Equus North Therapy

09/25/2025

The gelding herd reunited and excited to explore their new pasture!

09/25/2025

Equus North Therapy is now located at Frieze Lake Ranch, 14928 Jewel Road in Little Falls. I will be seeing clients there through November, then taking a break in outdoor therapy until it warms up in March. We do not have an indoor arena available to work in through the winter months.

I have set up office hours on Thursdays in Brainerd for those who would like to continue therapy through the winter. I can also do telehealth through the winter. I currently have openings.

Francine Trtanj, MSW, LICSW

09/25/2025

Equus North Therapy has moved to Little Falls!

07/23/2023

Getting ready to make the final move up to Upper Oaks Farm/Acorn Hill - helping Ty Peterson (owner) put up fencing. Hope to have all the horses there by next weekend!

07/18/2023

Aside from assisting with therapy sessions, Toni Wasilensky is an accomplished Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Dressage Instructor, and Trainer. She offers lessons and horse training through her Simple Changes business, also located at Upper Oaks Farm in Motley.

07/18/2023

Check out our new location!

https://www.acornhilleaat.org

07/17/2023

Hey everyone, it's been a challenging year -- we've moved locations twice! Unfortunately our Brainerd location at Diamond Ranch closed last September. We were hosted for a while down in Little Falls by a very generous friend until we could get back on our feet. I'm happy to say that we are now permanently located at Acorn Hill Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies -- at Upper Oaks Farm in Motley, MN. Looking forward to a long and happy partnership!

07/17/2023

03/07/2022

Meet our team:

Toni Wasilensky
Toni is a PATH International Certified Instructor. She studied with and assisted a dressage trainer for over 20 years. She worked with Mounted Eagles equine therapeutic program for people with disabilities for 20 years, and is currently with Acorn Hill Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies for the last 4 years. Toni also manages Diamond Ranch stables, giving dressage lessons and training horses.

Toni was raised on a dairy farm in Cumberland WI, and has had a pony or horse since age 3. “My life experiences with horses has always been so rewarding. The horse has certainly shown me through the years that it does so much good in the art of healing and helping with mental and physical challenges.”

03/07/2022

Meet our team.
Francine Trtanj, MSW, LICSW
Francine is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years experience providing mental health counseling in the Brainerd Lakes Area. She has experience in working with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury. She is currently working toward certification in Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy through the Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies. Francine has been a horse owner for over 10 years, and her therapy partners include Max, Cisco and Rooster, who live at Diamond Ranch in Brainerd. In addition to playing with horses, Francine enjoys spending time with her family, reading, walking in nature, raising herbs, and knitting.