The Horse Cure

Astounding true stories of how working with horses helped survivors of trauma, abuse, and depression overcome extraordinary challenges. Survivors of trauma, loss, illness, abuse, stress, and depression can face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. But today, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that horses play a crucial role in therapy for those struggling with significant psychological and emotional challenges. Inspired by her own childhood trauma when she spent seven days in a coma, awakened to a severely compromised body and brain, and rebuilt her life with the help of a horse, Michelle Holling-Brooks founded Unbridled Change, a non-profit Equine-Partnered Therapy organization that helps match horses to individuals in need. Here she shares amazing stories of the people she’s worked with and the “horse cure” that changed their lives. Ashley was locked in closets as punishment, and physically and sexually abused, resulting in an angry and violent child who threatened her adoptive family—until she met Cocoa and Radar, the horses that helped her learn to trust again. Brenda was diagnosed bipolar and lived through humiliating domestic abuse, but three horses—Delilah, Wiscy, and Diesel—helped her establish a sense of self-worth, hope for the future, and ultimately, the will to go on. Nick was angry, suicidal, and a veteran with combat PTSD, who now says, “Horses literally saved my life.” The Horse Cure presents an enlightening mix of treatment theory and human interest, certain to educate those involved in or intrigued by the equine therapy and psychotherapy worlds while shedding light on the remarkable hope and exciting possibilities this kind of work offers.