Ara Equus Horse Guided Wellness & Psychotherapy, 189 E Hungerford Road, Tweed, ON (2025)

10/12/2025

In today's era, families are spread out. Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and cousins came together for a festive meal. It’s what gives many a sense of family that runs deep in their hearts. Hard choices have to be made for where to spend holidays and quite often people feel they do not have a choice.
Few people, for example, feel good about not having their parents, children, or siblings around. Yet, it is also common to dread going home for the holidays or not being able to say no and set boundaries. For some it can be a time where trauma is reenacted, where chaos lurks in unspoken words around the table or in words drowned by celebratory liquids that can shift moods and states. Our bodies may harden and contract in survival mode or soften and rest into social engagement and harmony.
Regardless of the situation, emotions are inevitably triggered this time of year because of the complex ties we have with family. Family gatherings can trigger emotions or sensations related to due to past abuse, dysfunctional family dynamics, or the pressure of high expectations. For many who have no family, it can be further traumatizing and bring up feelings of abandonment or sense of not belonging.
Neuroception, the subconscious process of the nervous system assessing safety and danger, and Thanksgiving often intersect creating symptoms of anxiety and a state of ‘fight or flight.’
Gratitude, and the calming presence of horses, can help lower stress hormones like cortisol, which in turn can improve digestion and promote feelings of safety and social connection. This can in turn help you as you anticipate a potentially overwhelming or retraumatizing holiday. Horses are wonderful teachers. They help you set boundaries, find your voice, manage expectations and find calm in the chaos.
The body is the archive of our history. By partnering with horses, we can access things we already have in our physiology and tend to the feelings and sensations in our bodies in ways that make us feel safe. Our bodies validate our experiences, as do horses, when we listen to them and trust the insights they impart when we share time with the herd. This thanksgiving, honor yourself and thank your body for its truths. Our horses here at Ara Equus are ready to take you on the next step towards healing.

09/18/2025

Oh Gus, from the moment I met you, something inside me shifted. Knowing that you had been a stallion for 7 years, gelded only 2 short years later, and had very little handling I had serious reservations about bringing you home. With very little exposure to horses, I was as green as they come. And yet, your presence was undeniable. I remember thinking that you were lovely, but just not for me. That was perhaps my way of negotiating with myself. Thank God Susan was there. She saw something very different in that incredible and immediate connection between us. What in the world was I thinking? You were so big, so wild, so powerful and yet the look in your eyes was so soft. There was something about you that could only have been inspired by my big, bold, beloved parrot Bentley, who passed several years earlier. His spirit is embodied within your essence. You were mesmerizing and I wanted to know you. I decided to allow my heart to lead me and here we are 4 years later. You are my most trusted animal companion and I have learned so much about you and myself over that time. I carry you with me everywhere I go as the steady presence in a hustling world. To say I love you doesn’t come close to describing what it has been like to walk along side you. Your softness comforts me; your strength emboldens me. You helped me break down all my defences and rebuild parts of myself that feel grounded and genuine. Every day with you is a gift. I promise to never stop listening to your quiet promptings because it is in that realm where I am in touch with very essence of truth and wisdom.

09/05/2025

The precursors to trauma recovery are choice, voice and empowerment. At Ara Equus, trust and consent are at the heart of everything we stand for. Safety is the intervention, relationship is the path to healing.

09/04/2025

Each September, World Su***de Prevention Month offers us space to reflect on what makes prevention possible: connection, compassion, and a shared sense of responsibility.
This year, the International Association for Su***de Prevention continues its multi-year campaign on Changing the Narrative on Su***de, a call not to only talk more openly about su***de, but also to talk differently. It challenges us to move beyond silence and stigma — and toward conversations rooted in trust, care, and courage.

Horses offer a promising path to healing:

One approach to mental health care that has shown promise in su***de prevention is horse partnered psychotherapy. Working with horses in a therapeutic setting alongside a mental health professional can help people build trust, develop emotional awareness, and process trauma in a safe and supportive environment.
For those living with suicidal thoughts, this form of therapy offers a non-judgmental space where they can connect with a horse, experience co-regulation, be seen, felt and heard and begin the healing process. The physical presence of a horse, coupled with guided psychotherapy sessions, can be particularly effective for individuals who find it difficult to express their emotions through words alone.

Start the conversation about su***de:
Talking about su***de can be difficult, but open conversations are essential for prevention. Here are some actionable steps to help you approach these sensitive discussions:
1. Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the signs of suicidal thoughts and the correct language can help you approach the topic with care and sensitivity. Learn about common warning signs such as withdrawal from social activities, changes in behavior, or hopelessness.
2. Ask open-ended questions: If you notice someone struggling, don’t wait for them to come to you. Ask “How are you really feeling?” or “I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit down lately, do you want to talk about it?” Showing genuine concern can make a big difference.
3. Listen Without Judgment: When someone opens up about their feelings, listen actively and without interruption. Avoid trying to “fix” the problem immediately; sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is listen and acknowledge their pain.
4. Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest that the person seek professional help, whether it’s talking to a therapist, calling a su***de prevention hotline, or joining a mental health program involving horses. Let them know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
5. Follow Up: If someone confides in you about their mental health needs, don’t let that be the last time you check-in. Regularly ask how they’re doing. Remind them that you’re there for support.

