Talk therapy has its benefits, but for some people it also has some serious limitations.

Some of us struggle to talk or think our way out of the patterns that keep us stuck and hold us back.

In these cases, we need an approach that involves our body, and that teaches our nervous system how to regulate in a relational way.

That’s where equine facilitated therapy comes in.

(No riding. No horse experience required.)

Horses invite us to be present with them, take off our masks and armour, and explore relationship in a whole new way.

They help us embody different pathways in our nervous system and in our brain to help us get unstuck and feel more free.

Being human is hard. Learning to be a little more “horse-like” can help.

RESEARCH TO LEARN MORE HERE

BLOGS TO LEARN MORE:

Equine Therapy: What It Is, Why It Works, and Its Impact on First Responders with PTSD

Why Horses? The Unique Role of Equine Therapy in Leadership and Trauma Recovery

Clarity, Connection & Courage: How Healing With Horses Can Transform Your Life

The Transformational Power of Horse Sense: How We Guide You to Be Who You’re Meant to Become

Relational Healing - What it Means and How it Applies to First Responders

No horse experience is required for your time at Horse Sense North.

There’s also no riding - we only work with them on the ground.

We’ve had many clients here who have never touched a horse, and we’ve also had Olympic level riders, and everything in between.

Our horses are safe and willing partners for this healing work, no matter your background with horses.

There is no riding offered at Horse Sense North.

All the activities are done on the ground.

The horses are also willing participants in the work we do. We know this because they volunteer for our sessions. We don’t pick them, they pick us. This makes the work safer and ethical.

If you’re feeling stuck and you’re ready for change, then this kind of horse work is a great option to consider.

Often, people who are deeply struggling come to us after trying nearly everything else. They end up finding so much relief in their time with the horses. It gives them more clarity, connect and courage in finding a direction forward.

You don’t have to wait until you’ve exhausted all your other options. You can choose to book a horse session today, even if you’re simply searching for some extra wellness tools.

This kind of healing work with the horses can help us thrive in all areas of life. Some examples of that would be:

• Deepening our sense of self-worth and empowerment

• Enhancing our connection with our authentic self

• Developing secure attachments to ourselves and others

If this sounds like what you’re looking for, sign up for our program waitlist HERE, or contact us HERE to book a free discovery call.

Equine Facilitated Therapy can help us with struggles such as:

• Generally feeling stuck

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Post traumatic stress

• Low self-esteem/self-worth

• Grief

• Hyper-vigilence

• Relationship challenges (personal or professional)

• Emotional dysregulation/Nervous system dysregulation

If you’re wanting a new approach that is effective and efficient, sign up for our program waitlist HERE.

This program has supervision from clinical psychologist, Dr. Steve Jett. Learn more about Jett Psychological Services HERE.

Horse Sense North Founder and Director, Carmen Theobald (she/her) is a coach and facilitator with extensive experience working with horses and humans. She has worked with thousands of horses as a farrier since 2008, and hundreds of individuals, teams and organizations since 2015, focusing on vulnerable populations and complex trauma, particularly with public safety personnel.

Carmen is an Advanced Eponaquest Instructor (internationally recognized program for Equine Facilitated Learning), and holds many additional certifications including Connection Focused Therapy.

Lee Merkley (they/them) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). They have a background in addictions recovery and residential treatment centres, and have specialized in working with first responders, active military, veterans, and other public safety personnel.

Lee has been supporting Equine Facilitated Therapy sessions since 2022, and they are now Horse Sense North’s Clinical Director.

• Protect your feet with closed toed shoes (no sandals)

• Wear in comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

• Dress for the weather, and bring an extra layer in case the temperature shifts

• Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated

• Consider bringing slippers for time in the yurt (for our human time :)

• We encourage you to take a technology break and keep you phone on silent while you’re here

We have a partnership with the Huntsville Comfort Inn, and your stay will include breakfast. Huntsville is also a great little town to pick a restaurant for dinner.

Lunches will be provided on the farm by our on-site Chef, Aquila.

Upcoming programs:
December 1st - 5th, 2025
January 19th - 23rd, 2026

Access to programs depends on funding availability and requirements, and/or what your organization will cover.

Above & Beyond is an Encompas approved program, and is fully covered for OPPA members.

First responders and other public safety personnel who have access to psychological services in their benefits could be eligible to have this program covered as well. This will depend on each individual policy.

Please sign up for our waitlist HERE, and we will contact you when we have a program available. You can also CONTACT US with any questions you might have - we’d love to hear from you.