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healing through horses

Hosted by Journey to the Heart Horse Sanctuary

I am a survivor of Domestic Abuse, here I share my story of Overcoming.

This is why I have a special place in my heart to provide a safe space

for women to come and experience this Journey to the Heart

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We are Survivors

"Journey to the Heart Horse Sanctuary "  is a Sanctuary for People and Horses.

It was established to help heal the scars of Trauma and Abuse with the help of horses.

This program was developed to help women and girls who have survived domestic abuse regain their confidence and learn how to build positive relationships again. Connecting successfully with a horse is about building a relationship with clear communication and self-regulation. In asking for a horse’s trust you learn to know and feel boundaries holding them in an attuned, kind and confident way. Working with horses instills positive relationship-building, in a safe and “sacred” space, especially for those with post-traumatic stress disorder. These are some Life skills that some women have literally had beaten out of them in an abusive relationship.

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What is domestic abuse?

Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship that is used by one partner to establish power and control over another partner. Abusers use fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence, to establish and maintain control. Domestic violence can include physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and psychological abuse. 

 

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I am overwhelmed by the impact your clinic had on my 15-year-old daughter. She is a survivor of domestic violence. Though she had horses most of her life, in the last two years she has struggled with severe depression & anxiety. Her trainer suggested all of her students including my daughter come to your clinic. I was worried as this was the first time (in a very long time) she has wanted to go someplace away from home. I waited most of the day for a call, possibly requesting me to come to rescue her (due to being overwhelmed by her surroundings). The exact opposite happened. Though she did come home & displayed some of her OCD/ADHD behaviors, it was only for a very short period of time before she settled down. I found her beautiful notes from your clinic & broke out in tears. You touched not only her heart but helped her to connect emotion with spiritual energy and how it affects her & those around her. This morning she immediately went out to work with her 7-year-old OTTB Lilibet. I've been watching her implement the phenomenal tools/skills she learned with you all. Thank you for giving us the priceless gift of your knowledge & compassion. I can't wait to see what the coming weeks, months, and years bring. We will definitely be back for additional clinics!!!

She is a Survivor

Horse Therapy

Horse Therapy for Domestic Abuse Victims

Horse therapy is a unique form of animal-assisted therapy. Progress is made through hands-on activities with horses. Interaction with horses is beneficial for people with post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and other forms of emotional and physical struggles. Without judgment horses seem to have an uncanny ability to reveal dramatic truths to people, and victims of domestic violence are no exception.

How Horse Therapy Works

Horses are used in a variety of therapeutic settings, and do not need to be ridden to achieve healing benefits. Instead, a few deceptively simple exercises performed on the ground can make a world of difference. For domestic abuse victims, seeing people who look like their abuser can be a trigger, and this “looks can be deceiving” lesson is an important first step to confident living. It also awakens something inside of them when they realize they can overcome their own fear and be greatly rewarded for it.

Inner Nature of Horses Heals Humans

Horses are herd animals that naturally want to form bonds with the creatures around them. It makes them feel safe. Whether we realize it or not, we as humans want to feel safe in the same way. But first, trust has to be won, and it’s a two-way street. The person has to behave in a certain way to make the horse trust them. If they are too nervous or aggressive, the horse will back off. Seeing how one’s own emotions are reflected in the horse is the first light bulb moment for many people new to horse therapy. Domestic abuse survivors can learn so much more from horses, including how to control fear, how to be more assertive, how to be confident, and how to connect with others. They can even identify areas in their own lives that need work. If you’d like to experience the power of horse therapy yourself, please contact the Sanctuary for more information.

Retreat

Woman Healing with Horses Day Retreat

Starting in July

Leaving with Courage and Purpose

Come join us in this Arena of Possibilities. During your Retreat there will be individual exercises and group exercises with the horses, leaving you not only memories of amazing experiences with the Horses, but you will have the confidence and direction to fulfill your true purpose in your present life.

`Woman Healing with Horses  2024

`Meet and Greet ~ Date coming soon

`Programs days ~ January 27th

Feb 24th, March 23, April 20th,

May 11, June, July , Aug ,

 Sept,  Oct , Nov , Dec 

 

` Location   Georgetown, CA.

` 9 am - 12 pm

` Please fill out Liability Form below in page footer

` Contact Crystal Anna

   (530) 863-3367

  Please call for more information.

 

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Come spend the day of Self Care, Learning and Healing

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We Are Survivors

~ Kristin, California

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My advice to other survivors is to reach out and accept the support that you need. There is no shame in getting help, EVERYONE needs help at times. Remember it takes time, for me it has taken many years. Now I am on the other side and want to show others there is no reason to be afraid or ashamed. WE are not the ones who did something wrong! You are worthy, you are loved, you deserve this help. And remember one day, your story will help others to leave too...

I am no longer afraid. I am no longer ashamed. It has taken me many years to reach this healing, and I hope sharing my story in some small way helps others to know...You can do it too!

~Sabrina, Mississippi

 

I would like to start off by saying this to all women going through any type of abuse: Stay strong and know that you are worth fighting for! Many of us that have been through abusive relationships tend to be more reserved, shy, and timid. It is time for us to stand proud and be heard! I was in a very abusive relationship for almost 6 years until I just couldn't take it anymore. The last time was when I already left and trying to start over. I got computers thrown at me, my knee crushed between two cars, and dragged down steps by my hair. After that I moved to a totally different state with no money, no place to live, no car, and very limited funds. I also had my 4 children with me. It was hard but I started over with only the support of my loving children. The point of this story is: You do have the strength to get out, the determination to be safe, and the courage to start over! Don't waste your life being someone else's cruel enjoyment. There is more out there for you.

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Horses have such a special and unique way of helping to guide you through whatever it might be that your feeling

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
TTY 1.800.787.3224

 

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