The Healing Power of Horses and the Community They Inspire
Sep 26, 2025
There’s a certain comfort when the world seems to meet us where we are. When we’re feeling sad and a sad song plays on the radio. Or when it starts to rain… even better when those two things happen at the same time. When we’re in a pensive mood and the sunset paints the sky in vivid colors that mirror the complexity of our thoughts and emotions. Or when we’re excited and the day feels effortless — the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and every light on our drive turns green.
At Equinimity, that same sense of being seen and understood happens almost every time we are with horses. These deeply intuitive beings have a way of reflecting our inner world — not to take it on themselves, but to help us recognize and reconnect with it.
“Horses are spiritual creatures,” says Jeanie Shepherd, Natural Horsemanship Practitioner and EASE Facilitator. “To be loved, cared for, partnered with — and most of all — learned from. This is what horses are to me.”
Through her years with horses, Jeanie has witnessed how their wisdom helps people step into a deeper understanding of themselves. “I’ve devoted my life to protect the spirit of the horse and to find ways to be the best friend I can possibly be to them — and I assist others who have the same goal,” she shares. “It’s my belief that the horse is an amazingly spiritual animal. I believe that they will innately do their best to communicate with us, if we just listen.”
In their company, something shifts. Our breath slows, our guard softens, and feelings we’ve been holding quietly inside become easier to acknowledge. Horses don’t demand or direct; they invite us into a deeper presence. Their way of being offers us a mirror, but also a bridge — a connection back to our truest selves.
Since opening Equinimity’s doors, we’ve been humbled and grateful to witness the profound impact horses have on people time and again. And we’ve been just as moved by the warmth and kindness our community has extended to our herd. This journey is not one-sided — it is a true partnership. Horses touch lives in ways that transform hearts, and in turn, our community has embraced them, creating a circle of care, support, and healing.
This connection can often be difficult to put into words. Yet, through the voices of those who have stood beside a horse — sometimes with tears, sometimes with laughter, always with wonder — we find glimpses of how profound the experience can be for our community. The stories we’ve heard, the transformations we’ve witnessed, and the quiet moments of peace we’ve been so fortunate to be a part of all speak to the immeasurable impact horses have on the human spirit.
What is sometimes hard to put into words is easy to see with our eyes and feel with our hearts. That’s why we’re especially grateful to be hosting a screening of Rescued Hearts, a film that beautifully captures the healing power of horses and the ways they change lives. In November, we’ll gather at the screening to celebrate together the partnership, resilience, and connection that horses make possible. What an opportunity to see the same wisdom and grace we witness every day with our herd reflected on screen alongside our community.
Every encounter with a horse reminds us that transformation – both big and small – can be possible through presence, patience, and compassion. We carry this wisdom forward with gratitude, humbled by the way our herd and community continue to shape one another.
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Interested in joining us at the Rescued Hearts Screening?
Rescued Hearts is a powerful documentary that explores the profound and often miraculous connection between humans and horses.
Inspired by a life-changing moment—when a 7-year-old boy diagnosed with autism spoke his first words while interacting with a horse—filmmakers Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton set out to uncover the deeper meaning behind this extraordinary bond.
Through deeply moving personal stories, expert insights, and research, Rescued Hearts explores how horses serve as catalysts for healing and transformation, helping us open our hearts and reconnect with our authentic selves. The film not only highlights lives forever changed through these experiences but also uncovers a universal truth: healing is never one-sided.
Rescued Hearts isn’t just the story of horses—it’s the story of all of us, offering an invitation for deeper connection with ourselves, each other, and all of nature.
We’re honored that filmmakers, Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton, will be present at the screening to share more about their journey in creating Rescued Hearts. We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful gathering—every ticket supports Equinimity’s work of fostering healing, community, and connection in partnership with horses.
When: Saturday, November 29, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
Admission: Tickets start at $25
