Equine Assisted Learning for Healthcare Professionals
Deepening the Power of the Caring Nurse and all Healthcare Professionals with Equine Assisted Learning
Our healthcare oriented programs use mindful interactions with horses to help you integrate leadership skills while deepening your self-knowledge. Grounded in research and inspired by Caring Science and HeartMath, these experiences offer a unique, heart-centered approach to personal and professional growth.
Programs for healthcare professionals are currently offered in California, Arizona and Washington state.
Programs based on research that integrate concepts from Caring Science & HeartMath.
Scientifically proven HeartMath protocols practiced in this program help develop skills that build personal resilience at work and at home. Caring Science concepts foster understanding of how to be a more effective influence in creating a healing environment. We also incorporate the TheoryU model, an empowering process for problem solving and fostering creativity.
There are two ways to participate in these programs:
1) Prescheduled Courses
Healthcare professionals may register individually for pre-scheduled courses designed for small groups of 10–12 participants. 10 Continuing Education credits (CE’s) for this course are offered through the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA).
Current courses are offered in partnership with Halleck Creek Ranch at the Rock Rose Ranch location in Nicasio, CA.
Upcoming course dates for 2026:
September 25th and 26th
2) Private Commissioned program
Alternatively, a hospital, organization, or nursing unit may purchase and reserve an entire private commissioned program, allowing a dedicated group to participate together as a cohort. This option supports team cohesion while delivering the same structured learning and leadership development experience.
If you would like to commission a group session please contact: lisa@equusatori.com
Prescheduled Course Details
-
Format & Schedule:
10 hours over 2 days
Day 1: 3 hr interactive virtual (cameras on) session where concepts and techniques are introduced for practice on day 2
Day 2: In-person hands on facilitated equine interactions at the ranch. Intentionally phone-free for deeper presence.
Group Size: 10–12 participants
Cost: $950 (includes materials, drinks, snacks, and onsite lunch)
This course is appropriate for all Healthcare professionals and offers 10 CEU's to registered nurses through the AHNA.
-
August 28th and 29th
September 25th and 26th -
During this course you will be invited to work with the horses, engaging in ground-based equine interactions, where horses offer immediate, non-judgmental feedback that helps enliven subtle awareness.
No prior horse experience is needed. All activities take place on the ground, in a safe and supportive environment. There is no riding.
Of note: Day 2 is a phone free day. This is an opportunity to step out of your usual patterns, be present with your surroundings and absorb the "field of horse."By the end of this course you’ll walk away with practical tools and insights that carry directly into your work in patient care, enriching both your practice and your presence.
-
We are offering this training program in partnership with Halleck Creek @ Rock Rose Ranch. Halleck Creek has been providing assistive riding for the community since 1977 and is dedicated to programming that promotes growth, connection, and healing.
Day 2 is a full day at the ranch where concepts and skills will be practiced with the help of horses. -
This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Approved to award 10 contact hours Through July 2027 AHNA #1946
Approval for contact hours through the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) is based on an assessment of the educational merit of this program and does not constitute endorsement of the use of any specific modality in the care of clients.
Advancing Caring Science through the Horse-Human Connection
The EquuSatori Center is endorsed by Dr. Jean Watson & The Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI), recognizing EquuSatori’s pioneering integration of Caring Science & Equine Assisted Learning for nurses & healthcare professionals.
Visit the WCSI website for more information and take a look at their press release below.
Some of the questions we explore:
What does heart-centered mean?
What is the electromagnetic heart field?
What do “presence” and “coherence” feel like inside oneself?
What is the role of coherence and VLFs in health and the healing process?
What is the role that each of us has in the collective energetic heart field?
How does personal coherence impact the broader healing environment?
In this awareness and skill building retreat, participants will learn:
How to expand subtle awareness
How to develop personal resilience
How to employ processes that create and support personal presence, which in turn expands awareness within participants themselves.
How to experience the power of intention firsthand.
FAQs
Why horses?
1
Learning to connect with horses helps people shift to different states of awareness and consciousness that contribute to healthier states of being and self-empowerment. Horses have the capacity to increase subtle awareness and creativity in humans by calling them into a more present mindset.
Will there be horseback riding and do I need prior horse experience?
2
There will be no riding of horses . All interactions engage with horses on the ground.
No prior horse experience is necessary. This course is designed for anyone who is interested in expanding their self awareness and leadership skills with the help of horses.
Is this program accredited?
3
This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Approved to award 10 contact hours Through July 2027 AHNA #1946
Approval for contact hours through the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) is based on an assessment of the educational merit of this program and does not constitute endorsement of the use of any specific modality in the care of clients.
Accommodations
4
We are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment. Due to the ranch setting and the presence of horses, participants must be able to navigate steps, inclines and stand or move on uneven terrain, including gravel and dirt areas. For safety reasons, participants should also be able to move quickly if needed. These requirements reflect the terrain of the property and are in place to ensure the safety of all participants and horses.
Cancellation policy
5
We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we strive to be as flexible as possible while ensuring fairness for all participants.
Notice Requirement: We require at least 14 days’ notice for cancellations. Due to the intimate size of these programs, this allows us the opportunity to offer your spot to someone on our waitlist.
Partial Charge: If we are unable to fill your spot after a cancellation, you will be charged 50% of the course fee.
Exceptions: Exceptions may be made for unforeseen emergencies or natural disasters. Please contact us as soon as possible if such situations arise.
“It was an experience of a lifetime. I learned the importance and mutual benefits of companionship and respect for what we all bring to the table through my experiences with the horses...I also saw the parallels with my own work as chaplain and manager of hospital volunteers. I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU... I know first hand that many leaders/lives are being transformed through this experience.”
— Michael
“This experience deepened my awareness of how much our energy influences what is going on around us. I was also really impacted by the power of invitation vs. demand — having clear communication and visioning from the heart”
— Linda, Nurse Program Participant
Published Research:
