OK, I’m a veterinarian. Along with that I grew up with horses, so naturally I have a respect, admiration, and a feel for them. Because of my background, I had heard about Equine Assisted Therapy before, but most of what I knew revolved around children and special needs programs. I had never participated in a “healing or therapy session” directly…until last month.

Paradise Meets Purpose

My husband and I invested five figures and five days elevating ourselves and our lives with friends at the awe-inspiring Aerial BVI, an all-inclusive private island that’s been given the nickname “Paradise with a Purpose”. Y’all…that’s a great summary and tagline, but words really can’t describe this place well enough. If you haven’t heard about it, please do yourself a favor and check it out. If you feel lost about your purpose in life, have a desire for more and want to elevate in any area of your life, if you want to heal and learn how to serve at a greater level regardless of the resources you have now, find a way to get there and don’t hesitate!

I could go on for days about our time there, but for now, I’ll share one small but mighty piece of the experience.

Second Chances and the Bond We Share

On the island is a place called Redemption Ranch, where rescue animals from all over the world now aid in the healing journey of the humans who visit. All of the 9 horses, 7 ponies, and 4 zebras that were there when we visited had been through some form of abuse, abandonment, or were discarded for slaughter. Thanks to some very special people, they have all been given a second chance, undergone their own healing journeys, and are living in paradise helping to heal people.

The human animal bond is such a powerful force and can science supports that animals can help people live longer, happier, healthier lives. We know this. If you’re a veterinary professional or have been in the field for any amount of time, you realize the major significance of the human-animal bond for veterinary medicine, and importance of this mutually beneficial relationship on human, animal, and community health and welfare. Now for my equine people specifically, you probably also know that horses have been used for therapeutic purposes for hundreds of years because of their special ability to form strong bonds with humans.

Kelley Gets Schooled

During our stay, there were several opportunities and exercises with the horses, but between planned time, there was an open time slot to do a personal Equine Assisted Healing Experience. Naturally I was drawn to it and curious, but the dominating thought was actually “I just want to see what this is like so I’m more educated.” I wasn’t really planning on getting anything out of it other than some quality time with one of God‘s beautiful creatures. Oh, pride and naivety. 

In all of my times around horses before this, the “conversation” had always been a discussion with the horse from my perspective and my angle, but having an expert read the language, the feeling, and intention behind the interaction from both sides was illuminating.

My ego was called out and my character examined by a cheeky gelding named Titan. I learned things about myself, about my confidence, my need for better boundaries, and my childhood, all from spending 45 minutes with this silly, sweet horse. 

You see, horses are most concerned about the intention behind your actions. Are you scared or nervous? Are you angry? Are you passive or doubtful and so you don’t really mean it? They feel you quite literally, and will reveal to you (along with some assistance from the amazing Ashley) what you are unwilling or unable to show yourself.

Ultimately, the details of a session are hard to explain because it really is an experience, and that is unique to each person who goes through it. So if you have not yet allowed and gifted yourself with the experience of finding out who you really are through the soul piercing eyes, mind, and heart of a horse, I advise you to visit Redemption Ranch at the Aerial BVI and experience the magic for yourself. Vet’s orders :).