Horse Experience
Awakening Programs

"I met Alejandra while on a search to become more mindful as a way to improve my health and deal with professional demands. I contacted her simply hoping to fulfill a lifelong dream of being near horses. What I got is not only to spend time with a beautiful, intelligent horse with an unbelievable personality but to do it with Alejandra. She happens to be an amazing professional, with a limitless knowledge about horse behavior and its reflection of human experience and state. And not only is one of the kindest individuals I have ever had a pleasure of meeting but also extremely well-versed in the different approaches to developing mindfulness and scientific evidence of its impact on our health and life quality. She’s an exceptional facilitator and fully dedicated and sensitive to her client’s needs and learning trajectory. I am deeply grateful to Alejandra for this deeply transformative experience and cannot recommend her strongly enough." Jeja M.

"I have worked closely with Ale for over 4 years assisting her facilitate Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) experiences at the National Ability Center. EAL provides participants with an unmounted horse experience in an arena setting similar to her Horse Meditation Circles. Through my volunteer work with Ale and the EAL program, I have had the opportunity and privilege to work with veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic stress, depression and addiction. Many of the veterans who participate in the EAL program are hollow shells of their former selves. Under Ale’s leadership and guidance, I have seen firsthand how transformative this program can be for many of them. Interacting with the horses, these veterans experience trust, acceptance, and forgiveness, learn to recognize and appreciate boundaries for themselves and others, and engage in activities designed to increase life skills, all of which aid in their healing process. Ale’s knowledge of horses and her ability to connect with them are undeniable. The successes I have observed in EAL are a direct result of her skills and passion for horses and helping others".  

Nancy D.

"I am very grateful for you and the tremendous gift of the work you doing in the world. The impact of the evening was profound and lives on. I'm noticing and re-noticing....and also feeling a shift internally."  Maggy G.    

"Under Ale’s leadership and guidance, I have seen firsthand how transformative this program can be for many of them. Interacting with the horses, these veterans experience trust, acceptance, and forgiveness, learn to recognize and appreciate boundaries for themselves and others, and engage in activities designed to increase life skills, all of which aid in their healing process. Ale’s knowledge of horses and her ability to connect with them are undeniable. The successes I have observed in EAL are a direct result of her skills and passion for horses and helping others." Nancy D.

My experience was indescribably powerful in its simplicity. I have struggled to find the right words to share my experience with friends, other than feeling that everyone must experience this for themselves. I was both humbled by the horses support, and totally in awe of Alejandra’s ability to create and maintain a grounded and safe space to explore, connect and just be. You receive immediate feedback from the horse about where you are and what you are feeling, and all the while being gently guided by Alejandra. My ability to process was exponentially faster. Incredible!!!" Peggy A.

 "Ale brings her special skill set to all her horse experiences. This summer I had the opportunity to participate in one of her Horse Medication Circles. Being a participant was a wonderfully unique experience for me. Ale’s presence and calm voice made it easy to quickly leave the world behind for a while and slip into a contemplative state with the horses. It was an experience I will long remember and hope to repeat soon."   N.D.

 The mission of Warrior Camp® is to create an environment in which the trauma of war can be addressed. Warrior Camp® is a week-long retreat located in serene and secluded locations that foster the development of a close-knit community within which healing can occur. They include a healthy balance of trauma therapy, relaxation and leisure activities. 

 Warrior Camp® runs for 7 days. All participants are screened by a clinician prior to camp to assess readiness for both group activities and individual treatment. Full participation in group activities is encouraged as it fosters connection, community and support. Group activities consist of community meetings, team building activities (there are lots of these to choose from), equine assisted psychotherapy, yoga, and hikes or other sports.

 Participation in individual treatment, while strongly recommended, is always on a voluntary basis. Treatments offered are EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Yoga, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), and Narrative Writing Workshops. While it is our experience that warriors tend to try out all activities that are offered, involvement in group and/or individual treatment and activities is always a choice. 

 The clinical team consists of several EMDR clinicians, an equine psychotherapy team made up of two people (plus horses), a yoga instructor, and a narrative writing instructor. On either end of the program (day one and the last day) there is attention to introductions and then to saying goodbye. Warriors are given referrals for continued treatment by clinicians in their home cities, if needed. 

 TRR's Warrior Camp® is a FREE program for active military and veterans of all eras.  

  Though PATH Intl. began with a focus on horseback riding as a form of physical and mental therapy, the organization and its dedicated members have since developed a multitude of different equine-related activities for therapeutic purposes, collectively known as equine-assisted activities and therapies (or EAAT). Besides horseback riding, EAAT also includes therapeutic carriage driving; interactive vaulting, which is similar to gymnastics on horseback; equine-facilitated learning and mental health, which partner with the horse in cognitive and behavioral therapy, usually with the participation of a licensed therapist; ground work and stable management; and PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes®, which uses a variety of EAAT disciplines specifically to help war veterans and military personnel. In addition, many PATH Intl. volunteer-driven committees are working on identifying and refining even more disciplines and activities that might be put to use in the world of EAAT. 

 PATH Intl. Certified Instructors use these equine-assisted activities and therapies to help tens of thousands of individuals each year with physical, mental and behavioral challenges gain strength and independence through the power of the horse. EAAT helps people from all backgrounds and all walks of life in a variety of ways, including increasing strength and flexibility, improving motor skills, promoting speech and cognitive reasoning, and building relationships and social skills. The individuals served by PATH Intl. members may face any number of challenges, including paralysis, multiple sclerosis, autism, Down syndrome, substance abuse, traumatic brain injury or amputation – but all benefit from the power of the horse. 

 The National Ability Center empowers individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through sport, recreation and educational programs.

AWARDED  - 2018 CREDENTIALED PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

 Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is an educational approach that incorporates equine-assisted activities and equine/human interaction in an environment of learning and self-discovery. 

Horses are non-judgmental beings that facilitate learning in a positive and immediate manner. Our experienced, trained staff have the training necessary to help participants gain understanding of the equine experience and how to apply that experience to their everyday life. 

Our staff facilitator credentials include training in equine-assisted learning and coaching (EALC) and certification in the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EGALA).EAL offers a wide variety of opportunities within the program including team building, group retreats, self development and youth programs. All of our sessions take place on the ground with no riding involved, and with staff trained in safety and horse behavior present at all times. 

No prior horse experience is needed to participate in any of our EAL programs or retreats. 

 Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.)