Nature-Based Equine Therapy: How Horses and Nature Heal Together
Lexie Glisson • June 28, 2025

What is Nature-Based Equine Therapy?

In the serene mountain settings of Boulder and Golden, Colorado, where towering peaks

meet gentle meadows, there's a profound truth that reveals itself: we are not apart from

nature, but a part of it. Every rustling leaf, every mountain breeze, and every gentle horse

interaction reminds us of this fundamental connection. Working from our partner farms in

both Boulder and Golden allows us to offer diverse natural environments for healing - each

location providing its own unique therapeutic landscape.


How Do Nature and Horses Work Together in Therapy?


Horses, as pure expressions of nature themselves, serve as mirrors to our authentic state of

being. They reflect back to us what we often cannot see in ourselves - our true emotions, our

genuine presence, our natural rhythms. This mirroring effect is powerful because it reminds

us of our own wild wisdom, our inherent connection to the natural world we're part of.

The integration of nature and equine therapy isn't just about being outdoors with horses –

it's about remembering who we are at our core. In our mountain barn settings, clients find

themselves immersed in natural sanctuaries where every moment offers an opportunity to

reconnect with their essential nature.


Benefits of Combining Nature and Equine Therapy for Anxiety and Depression


Key Elements of Our Approach:

  • Mindful presence in nature
  • Horse-human connection
  • Movement-based healing
  • Somatic awareness
  • Environmental attunement


Why Choose Outdoor Equine Therapy Over Indoor Sessions?


The Power of Natural Settings:


  • Reduced Anxiety
  • Nature's natural rhythm helps regulate nervous system
  • Horses provide immediate biofeedback
  • Fresh air and natural light enhance mood
  • Enhanced Mindfulness
  • Natural environment demands present-moment awareness
  • Horse interactions require full attention


What to Expect in an Outdoor Equine Therapy Session


A typical session might include:

  • Grounding exercises in nature
  • Mindful movement with horses
  • Nature-based meditation
  • Equine-assisted mindfulness practices
  • Integration through environmental connection


How Does Nature Enhance Equine Therapy Results?


The Synergistic Effect:

  • Nature provides a calm, healing backdrop
  • Horses offer immediate emotional feedback
  • Combined approach addresses mind, body, and spirit
  • Natural setting enhances emotional processing


Best Practices for Nature-Based Equine Therapy in Boulder


Our mountain settings in both Boulder and Golden offer:

  • Diverse therapeutic environments between two locations
  • Seasonal therapeutic opportunities in different microclimates
  • Protected spaces for all weather conditions
  • Various natural environments for different therapeutic needs
  • Safe spaces for both grounding and challenge work
  • Easy access from both Boulder and Denver metro areas


Success Stories: Real Results from Nature and Equine Therapy


Through my years of practice, I've witnessed countless breakthroughs. One client,

struggling with burnout and disconnection, found that the combination of mountain air,

horse wisdom, and mindful movement helped her rediscover her authentic self and set

healthy boundaries in her life.


Who Benefits Most from Nature-Based Equine Therapy?


The Nature-Based Equine Therapy approach is particularly effective for:


How to Start Your Nature and Equine Therapy Journey in Colorado


Drawing from my background in yoga, pranic healing, and international experience, I bring

a unique blend of modalities that help clients reconnect with their inner wisdom. Whether

you're dealing with trauma, seeking direction, or looking to deepen your self-connection,

our nature and equine-based approach offers a path to healing that honors both body and

soul.


Ready to discover the magic of nature and equine therapy? Contact me to learn how this

transformative approach might support your journey to wholeness.


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