The Equus Effect®
Somatic Engagement with Horses
Mission
To provide veterans, first responders and others who live and work in high stress environments with practical tools to build healthy, authentic relationships through purposeful engagement with horses.
Our Work
Our approach to Experiential Learning and Coaching includes engagement with horses that focuses on the body’s natural response to stress and trauma. We believe, as do experts in the field of neurobiology and trauma, that our reactions to traumatic events and chronic stress remain in the nervous system until they are metabolized and discharged.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)®, is the foundation and basis of the exercises we teach. Developed by Peter Levine, Ph.D., it is the result of the multidisciplinary study of stress physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics. With more than 45 years of successful clinical application, this approach to the restoration of balance and well-being to the nervous system is gaining awareness and recognition by leaders in the fields of psychology and medicine.
Our didactic material, the reflective aspects of our work with horses and ground-based natural horsemanship techniques, help participants regain agency and emotional agility.
We focus on restoring nervous system regulation. It is a body-oriented model that helps heal trauma and chronic stress from the bottom up — and from the inside out.
We do not focus on ‘treatment goals’. Rather, the specific aim of our work is to help warriors from all walks of life uncover and dissolve barriers that live on in their systems long after they return to their homes and communities.
We have graduated over 1800 men and women from the VA Healthcare System, Vet Centers, Treatment Centers, Law Enforcement Agencies and Hospitals in Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Washington State through our four-session curriculum.
No horse experience necessary. No riding involved.
Our Vision
A country where men and women in uniform and others who are transitioning from high stress environments have the opportunity to enjoy mental and emotional freedom.
Our Values
We never charge those we serve directly for our services. We rely on the generosity of donors and foundations who want to see these men, women and young people go from surviving to thriving.
We do however, offer fee-based programs to other populations. We offer group and individual sessions to those making the transition from addiction to recovery as well as others who are struggling to settle down, gain mental clarity and move beyond blindspots and barriers. Anyone who is serious about personal and professional change is welcome to work with us and our horses.
These fee-based programs help sustain and support our primary mission.
Statistics
Are you interested in helping us?
DIRECTIONS
IMPORTANT!
Navigation apps do not work to our street address!!!
SET GPS to Sharon Town Beach, Mudge Pond Rd., Sharon, CT.
Drum Road is a Y-intersection directly across from entrance to the beach.
The facility is about 3/4 mile on the left.
Park in front of the red barn on the left or on the far side of the red cottage on the left.
NOTE: Please do not park or turn around in driveways on the right side of the road.
The Equus Effect
Address
37 Drum Road, Sharon, CT 06069
For general information:
Kelly Hitt
Communications &
Outreach Director
Kelly@TheEquusEffect.org
(203) 613-1107
Jane Strong, SEP, IFS Trained
Executive Director
Co-founder, Lead Facilitator
(860) 364-9985
David Sonatore, LCSW
Program Director
Co-founder, Lead Facilitator
(347) 439-1777