FAQs
What is Equine - Assisted Coaching?
Equine -Assisted Coaching is a unique experience in which you find growth and healing in yourself from the teaching of a horse. For example, instead of only talking to someone in an office about new coping strategies or life strategies, you will actually get to practice those strategies in real time with the horse. The horse will respond to your somatic energy which offers information about yourself that you can learn from. That being said, this is not therapy and Sophia can not make diagnoses or prescribe medications but Equine - Assisted Coaching can be therapeutic.
Why partner with horses?
Since horses are naturally prey animals, horses have to be extremely in tune with the energy of all living things around them. This allows them respond to the energetics of your nervous system in real time which gives your coach feedback about the state of which your feeling and what coaching you may need. Horses are 1,000 pounds of heart, spirit and energy, and they are eager to share that with you. There isn't a better teacher out there.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is caused from an event that changed your perspective of yourself and/or the world. Trauma is unique to each person, as is their healing journey. Sometimes our trauma can feel like it is 1,000 pounds on top of us, making it difficult to lead and live your life. However, taking that metaphor and putting it into an activity where you can see and feel your strength with a 1,000 pound teacher, it can give you strength to take your life back and not live under the control of trauma.
What can I expect from a coaching session?
You can expect to do activities lead by the Coach, which have been customized for you and your intentions behind each session. After each activity, there will be time to unpack any relevance or meaning discovered in the activity.
I have never been around horses, will I be riding a horse?
This is all ground work, so your feet will remain on the ground. No background in horses is necessary, you will still have a profound experience from having an open mind and open heart. Equine - Assisted Coaching is not about horsemanship, it is about you.
What do I wear?
Sessions are held outside no matter the weather so dress accordingly. Sonoma County can get windy in the afternoon so wearing layers is best. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and you must wear closed-toe shoes.