“A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselves - strong, powerful, beautiful - and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.” ~ unknown
What is Equine Facilitated Wellness (“EFW”)?
Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) is a heart-centered and rapidly growing approach where trained professionals partner with horses to support personal growth, healing, and meaningful learning experiences. These sessions are designed to nurture emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being — often creating positive experiences not only for people, but for the horses as well.
EFW can be supportive for individuals from all walks of life. It may benefit those navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, life transitions, recovery journeys, or anyone simply seeking greater self-awareness, confidence, and personal growth.
Every session is thoughtfully customized to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals. Participants spend time with the horses through guided, hands-on activities that may be reflective, interactive, and experiential. These activities are typically done on the ground with an individual horse or with the herd. Time with horses often encourages individuals to slow down, become present, gain insight, release old patterns, and explore more authentic and empowered ways of being.
The Role of the Horse in EFW
Horses are remarkable teachers and partners. As prey animals, they naturally live in the present moment and are highly sensitive to their surroundings. Their strong awareness allows them to notice subtle shifts in body language, emotions, and energy in both their herd and the humans around them.
Spending time with horses often helps people regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with themselves, and experience a deep sense of calm and grounding.
Horses are also deeply authentic beings. They respond honestly and without judgment, often reflecting what we may not yet recognize within ourselves. Through this gentle and honest feedback, horses can help individuals develop greater self-awareness, emotional understanding, and clarity around personal patterns and behaviors.
Through building relationships with horses, individuals often gain valuable life skills such as:
• Authentic communication
• Healthy and respectful boundaries
• Trust and relationship building
• Leadership and teamwork
• Emotional awareness and resilience
• Confidence and self-empowerment
For both humans and horses who may have experienced stress, trauma, or difficult relationships, learning to rebuild trust through respectful, safe, and supportive interactions can be deeply meaningful and transformative.
Working with horses often allows individuals to rediscover their true selves with confidence and acceptance. Their size, presence, and honest communication invite participants to step into courage, clarity, and personal strength in ways that can carry forward into everyday life.
EFW Experiences Offered at Whispering Equine
We warmly welcome individuals, families, and groups to experience the many benefits of working alongside our equine partners. Our offerings include:
• Individual sessions for children, teens, and adults
• Couples sessions
• Family sessions
• Youth and school groups
• Women’s groups
• Team building experiences
• Youth day camps
• Senior group visits
• Small group workshops
We offer the following types of EFW experiences:
Personal Growth and Healing Sessions
Introduction to Horses Sessions
To learn more about the incredible impact horses can have on personal growth and healing, please visit our "Why Horses?” section.
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