Emotional Healing with Horses

Finding Peace Through Equine Therapy

Connecting with Red after a grooming session

At MeadowView Reins, the heart of our mission lies in the connection between animals, faith, and personal growth. Horses, in particular, play an essential role in healing journeys for many who visit. Their gentle strength and intuitive nature make them exceptional partners in emotional healing, creating opportunities for deep personal growth and spiritual renewal.

Healing Animal Interactions: The Power of Equine-Assisted Learning

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is a unique form of therapy focused on experiential learning and personal growth. Unlike traditional therapies, EAL allows individuals to engage with horses in ways that promote emotional awareness, communication, and problem-solving. Through interacting with these incredible creatures, participants gain insight into their own emotional patterns, ultimately fostering personal growth.

Why horses? Horses possess heightened senses, making them incredibly attuned to non-verbal cues and the energy of those around them. This unique ability allows horses to mirror human emotions, providing immediate, non-judgmental feedback that helps individuals gain clarity and emotional regulation. Whether it's a gentle nudge of encouragement or quietly standing by in moments of silence, horses seem to know exactly what we need.

Ranch Life and Faith: Finding God’s Peace Amidst Adversity

Meagan, the heart and soul behind MeadowView Reins, knows firsthand how deeply horses can impact healing. Around five weeks ago, while mounting her horse after watering sheep, Meagan experienced a life-altering injury. Her cowboy boot caught in the soil, leading to a compound tib/fib fracture, requiring surgery with plates and screws. This injury has brought grief, frustration, and challenges as she balances ranch life, family, and faith—all while having the use of only one foot.

However, through this hardship, Meagan has found solace in her daily interactions with her horses. The grief melts away as she spends time connecting with her equine partners. Even her horses have adjusted to her new reality—her knee scooter is now a part of their routine. Her four-year-old son, Marc, enjoys bareback riding on Boo, their gentle horse, who walks beside Meagan, resting his chin on her shoulder as she navigates the field.

Romans 12:12 (ESV) reminds us: "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." This verse has resonated deeply with Meagan throughout her journey, reminding her to trust in God’s plan and find strength through faith.

Horse Therapy: How Horses Help Heal the Human Heart

Beyond their sensitivity to emotional states, horses possess a fascinating physiological trait that contributes to their role in therapy. Both horses and humans emit electromagnetic energy from their hearts. However, a horse’s heart is about 10 times the size of a human’s, allowing it to give off significantly more electromagnetic energy. This energy is known to have a soothing effect on humans, lowering heart rates, reducing blood pressure, and even decreasing stress hormone levels like cortisol.

The presence of a horse can increase the production of feel-good hormones, enhancing mood and well-being. This unique energy exchange plays a vital role in equine therapy, offering a physical and emotional calm that promotes healing.

Strengthening Relationships Through Hardship

Meagan’s injury also brought unexpected blessings in her marriage to Joel. Relying on her husband for day-to-day help has deepened their connection and opened up opportunities for growth in their relationship. The injury has been humbling yet intimate, as it has allowed them to come together in a new way. This experience has reminded Meagan to be patient, to prioritize her healing, and to trust that God has a greater plan for her and Joel.

The strength of their partnership continues to grow as they work together in faith, building their dream of a guest ranch. This season of challenge is also one of renewal, teaching the importance of embracing God’s timing and leaning into love and grace.