Ara Equus Horse Guided Wellness & Psychotherapy

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Tweed, ON
Ara Equus Horse Guided Wellness & Psychotherapy

Experience the transformative healing power of horses.

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!

Address

189 E Hungerford Road
Tweed, ON
K0K3J0

Website

https://www.araequushorseasmedicine.com/

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