At Ara Equus, our heart is at the core of all horse-human interactions as are consent, choice, trust, voice, and empowerment. Our approach is informed by the principles of neuroscience, polyvagal theory, psychophysiology, a unique understanding of trauma and safety as intervention. Always, we explicitly consider the welfare of both horses and humans and how they can mutually benefit each other in healing and recovery.

Su***de Hotline - Call 9 8 8 – It could save a life!

07/03/2025

Donkeys roll in the dirt when they feel safe and happy, often as a way to groom themselves, regulate their body temperature, and relieve stress. This behavior is a sign of contentment and comfort.
Rolling helps them scratch their backs and remove loose hair or dirt.
Dusting themselves with dirt can help insulate them from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
Rolling is a natural behavior that can help donkeys relax and feel at ease.
Donkeys will only roll when they feel secure and comfortable in their environment, as it's a vulnerable position.
Essentially, when a donkey rolls, it's a positive sign that they are content and relaxed.
Sitting close by, it was a privilege to co-regulate with Joey this morning and share in that sense of safety, contentment and relaxation. What a beautifully therapeutic start to the day! A time of reflection, groundedness, calm and presence. I did not have the urge to roll in the dirt though. Maybe next time.
If you would like to ‘roll’ with Joey, or any of the equines in our equine assisted psychotherapy program, they are currently accepting new clients! Visit us at araequushorseasmedicine.com

06/29/2025

Last night we got a call from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative. There was a seriously injured snapping turtle on the road, minutes from here, that needed help so we went to retrieve it while contacting the turtle hospital in Peterborough. The told us to put it in a safely stored cardboard box and bring it to their hospital this morning which we did. Even if the turtle did not survive (and in this case it did not), chances are the turtle could be carrying eggs as it is nesting season and they could be retrieved and incubated at the hospital. Who knew? So, if you find an injured or even dead turtle, if the turtle makes it through the first 24 hours it has a 70 percent chance of surviving. It if makes it through the second day, it has a 90 percent chance of surviving. If it does not make it and is carrying eggs, there is a very good chance they will survive so please, if you find an injured turtle on the road, call the Ontario Turtle Hospital or Think Turtle at 705-741-5000 and they will guide you in what to do to get it to them, or they will pick it up. It was amazing to witness a surgery today by one of the kindest and most compassionate teams of wildlife veterinary medicine.
Turtle medicine is very powerful, just as horse medicine is in its own way. Turtle is here to tell us that no matter how large an obstacle seems, with perseverance and faith, it will be overcome. Think of the sturdiness and steadfastness of turtle on land, of the slow and steady action steps towards the final goal. Yet think now of Turtle in the water, graceful and fluid, moving effortlessly along, coming up for air when needed, picking up speed with the simple motion of its fins. On both land and sea, Turtle is protected by its hard shell on the outside, yet vulnerable underneath it all. Some turtles will hide when things get tough, letting their shell become a suit of armor. Some will snap in order to set their boundaries, letting the one who threatens them know that they mean business. Yet Turtle is not in a rush. There is no stress, no overwhelm; just graceful, consistent steady progressions.
Work with Turtle Medicine and patience, calm, balance and grace are available to you in abundance. Slow down and experience the world around you in detail. Connect to Mother Earth and all her wonders. Do your part to nurture and protect the turtle. Honor the gifts of the turtle’s wisdom and protect this vulnerable species as many are at risk of disappearing forever.

06/06/2025

Living an untethered and authentic life with the herd at Ara Equus Horse Guided Wellness and Psychotherapy

06/04/2025

2SLGBTQ+ Populations & Mental Health
(Source: CIDI, Rainbow Health Ontario & CMHA Ontario)

In Canada, approximately 84% of youth aged 15 to 24 were cisgender & heterosexual, only 2% were cisgender & le***an or gay, 10% were cisgender & bisexual, 2% were cisgender & of another sexual orientation while under 2% were transgender or non-binary. Why all the fear & hatred towards this visible minority?

Some facts to consider:
2SLGBTQ+ populations face higher risks than general populations for some mental health issues due to discrimination & the social determinants of health.

Three significant determinants of positive mental health & wellbeing are:
social inclusion, freedom from discrimination/violence, access to economic resources.

