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Grounding & Resilience
 

with Horses

A restorative experience for first responders to support grounding, connection and resilience at Furnace Brook Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Maximum 15 participants

First responders carry experiences that do not always end

when the shift is over. Repeated exposure to crisis, responsibility

for the lives of others, cumulative stress and personal or

departmental loss can remain present in the body and

nervous system.

This two-hour experience offers first responders an opportunity

to step out of operational readiness and into the quiet,

grounded presence of horses.

Through gentle movement, breath and grounding practices,

guided meditation and time in the presence of the herd,

participants are invited to slow down, reconnect themselves

and experience a different kind of support

 one that does not require explanation or disclosure.

Horses meet us in the present moment. Their responsiveness, sensitivity and nonjudgemental presence can help create the conditions for greater steadiness, connection and awareness. 

No meditation or horse experience is necessary. There is no riding, and all participation and interaction with the horses are choice-based. 

What to Expect

  • Gentle, accessible movement 

  • Breath and nervous-system grounding practices

  • Guided meditation in the presence of horses

  • Choice-based connection with the herd.

  • Quiet reflection and optional group sharing

  • Respectful environment with no pressure to speak 
    about personal experiences.

Important Program Boundaries

  • Participation is voluntary.

  • There is no riding and no previous horse experience  is required.

  • Participants will not be asked to recount traumatic experiences.

  • Every horse interaction is optional

  • Observation-only participation is welcome.

  • This experience complements  but does not replace  peer support, EAP services, chaplaincy, or licensed behavioral-health care.

Facilitators

 

Emily RiverStar Peterson

Trauma-responsive educator and creator of Human Horse Harmonics (3H)

Spencer Catani

Amazing Grace Equine Healing

Details

Date: Sunday, September 13 (11:30AM - 2:00PM)

Location: Furnace Brook Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are required. This is a non-riding offering and no pervious experience with horses, movement or meditation is needed.

This program is intended to compliment existing mental-health and peer-support resources. It is not psychotherapy, clinical treatment or crisis intervention.

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