Diana Gogan and I developed The Freedom Way Equine Assisted Coaching Certification Course. Our aim is to empower others to collaborate with horses, enabling them to conduct sessions that generate touching memories and healing experiences, such as the one I'll share below.
As the holidays approach, we're enveloped in a season rich in gratitude. This sentiment deeply intertwines with our mission at The Freedom Way. I'm continually overwhelmed with gratitude for the honor of connecting my horses with individuals navigating some of life's most challenging terrains. The metamorphosis and healing I witness is always a marvel, unveiling itself in diverse, beautiful ways.
While I frequently guide private sessions, it's my ongoing work at Soberman’s Estate, a sanctuary devoted to men's recovery, that often unveils the most heart-touching narratives.
Just today, a particularly memorable encounter with one of our alumni profoundly moved me.
This gentleman, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, returned to our center with his wife in tow, eager to show her the haven where he embarked on his sober journey and rediscovered his authenticity. Our team welcomed them right from the driveway, enveloping them in the warmth of heartfelt embraces.
As I greeted him, an immediate thought struck me: he was the picture of health and happiness. Although we've stayed in touch, with him sharing snippets of his family life through pictures, seeing his progress in person was an entirely different experience. Our conversation was brief, soon steered by his anticipation, mirrored in my assurance: “She’s waiting in the barn!”
The reunion he was most eager for was with Bailey, my gentle buckskin mare. During his stay, he often expressed how this remarkable horse had played a pivotal role in his recovery journey. The depth of their bond became evident as soon as their eyes met as he stepped into her stall. Watching them rekindle their bond, with genuine emotion and tender equine responses, touched the very core of my being.
Understandably overwhelmed, he reflected on his last time here, fresh out of detox. Committing to a treatment program, although scary, is a brave step onto the path of healing. This courageous soul was determined to overcome his challenges and start on his journey into sobriety and a renewed life.
His joy was unmistakable, even through tears of overwhelming happiness, solidified by my affirmation, “Of course, she remembers you.”While he reconnected with Bailey, I had the precious chance to converse with his wife, ensuring she, too, was navigating this new chapter with grace. I cherished this moment of connection.
Observing him now, almost a year into his journey, wholeheartedly embracing life and his loved ones, is nothing short of miraculous. It’s a stark reminder of the opportunities for renewal that many might not find. The realization that a compassionate being like Bailey could play such a profound role in his recovery fills my heart with an indescribable sense of peace and joy.
This profound experience underscores the essence of what we do as Equine Assisted Coaches. It’s not just about guiding men on the road to recovery, helping women through trauma and abuse, guiding teens through bullying, helping others become empowered, and learning to navigate a journey through grief and loss etc… It’s about nurturing connections, with oneself, loved ones, and sometimes with beings as intuitive and therapeutic as horses. These moments of triumph, love, and connection—they are the very milestones we cherish, reminding us of the transformative power of empathy and the enduring hope that is possible in every individual's journey.
Your own life changes in the most beautiful way as you share your passion for horses, personal development, and empowerment with others. Becoming an Equine Assisted Coach isn’t just a job: its a calling that enriches your life and the lives of those you touch.
If you would like to learn more about our certification, please contact us at www.freedomwayequinecoaching.com
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