Equus Medendi

The Words “Equus Medendi” are Latin for “healing horse”. Equus Medendi is an Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy program primarily for Veterans. Sessions are facilitated at Buffalo Meadows Ranch in Redlands.

Many of our Veterans are dealing with a variety of issues and providing a therapeutic experience at a ranch as opposed to the traditional in-office treatment has proven to be very effective.
Horses are flight animals and even though they are extremely large and powerful, they are also very vulnerable. In order to survive over millennia, they have learned to live in the moment, highly alert, aware and in tune with all that surrounds them. This makes them quite relatable to many who are dealing with hyper vigilance and anxiety. The horse however can teach us how to quickly assess a potentially dangerous situation and recover both physically and emotionally, literally within seconds.

As predators, gaining a horse’s acceptance and friendship requires effort such as complete honesty, consistency, respect and calm assertive energy. Horses do not care what we may have done in the past. In other words, the horse doesn’t judge or deceive. Horses accept us unconditionally, reacting only to our behavior in the present moment. What we might hide from other people can be seen and felt by a horse, without us ever having to say a word.

Please note that this is not a riding program, all work is ground-based.