Horse As Guide
As prey animals with an instinctive drive for survival, horses are always in tune with their surroundings, continuously scanning for any potential threats in the environment. Their heightened awareness isn’t just about physical safety—it’s woven into the very fabric of their lives.
Horses live within the deep bonds of a herd, forming meaningful relationships and clearly defined roles. In these tight-knit social systems, they become attuned to subtle shifts in energy to ensure the safety and harmony of the herd. This innate sensitivity makes them exceptionally responsive to changes in body language, emotion, and intention—not just among their fellow horses, but with humans too.
The beauty of working with horses is that they naturally interpret and respond to countless nonverbal cues, offering real-time feedback. Their honest reactions reflect back our own emotions and behaviors, helping us to see ourselves more clearly in the moment. Horses see who we authentically are, not the masks we wear, or the roles we play.
Building an authentic connection with a horse requires us to foster a sense of safety for them in their environment. In doing so, we learn to cultivate qualities essential to healthy relationships: self-awareness, boundary-setting, reciprocity, and compassion.
Engaging with horses invites us to practice empathy and reflect on our own internal state. Are we acting in a way that might feel threatening, or are we grounded and calm? Do we feel safe? How can we create that same sense of safety for the horse? In these moments, we’re given the chance to turn inward, and gain awareness of what we’re bringing to the relationship and to the present moment.
This approach honors the horse as a sentient being with its own wisdom and autonomy. Acknowledging and respecting their natural responses and adaptations allows us to form a deeper, more meaningful connection. From this perspective, the horse becomes a true partner in learning and a guide on our journey of self-discovery.
“Horses have an extraordinary ability to reveal people to themselves. In doing so, they become a powerful catalyst for personal growth…”
— Grant Golliher
Meet Lauren
psychotherapist + equine specialist
Growing up in Ojai, my most meaningful experiences were deeply rooted in nature. During the ups and downs of adolescence, I was instinctively drawn to animals and the outdoors, where I found a sense of calm and belonging. Being in nature just seemed to help. My connection with horses, in particular, became a central part of my personal growth and healing.
As a young adult, I began working more deeply with horses and realized that I wasn’t alone in finding healing through these sensitive, intuitive animals. At the same time, I was studying psychology and discovered how limited access to nature impacts adolescent development. I learned how systemic inequality contributes to this disconnect, which evolved into a passion for helping marginalized youth connect with nature through the transformative power of horses.
In 2017, I earned my certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and collaborated with a licensed mental health professional to offer Equine-Assisted Therapy and Learning to youth in Santa Barbara. It was inspiring to witness the deep insights and healing that emerged from this profound connection between humans and horses.
In an effort to deepen my understanding of mental health, I completed my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and began working toward licensure as a psychotherapist. My deep connection with horses, combined with my work as therapist, has taught me a fundamental truth — cultivating a relationship with nature is vital for our well-being and essential for the human spirit to thrive.