“I heard about Equine assisted therapy many years ago, never gave it a second thought until years later I found myself in a time of need, I needed healing and I needed help, I sought out Gaits to Healing, I asked for help and what I received in return was incredible. Learning about and just being in the presence of these magnificent horses, I felt their energy, I felt as though I became one with the horse and he felt my pain and my trauma, and instantly I felt at ease, almost as though he was saying to me, “Let me walk with you, let me feel what your feeling, you can do this, we can do this.” I highly encourage any veterans or first responders living with previous trauma, to seek out this equine assisted therapy and give it a chance, it will change your life.”
— Ramone R., Military Personnel
“I served twenty years as a U.S. Marine, always on guard, carrying the weight of trauma from both my upbringing and service. For years, I lived with an unease that never let me feel truly free inside, despite fighting to protect freedom for others.
Gaites to Healing has been life-changing. With the EAGALA method, Gaites to Healing, and the powerful presence of horses, I was able to strip away armor, confront blind spots, and face the battles I had buried within. Their support gave me the courage to release old burdens, forgive myself, and find belonging. Today, I’m moving forward with renewed strength, no longer fighting alone.”
— Brian S., Military Personnel
“As a law enforcement officer, I’ve faced situations that left lasting scars—both visible and invisible. Trauma and post-traumatic stress have a way of following you long after the moment has passed, and for a long time, I carried that weight silently. Like many in this profession, I was hesitant to seek out therapy because of the stigma attached to it. Admitting you’re struggling can feel like weakness in a job that demands constant strength. My family could see my changes...I would snap easily, but didn’t know how to help because they didn't experience or couldn't understand everything I had been through.
Equine-assisted learning gave me another way forward. Working with horses offered me something unique: a safe space without judgment. Horses respond only to what’s real in the moment. They don’t care about rank, badges, or the walls we build around ourselves—they care about authenticity. When I approach horses with tension, they feel it. When I bring honesty and calm, they reflect that. In that way, every interaction becomes a mirror, helping me recognize and regulate my emotions. You can't fool them; they know when you are faking and trying to downplay the tension.
Through this work, I’ve been able to reconnect with parts of myself I thought trauma had taken away. It has improved my patience, my ability to stay present, and my confidence in managing stress. More importantly, it has given me peace. I was in a dark place for so long. These horses have taught me to breathe again, to ground myself, and to trust—not just others but myself. Most importantly, it reminded me that healing is possible. For me, equine-assisted learning hasn’t just been an activity—it’s been a lifeline, and I'm forever thankful for these guardian angels.
-Jamie B., Law Enforcement Officer