable bond, either out for a ride or just in the pasture. But there might be something of a science behind that. 

Horses have long been used as therapy/healing animals. They’re incredibly empathetic creatures that sense things a lot of others don’t. They can tell immediately if someone is nervous around them, or happy, or sad, and they feed off that energy. And as a prey animal, these instincts have no doubt helped their species survive over the centuries. An article in Psychology Today spoke of how horses can’t be fooled when it comes to our emotions, but that’s part of what makes them so helpful for people dealing with a wide range of issues, including things like ADHD, autism, eating disorders, abuse, depression, or anxiety. 

It truly is a beautiful thing to behold, and it’s not just one-sided. Humans have the ability to nurture, love, and heal the traumas that horses have lived through as well. I started volunteering for an equine rescue center called SafeAcres a few months ago, and while I originally went there in the hopes I would get to spend time with some horses and maybe give some treats, what I found instead was a facility devoted to restoring the health and happiness of animals that didn’t always see the best part of humanity in their previous lives. 

The sanctuary strives to rehabilitate and rehome as many horses as they can, but they also have many animals that are special needs, ones that might have otherwise been tossed aside. 

One particular horse that I got to meet during my first introduction to the place was a giant Belgian draft named Baron. He had been the final horse at an auction, passed over by most because he had a stiff leg from years of abuse and could no longer be a work animal. He was rescued by the sanctuary, where he could live out the rest of his days in peace and comfort. Despite being there a good while, he was still very cautious of people and trembled in fear anytime the halter was placed on him, even if it was just so he could be groomed. I actually thought he was much older because of the stiffness of his joints, but that just showed how mistreated he was by his previous owners, which just broke my heart. 

I watched firsthand how incredibly patient and loving the staff at the sanctuary was with him. One day at a time, they were earning his trust and showing him that he is finally safe. 

On about my fourth visit as a volunteer, we happened to be checking up on another horse that shared Baron’s enclosure. I was focused on the other horse when to my absolute surprise, Baron came over and approached me. This was a first; I had always been the one to go to him. So of course I gave him some pets and attention, and he continued to follow me as I moved throughout the arena. Despite his enormous size, he was so gentle, nuzzling his nose against my hands as though asking for more pets. At one point, he simply rested his head against my shoulder and let out a sigh. 

When I tell you that my heart absolutely melted, I mean it melted. And that was the moment I truly understood why horses are used in therapy. 

I think abused souls recognize each other, even when they’re different species. There’s something that ties you together, and no words are necessary because you just understand. You’ve been there. You’ve lived through the same hell and came out the other side. And it creates a bond of understanding that not everyone gets to share. 

Truth be told, I hadn’t been sure that my heart was even capable of really loving again. A lifetime that included an abusive marriage, many abusive bosses, spiritually abusive church leaders, and the loss of several longtime friendships had created such thick walls of mistrust that I was pretty convinced I no longer had the ability to become attached anymore. I had tried, but fear of being abandoned, lied about, or hurt had really taken a toll on my emotional well being. 

In those moments with Baron, I suddenly found myself very willing to love again, because he was willing to open up and trust in me. It made me realize that perhaps I wasn’t so broken after all. That maybe I could let people in, too. 

It doesn’t mean there won’t be setbacks, but for the first time in a long time, I feel a lightness in my spirit that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Baron.

Baron getting ready to be groomed.

If you’re interested in supporting SafeAcres financially, you can do so at their web site. I’ve been incredibly blessed by their team, and I genuinely love all of the animals that I get to work with.