“Magical” is a word often used to describe the equine therapy experience. The energetic human-horse interactions create an environment of connection and healing.

A Routt County therapist has harnessed that connection and created a network utilizing that special bond to help people heal.

While horses are just one of the healing modalities that psychotherapist Kaitlyn Anderson employs, her overall goal is to discover the best ways to support Steamboat Springs and the surrounding area. Due in part to Routt County’s rich ranching history and access to horses, equine therapy is especially well-suited to the Yampa Valley.

“Horses are a little morsel of goodness that help to deepen the feelings within,” said Anderson. “Often people come to therapy emotionally closed and distant, but in the presence of a horse that’s impossible.”

Her growing network — named the Yampa Valley Equine Collective — combines educational institutions, ranches, nonprofits and local therapists who work together to create a net for people to fall into when they need help.

A special bond

From an early age, Anderson felt and understood the healing presence horses can have.

“My mom always had me on horses and she loves them,” said Anderson. “I came to understand the connection and special bond created between horses and people.”

After being exposed to wilderness therapy and pursuing her degrees, she moved to Steamboat Springs with her young family during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Steamboat Springs’ ranching community and connections exposes people to horses,” said Anderson. “That environment creates a unique opportunity for equine therapy to thrive.”

Equine therapy benefits people with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, among other mental health afflictions.

“It gets a person out of their head and in contact and connection with a presence larger than themselves,” said Anderson. “Horses are massive presences that someone can’t help but be aware of.”

In March, Anderson partnered with Yampa Valley High School and created an equine day for students.

“The students were given the opportunity to interact with horses in different ways,” said Yampa Valley High School Counselor Carolyne Perkins. “It was a great day where students learned and gained skills.”

The students were split into groups and interacted with the horses throughout the day. Activities included building and guiding horses through an obstacle course. Afterwards, students reported gaining confidence, self-awareness and connection with each other — and the horses.

“The students came out of their comfort zones and were able to open up in a way that is hard to produce in a school setting,” said Perkins. “The horses were a hands-on experience, which inevitably leads to teamwork and resilience.”

She has also held events at Steamboat Springs High School, trying to reach as many students as possible.

Area ranches involved with Anderson and the Equine Collective include Humble Ranch, Chalet Ranch, Warhorse Ranch and Ranch West.

University of Colorado-Boulder student Katerina Sharman has been seeing Anderson for a number of years. She struggles with perfectionism and was having issues finding joy in school.

“My relationship with school was getting in the way of my overall happiness,” said Sharman. “So, I decided after senior year of high school to start seeing her.”

Throughout her time with Anderson, she’s been able to redefine her relationship with school, even missing assignments while taking pass/fail classes.

No two sessions for Sharman are the same. Sometimes she brushes and grooms the horses, and other times she simply stands in their presence. It all depends on Sharman’s mood — and even more importantly, the horses’ mood.

“They can really tap into your energy,” Sharman explained. “There’s been times where they just don’t want to hang out, because I am having a bad day and they aren’t open to connection.”

The horses give cues to remind Sharman to relax and breathe.

“They know when you’re anxious, and that makes them anxious,” Sharman said. “It’s a reminder to slow down and be present. It’s calming to have calm animals.”

A growing presence

Therapy starts by building trust between Anderson, the clients and the horses.

“Horses come into your space as they trust you,” said Anderson. “They help my clients find a space to be present. It’s the same with therapy, it doesn’t work until trust is established and the walls come down.”

However, some struggle with the ability to afford equine therapy and care, and Anderson is working with Ranch West to create open barn days.

“The premise is to make the the healing powers of horses as accessible as possible,” said Ranch West owner Kevin Kvols. “People open up so much when they’re around horses, and we want people to blossom as much as they can.”

Individuals can come to Ranch West and for $20 secure a one-hour experience with the horses. The first session is slated to take place 5-6:30 p.m. June 25, with group size limited to 10 people.

“It’s going to be a real compassionate and non-assertive environment that people can open into at their own paces,” said Kvols. “And a person does not have to put their hands on the horses to heal.”

The mosaic of resources Anderson has created is constantly evolving and growing to meet the needs of the community.

“We aren’t stopping now that we have the door open,” said Anderson. “Our mission is about reaching people where they are at, and we’re only just beginning.”