Welcome To

Spirit Horse Therapeutic Riding Center

ABOUT SPIRITHORSE

SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center exists to connect people and horses with the goal of empowering their lives through compassion and healing. Our program is inclusive, catering to riders of all abilities, with a focus on enriching the lives of individuals confronting developmental, emotional, social, and physical hurdles through lessons, camps, and classes.

Proudly affiliated with SpiritHorse International, we aim to empower our community members by fostering self-confidence and providing enriching experiences. Situated in American Canyon, our facility, primarily staffed by volunteers, serves as a welcoming sanctuary where everyone finds a sense of belonging. Central to our mission are our cherished equine companions, who play a vital role in our programs. Established in 2012, SpiritHorse operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Our once barren field has been transformed into a vibrant home for up to 10 horses, a handful of friendly miniature horses, and a delightful array of petting farm residents. Among them are Ms. Donkey, several goats, a handful of affectionate pigs, and Gypsy the sheep.

LOCATED IN AMERICAN CANYON

We have called this amazing little city our home since 2015 and are forever grateful to the City of American Canyon for allowing us to settle, grow, and expand here. You can find us at the corner of Eucalyptus Drive and Wetlands Edge Road across from the Wetland’s Edge Trailhead. If you ever visit, please be respectful to our animals and do not feed them, some are on a very special diet and extra treats can make them sick.

Why Equine Therapy?

Equine-assisted therapy recognizes the profound bond between humans and horses and leverages it to promote growth and healing. Horses, as intuitive and sensitive animals, can mirror human emotions, providing immediate feedback to participants. This experiential form of therapy allows individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and supportive environment.

Moreover, interacting with horses in a therapeutic setting can offer numerous benefits, including increased self-awareness, improved communication skills, enhanced emotional regulation, and boosted self-esteem. The dynamic nature of horse-human interactions fosters trust, empathy, and connection, facilitating profound healing experiences.

By embracing untraditional horse therapy, individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward greater self-discovery, resilience, and overall well-being, guided by the wisdom and presence of these remarkable animals.

Empowering Youth

The Power of Presence

Recent studies conducted by the Institute of Heart-Math shed light on the reciprocal healing process that occurs in the presence of horses. These studies reveal that the heart emits an electromagnetic field larger than that of the brain, extending from 2.4 meters to 3 meters around the human body, as measured by a magnetometer. What’s particularly noteworthy is that the electromagnetic field of a horse’s heart is five times larger than that of a human, effectively influencing our own heart rate. Additionally, horses are found to exhibit a coherent heart rate pattern, associated with emotional states of calm and joy. This coherence is indicative of a system capable of efficiently recovering and adapting to stressful situations. Simply being in the presence of horses can evoke a sense of well-being and peace, with numerous physiological benefits observed in individuals, such as reduced blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of beta-endorphins (natural pain suppressors), decreased stress levels and feelings of anger, hostility, tension, and anxiety, improved social functioning, and heightened feelings of empowerment, confidence, patience, and self-efficacy.

Moreover, interacting with horses in a therapeutic setting can offer numerous benefits, including increased self-awareness, improved communication skills, enhanced emotional regulation, and boosted self-esteem. The dynamic nature of horse-human interactions fosters trust, empathy, and connection, facilitating profound healing experiences.

By embracing untraditional horse therapy, individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward greater self-discovery, resilience, and overall well-being, guided by the wisdom and presence of these remarkable animals.