The Collective Difference
At the HorsePlay Collective, we are living out the value of reciprocity with the goal of healing through helping on ten beautifully undeveloped acres in Carmel Valley. The HorsePlay Collective is building Reciprocity Ranch to bring our mission to life: healing our community through the human connection with animals and nature.
Community
Our collective is more than just a ranch; it's a community of professionals, neighbors, friends, volunteers, donors, students, farmers, and beautiful animals - all of whom are invited to 'give what they can, and get what they need’.
We stand for valuing and honoring the people, the land, the animals, and the community and always aiming for a win-win-win-win reciprocal approach of healing through helping.
What is Equine Assisted Coaching?
Equine coaching for trauma involves using interactions with horses to support individuals in processing and healing from traumatic experiences. This approach leverages the natural, non-judgmental behavior of horses to create a safe space for clients. Through activities like grooming, leading, and ground work, participants can develop trust, build emotional awareness, and enhance communication skills. The presence of horses helps individuals to connect with their feelings, reflect on their experiences, and cultivate resilience, promoting overall emotional healing and personal growth.
The science is clear: the non-judgmental and calming nature of horses, paired with their sensitivity to human emotions, creates a therapeutic environment that is both nurturing and empowering.
How does equine coaching work?
Equine therapy, or horse-assisted therapy, is a therapeutic approach that leverages the unique bond between humans and horses. Unlike traditional talk therapy, equine therapy encourages non-verbal communication, trust-building, and self-reflection. Here, amidst the gentle whispers of the ocean breeze and the comforting presence of our equine companions, healing is nurtured organically as the horses act as our mirrors and our guides.
Why does equine coaching resonate with trauma survivors?
Physical Benefits
Beyond the emotional and psychological healing, engaging with horses also offers physical benefits. The simple acts of grooming & caring for horses can help improve motor skills, balance, coordination, and strength.
Safe Emotional Expression
In the tranquil embrace of Reciprocity Ranch, trauma survivors find a non-judgmental space where emotions can be explored and expressed freely. Horses communicate primarily through body language, offering trauma survivors a gentle way to express themselves without words, which can sometimes be limiting or triggering.
Mindfulness
Working with horses demands a level of mindfulness that encourages individuals to be present, grounding them in the moment and promoting self-awareness. Engaging with horses brings individuals into the present moment, helping ground and center them away from distressing memories.
Unspoken Understanding
Horses, as intuitive prey and herd animals, possess an exceptional sensitivity to their environment and human emotions. They respond to unspoken cues, offering trauma survivors a wordless, genuine connection. Acting as mirrors, horses reveal our non-verbal communication and energy, deepening our self-awareness. They provide a non-judgmental space for us to learn and practice new ways of being in the world.
Empowerment & Confidence
Caring for and connecting with a creature as majestic as a horse instills a renewed sense of self-worth, confidence, and empowerment. The patient and empathic nature of horses allows for the gradual building of trust, a process that can be truly healing for those who have experienced betrayal or hurt.
Who we Serve
Veterans
We have 340,000 Veterans & Active Duty Members in San Diego County, and 15% of veterans have PTSD.
Former Foster & TAY Youth
Approximately 3,500 children are in foster care in San Diego County in any given year.
First Responders
San Diego is home to 49 fire stations staffed by more than 500 firefighters & 1,256 employees; we also have 50+ first responder agencies staffed by more than 10,000 credentialed EMS professionals.
Assault Survivors
Approximately 30,000 reported crimes against people in San Diego County every year.
Medical Trauma Survivors
San Diego County is home to approximately 267,400 children with special medical needs.
Victims of Sex Trafficking
San Diego is one of the country’s hotspots for trafficking of adults and children – the FBI has ranked San Diego as one of the 13 worst regions in the United States with up to 8,000 victims per year. An astonishing number of hidden victims are boys and LGBTQ+ youth under the age 18. Shockingly, across the nation, the average age of entry for victims of exploitation of this type is 12-14 years old. In San Diego County, the average age of entry is 16 years old.