Equine Elevated

02/26/2026

Princess Penelope is a very friendly chicken. This morning she insisted apples be held for her to peck for her after breakfast snack.

02/24/2026

On this cold morning Juniper is filling everyone’s hearts with warmth and cuddles. (Yes, the window is coated in ice from the freezing rain).

01/30/2026

In these past weeks, our community has faced deeply traumatic events. Many people are grieving, feeling unsafe, anxious, angry, or numb. These experiences affect not just those directly involved but all of us who care about our neighbors, our safety, and our humanity.

As a therapy clinic committed to healing and support, we want you to know:
You are not alone. Your emotional response — grief, fear, frustration, exhaustion — is valid. What you’re feeling matters. If you or someone you love is struggling to process what’s happening, we are here to help you work through that.

We’re offering:
• A safe, nonjudgmental space to talk
• Support for stress, trauma, and community grief
• Resources to help families and individuals navigate emotional impact

If you need support — whether you’re directly affected or feeling the weight of it all — please reach out. Healing doesn’t mean having all the answers; it means having someone to talk with as you find them.

For immediate mental health support, find numbers to your local mobile crisis team at www.Crisis.org or text or dial 988.

🧡 In solidarity and with care,

Danielle and the Equine Elevated team of animals

01/29/2026

March is the time of new things around here! Join us for drop in yoga classes, Saturdays at 9am.

01/29/2026

It’s cold here in Minnesota, but the horses are doing what they do best—adapting, staying grounded, and finding small ways to bring joy.

A reminder that strength doesn’t have to be rigid, and holding space can include softness, curiosity, and a sense of humor.

12/17/2025

Titan is thoroughly enjoying this mid-winter thaw!

12/14/2025

It’s national day of the horse! You all know how amazing our horse herd is and how much we love and appreciate all they do for us. Here are some moments that make us smile.

12/06/2025

Good information here

"Joy. Fear. Affection. The science of animal emotions has confirmed what many animal owners have long known: animals do have intense emotions. However, what they actually feel is not always what owners are used to thinking.

“Advances in the science of animal emotions have had a transformative effect on our worldview,” says Dr Helena Telkanranta, the main author of the acclaimed nonfiction graphic novel The Mind of a Horse. Science Meets Comics.

“Scientists now know that all mammals, birds, and even fish do experience basic emotions, such as pleasure and fear. Such feelings are strong, regardless of whether the species also is intelligent,” she says.

So, what do horses need to feel good? According to up-to-date science, the most important things for a horse’s well-being are the company of familiar, friendly horses, and the absence of fear and pain in daily life. Right at the heels of these are the other keys to a good life: Freedom to move around in a varied environment such as a large pasture. Natural foraging, which means searching for and finding food here and there across a wide area. Constant or nearly constant access to something fibre-rich to eat. And physical comfort, such as a straw-covered floor with enough space to sleep lying down, which gives a better quality of sleep than sleeping while standing. Finally, to make it possible for a horse to enjoy companions at a later age, the best thing that can be given to a foal is growing up in a group of other foals and adult horses to learn social skills from.

Happiness stemming from having to search for food instead of just having it served in front of the horse may sound counterintuitive, but it is because of how the brain works. Horses’ ancestors evolved on open grasslands, where a typical day involved strolling for kilometres while looking for the tastiest plants. Searching and finding elicit repeated releases of dopamine, serotonin and other natural feel-good molecules in the brain. To feel happy or even normal, any animal needs an opportunity for activities that cause the production of these vital molecules at sufficient levels."

📎 Continue reading at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2024/12/13/horses-feel-strongly-and-scientists-know-what-they-need-to-be-happy/
📸 © The Mind of a Horse

11/27/2025

Titan really knows how to enjoy a good nap. We are looking forward to the sun coming back out so he can relaxing and lounge in it again.

11/26/2025

Juniper was resting on the job Tuesday evening. We don’t know if we should follow her lead or tell her to wake up!

11/20/2025

Please help keep our therapy herd safe! If you have contact with other horse herds, please be sure to wash hands and change clothing before coming to visit.

With cases of equine herpesvirus appearing in other states, it’s natural to wonder which signs to watch for and what steps help prevent disease. Good biosecurity and early recognition are key to protecting your horse’s health. 🛡🐴

To learn more about equine herpesvirus visit: z.umn.edu/ehv

09/24/2025

Collaboration is very important around here. From therapists and equine specialists to horse trainers and neighbors. The horses fully understand the idea and joined Danielle with a client yesterday while mapping out a family genogram. We are so grateful for the support our herd gives this human team each day!
Pictured: Henry, Bansky, and Rosie