All three factors impact 2SLGBTQ+ populations in Ontario:
• Bisexual & trans people are over-represented among low-income Canadians
• An Ontario-based study found that half of trans people earn less than $15,000/year

2SLGBTQ+ populations experience stigma & discrimination across their life spans, are targets of sexual & physical assault, harassment & hate crimes
• Hates crimes motivated by sexual orientation are the most violent of all hate crimes
• 20% of trans people report physical or sexual assault due to their identity
• 34 per cent report being subjected to verbal threats or harassment
• Trans people report high levels of violence, harassment, & discrimination when seeking stable housing, employment, health or social services

2SLGBTQ+ populations face:
• Higher rates of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive & phobic disorders
• 14x the risk of su***de (45% attempted) & substance abuse than heterosexual peers
• Trans & other victims of physical or sexual assault posed the greatest su***de risk
• Double the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than heterosexual people
• 77% of trans respondents in an Ontario survey had seriously considered su***de
• Higher rates of self-harm, victimization by bullies online & in public
* Under-reporting due to fear & indifference underscores the true nature of violence

Other factors impacting mental well-being for 2SLGBTQ+ populations include the process of “coming out”, gender transition, internalized oppression, isolation & alienation, loss of family or social support & the impact of HIV/AIDS (societal stigma & personal struggles/fears).

2SLGBTQ+ individuals may experience homophobia & transphobia alongside multiple forms of marginalization or disadvantage including racism, sexism, poverty, disability & cultural impropriety further impacting mental health. Those with mental health issues frequently face added challenges in accessing mental health services that are appropriate, inclusive & safe. More & more, these resources are being stripped away. As demand for services continues to grow, 50% of trans youth seeking help are unable to access it.

Ara Equus Horse Guided Wellness & Psychotherapy provides professional mental health services (in partnership with horses or without) that are compassionate, affirmative, safe & inclusive. By promoting awareness of the broader social & legal context in which 2SLGBTQ+ clients live, we strive to achieve acceptance by their families, communities, schools & workplaces. This is our lifelong & deeply personal commitment.

“Safety is the intervention, creating safety is the work.” Dr. Stephen Porges

05/23/2025

The horse archetype relevant to humanistic psychology and stewardship of the earth represents deep empathy, transpersonal knowing and communicative musicality beyond words. A humanistic model of horse-human partnerships fosters interdependent power and egalitarian leadership and the capacity to heal what was often shaken by trauma. The horse archetype offers a courageous and deeply empathic roadmap to regaining our humanistic capacities to sense and act with authenticity, power and vulnerability.
The turtle reminds us of our inner light, of our inner strength and stamina to endure even the darkest of nights. She reminds us to tune into the deep, untainted, unwavering wisdom of our nervous systems, to surrender as we ride the wild waves and thrashing currents until they deactivate our unhealthy stress responses so that we can then bask on the warm beach and become whole again.
Both horses and turtles remind us that ‘home is within us’, and their spirit medicine helps us find our courage, to be adventurous and explore beyond just managing or coping. This awareness can help us through the dark places, knowing that we have everything we need right here within us. They invite us to be curious and be present with each moment so that stepping out of our comfort zone becomes associated not with fear but with safety, personal growth and healing.

05/05/2025

Unmasking Mental Health: 5 Myths - Day 1 Myth 1
Myth 1: Mental Health equals Mental Illness
Fact: Mental health is health. It’s not about being ill. It’s about seeing health through a multi-systems lens, understanding the influence of biology, psychology, culture, spiritual and social environments, a concept that has existed for centuries. Our bodies, minds and spirits are intricately connected and when they are aligned, our overall well-being is healthier.

This is so important because to live with a mental health or substance challenge is hard enough. Hiding behind a mask, whether by choice or by stigma is even harder. The greater the stigma, the more isolating it becomes.
At Ara Equus, we encourage everyone, those living with these challenges, those who support someone living with these challenges and the broader community to look deeper and see the whole person beyond the surface. We encourage you to embrace honesty and vulnerability, be open to deeper connections, and be attuned to the mental health benefits that come with helping someone be seen, felt, heard and accepted. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding in our schools, communities and society in general.
https://www.araequushorseasmedicine.com/

04/17/2025

Happy 13th Birthday Big Boy Gus. I marvel how you exude confidence and impart courage to all those who meet you. Watching you run with the herd this morning tells me that you are happy.

02/21/2025

What would it be like to feel safe and warm, to feel connected to a strong gentle being, and to feel seen, heard and gotten? Gift yourself the opportunity to work with our herd, become anchored in co-regulation, and grow your resilience as you balance your nervous system and move through the trauma that holds you back. Our gentle approach is grounded in an integrative somatic experience that goes beyond the conventional talk therapies and is informed by the works of Peter Levine (SEI®), Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory), Sarah Schlote (Equusoma®), and other leading experts in trauma recovery. In the quiet presence of horses, discover the strength within you that whispers of wellness and renewal.

Ara Equus Horse Guided Wellness & Psychotherapy

10/12/2025

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06/29/2025

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