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From lessons to sessions, the power of the horse

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This article was published 28/04/2025 (529 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Few things evoke happiness more than the sight of a galloping horse. But few of us consider that horses offer more than a chance to be at one with nature and offer a way of exercising. At Sagehill Stables, horses are not just animals we ride upon – they’re seen as teachers too.

This relationship between horse and human is something that Dr. Gwen Donohoe, owner and manager of Sagehill Stables, understands firsthand. Her local stables offer an array of services ranging from summer day camps, beginner to expert lessons, horse leasing, life skills sessions – even birthday parties. Each service is rooted in one thing – promoting the positive health benefits of the human-horse relationship.

“Horse people always say that there is this unique connection they have with their horse, and that horse time is therapy time for them,” Donohoe said.

She explains that research seems to be extoling the health benefits of interacting with horses.  University of Arizona’s Dr. Ann Baldwin, “confirmed what equestrians have always known and felt – that horses seem to have a way to connect with your soul”, explains Donohoe.

Baldwin’s research showed when “humans interacted with horses…their heart rate frequencies slowed to match that of the horse”, Donohoe said. “The slowing of our heart rate allows our thoughts to release from the stressors we are worried about and focus on the present and living in the moment, something that can be challenging in today’s world of video games and cell phones.”

“Humans have been relying on horses for the past 5000 years for everything from transportation, construction, war, agriculture and mining. Suddenly not having horses available to interact with daily is a huge change that the human population has gone through over the past 100 years. The lack of opportunity to interact with this large animal that we now know physically affects our heart rate could be related to the increased mental and emotional health challenges we are seeing ” Donohoe notes.

In our modern world, this type of calming influence is vital. So many of us experience stress, depression and anxiety.

Donohoe and her team want to offer a local opportunity for people of all ages to connect with nature’s teacher – the horse.

Even those who do not intend to ride can have the opportunity to seek a form of equine connection through sessions such as the Healing Beyond Words or from the Ground Up programs. Individuals can book time to groom, connect with a horse and learn about horse care.

While not dismissing the role therapy plays in bettering individual’s lives, Donohoe has had clients who are thrilled with the role horses have played in their or their children’s lives. Moms have told “me that horse riding lessons were cheaper than therapy and actually worked!  I’ve also had parents tell me about the amazing way that the barn community saved their daughter who had a hard time making friends at school”, she said.

“We do offer life skills programs (non-riding) that build confidence and leadership skills. These are my favorite programs.” she noted.

“Women’s Healing workshops, team building workshops for businesses and workplaces, and the Spirit Horse Project’s Medicine Wheel Program,” are considered life skills programs. They do wonders for humans, not to mention hanging out with our horses is also a lot of fun.

“Over the years we have developed a strong barn community with volunteer programs, a 4-H club and mentorship programs, thanks to the dedication of our amazing team of staff and clients.”

Sagehill Stables coach and head leader of the Sagehill 4-H club, Shannon Matthews, has 20 years of experience with horses. “It is an incredible opportunity to work and learn at a facility that puts the horse’s wellbeing first and foremost”, she said.

“Working with horses teaches you patience, empathy and the gift of being trusted along with numerous other invaluable skills can be used throughout their lifetime, “notes Shannon. Introducing her daughter to the equine world “is something I will forever cherish”. She explained.

Whether you are looking to detox from our stressful world with a quiet one on one horse time or to introduce your child to the beauty of the equine spirit, there are a lot of options to consider at the Sagehill Stables.

Donohoe believes in the power of the horse so much that she encourages individuals to seek the services of other great stables too. “I think that this is really important to have more youth experience horses if at all possible”, she said.

To learn more, go to https://www.sagehillstables.com/ or call 204-803-5940