Our Animals

— Meet Snuggleberry —

Snuggleberry (“Snuggles”) is our 11 year old off track thoroughbred who has taught us to reconsider all assumptions we make about horses and thoroughbreds. He is a playful and inquisitive extrovert who thrives on connecting with everyone, people and animals alike. He has never met a stranger. His approach to life is a constant reminder of how much being present, willing to learn and play can restore our wellbeing and ability to thrive in relationships.

— Meet Ember —

Ember is an off-track thoroughbred who joined our herd in December 2022 after a long and successful career on the track until he was 11. Although considered a "warhorse" Ember has adjusted well to his post-track lifestyle. Initially more reserved, Ember has been shining in his desire to connect, curious to develop relationships with his friend, Snuggles, and clients. On a personal level, he has been enjoying long trail rides, dressage lessons, and even won 1st and 2nd place at our first ever dressage show.

— Meet Bravo —

Bravo is a 7 year old German Shepard with the kindest and gentlest disposition. Bravo came from Virginia German Shepard Rescue at the beginning of 2021 and immediately made his friendly disposition known with everyone he meets, dogs, people and animals alike. Bravo’s resume keeps expanding from learning to play with toys and digging to attending the Level 2 Animal Assisted Play Therapy training with Dr. Rise VanFleet, and ongoing positive reinforcement training to discover all of his likes and strengths. Bravo is under supervision towards our certification and has enjoyed working in psychotherapy with clients, teenagers and adults alike.

— Meet Whiskers —

Lovingly called "Whiskers" now, he is a young mustang captured as a two-year old by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Nevada. He spent five years being gentled by his owner, at the Blew POny Stables in South Texas. After an equine facilitated training hosted there, we fell in love with his beautiful spirit and he moved to Virginia. He is lovingly co-parented by Ioana and Ailish. Whiskers is continuing to teach us about building authentic connection, trust and our relationship with him.

— Honoring Max —

Max has been our beloved teacher and equine partner in equine facilitated psychotherapy for almost ten years. In November, unfortunately Max transitioned due to the severity of his medical conditions and old age. Clients, staff and horses had an opportunity to say goodbye, and we are missing him dearly. His legacy lives on, and some glimpses of his significant impact on his clients is reflected in the emails we received from them.

How Max Helped Clients

“Max came into my life at one of the most difficult times I had endured at that time. When I first met him, and every time thereafter, I instantly felt understood and accepted. He exuded gentleness, kindness, wisdom, and strength and he helped to teach me how to give myself and others true grace. I needed him so much but I never felt selfish with him because he gave so freely. During a memorable session, among many, he demonstrated assertiveness and leadership in a manner I had not experienced. Considering I had spent 23 years in the Air Force, and served in the gulf war, to learn such attributes after the fact from Max was a life changing critical experience for me. Max's legacy of presence and love is one of the greatest experiences of my life and I'm sooo grateful for him. I love him and miss him, and will carry him with me for the rest of my life. He set a high bar for us to extend grace, love, wisdom, and acceptance. I intend to keep his legacy alive through my life. Thank-you, Max!”- Client Quote

”Max taught me so many life lessons in the short time that I connected with him that it was like we had known each other for a lifetime. He saw me through two major surgery recoveries, several major losses, grief, and transitions, and his wise spirit along with his regal presence motivated me day in and day out to put one hoof in front of the other towards my recovery mentally and physically. I had been in therapy for a decade straight and my connection with Max assisted me in finding my path towards recovery from an eating disorder that plagued me for over 20 years. Also, I was able to finally tackle my PTSD to a point where my trauma no longer defines me through sessions with Max.

Max taught me the power of connection and presence and most important that I could TRUST. Through his life lessons I was able to transition out of therapy after a decade long stint and truly live life to the fullest. I am forever grateful to Max and I am dedicating my studies in equine facilitated learning to him as I work towards becoming a certified instructor.” - Client Quote

— Honoring Ares —

Bravo follows in Ares’ footsteps, my previous GSD who has inspired me to pursue the Animal Assisted Play Therapy certification and has touched many young lives with his playful, brilliant and at times strong presence. His spirit will always guide us in our AAPT sessions!