Navigating Loss with Horse Therapy

Overwhelmed by Grief? Horses Get It.

by Meagan Good, MA, LPC, NPT-C, NLC-P,EP; Founder of Take Heart

June 20, 2025

Horses “get it.” There is all the science of entrainment and co-regulation, mirror neurons, emotional attunement, and more to back it up – and I could certainly nerd out about equine therapy with you. I love the science behind this. But more importantly, in a moment of grief, all of us here at the farm have experienced that the horses just “get it.” They show up and stand with you, they breathe that deep horsey sigh, or lick and chew or nudge your elbow… they are powerful yet gentle as they let you know, deep in your heart, that they are right there with you.
 
Horses don’t try to fix it. They don’t give trite platitudes, or try to comfort you but actually end up making you feel worse. They don’t ask you hard questions. They just invite you into their presence to connect, and remind you that it’s safe to feel your grief, and that you aren’t alone – you are part of the herd.

We experience grief and loss as a complete being: body, mind, spirit, and soul. Knowing that we are not alone has powerful benefits for every part of us as we navigate grief and loss. When we are grounded in the presence of a safe, attuned, sentient being:
-Our nervous system shifts from alert to calm. 
-Our emotions slow down and are felt fully and deeply as they need to be.
-Our thoughts stop racing as we feel seen and heard.
-Our spirit can once again sense that vital connection to ourself, others, and God.
 
This has been so powerful for us personally, that we want to offer equine assisted grief counseling to you, too. We all have grief and experience loss – nobody gets through this life without it. No matter what your experience of grief is, or where you are in the journey of grieving, you are welcome at the ranch. Reach out for support – there is no shame in needing counseling to overcome this loss – in the safe, attuned presence of horses.
My colleague, Erin Repasy, LPC, Certified Grief Professional, and NLC-P,EP, is no stranger to the experience of grief. She leads activities designed to facilitate safe processing of grief and loss, both verbally and nonverbally through creativity, movement, and connection with the horses. You will always be invited to join the activities, but never forced to do or share – receiving through observing and being in the peaceful, beautiful ranch environment is restorative, too.
Talk to Erin today to sign up, as spots are limited. Erin@TakeHeartCounseling.com or 717-917-7137.

Ready to start your
life changing journey?

Wherever you are at on your journey, we are here for you. Our human and equine team will walk alongside you so you can find hope, healing, and wholeness in your life. You are worth it. Reach out to us today.

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