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Please tell us a bit about yourself, and what led you to specialize in equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)?
During my preteen/ teen years of my life I was like many searching for who I was, what I was good at, and striving to be accepted and “liked.” I found myself trying to be someone I was never meant to be and by the grace of our loving heavenly father he steered me into a direction of life and light instead of darkness. He healed me through a community of people and horses were introduced into my life and have never left. Since that time period in my life, and I can’t explain it in words, but there is a way about horses that makes life better with them, rather than without them. Chaos and noise seem to dissipate, and you can feel God’s presence in and among them. Fast forward to my adult years I knew in elementary school [SC1] that I either wanted to be a professional gymnast or someone that helped people. Since gymnastics was a quick dead-end road for me at the age of 8, I then focused on trying to find a different way to help people. In high school, I decided I wanted to help people in a way that involved horses but didn’t really know what that even looked like. So, I jumped around pursuing lots of different things. Through a lot of twists and turns and redirections, I landed as a Christian therapist doing EAP. In the first session I was ever blessed to be a part of, I knew this was exactly what God was calling me to pursue.
What is equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), and how is the Eagala Model different from horseback riding or therapeutic riding?
Equine-assisted psychotherapy, (EAP) is a form of mental health therapy where a licensed clinician works alongside horses to help people facing behavioral, emotional, or psychological challenges. I am certified in, and practice, the Eagala Model, an internationally recognized approach used in both equine-assisted psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning. This model is built on a team approach, which includes a mental health professional, an equine specialist, and at least one horse. It is experiential, solution-focused, and guided by a clear code of ethics that protects both the client and the horses. The work is also ground-based, meaning there is no riding. This allows the horses to interact naturally and helps create an honest, organic space for healing and growth.
Who is equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) designed for? What are some of the most common reasons people seek this type of therapy?
EAP can benefit people of any age, background, or stage of life who are facing emotional, behavioral, or psychological challenges. Many people seek it out when traditional talk therapy has not felt like the right fit—or when they are looking for a more engaging, experiential approach. In my opinion, and admittedly with some bias, working with horses can make the therapeutic process feel more meaningful, grounded, and impactful. In my experience, I have seen it firsthand help kids who have been through some of the most horrendous trauma. They find healing and connection when they have been through multiple traditional therapies and had no success.
What happens during a typical equine-assisted psychotherapy session (EAP)?
I wish I had a simple, black-and-white answer to this question, but each session unfolds a little differently. I usually come in with an outline or goal, but what happens in between is where I believe God works through the horses. One of the most powerful parts of this work is that horses are honest and present. They cannot lie, and they naturally seek balance and calm within themselves and their environment. When something feels out of balance—physically or emotionally—they respond in ways that help bring things back into order. When we enter that space with them, we become part of that process. If something within us feels unsettled or out of balance, the horses often respond in a way that invites awareness, grounding, and healing.
How do horses help people process emotions differently than traditional talk therapy?
In traditional talk therapy, the work happens through conversation between the client and clinician. The client decides what to share, and emotions are often explored through spoken words. With horses, the process feels different. Horses are deeply attuned to energy, emotion, and nonverbal cues, and they respond honestly in the moment. Because they do not rely on words, they can sometimes reflect what a person is feeling in a way that feels more immediate, clear, and difficult to avoid. This can help people recognize and release emotions that may feel stuck, even when those emotions are hard to explain or access through talk therapy alone.
If something within us feels unsettled or out of balance, the horses often respond in a way that invites awareness, grounding, and healing.
What does the research tell us about the effectiveness of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)?
From what I have seen and read, the research around equine-assisted therapy continues to grow, and it points to many of the same things I have witnessed in real life. Working with horses can help people with emotional regulation, anxiety, relationship skills, confidence, and trauma recovery. Horses are very sensitive to body language, energy, and what is happening in a person’s nervous system. Because of that, they often respond in a way that helps clients become more aware of what they are feeling, even before they have the words for it. I think that is part of what makes this work so powerful. It is not just talking about what is going on; it is experiencing it in the moment. Clients can observe, reflect, problem-solve, and practice new ways of responding right there with the horses. Because horses are honest, responsive, and nonjudgmental, they can create a space where people feel safe enough to build trust, set boundaries, and begin healing in a very real and meaningful way.
What role does faith play in the work you do with clients?
My faith in Jesus is the foundation of everything I do and the reason this business exists. This is not just a career to me; it is something I truly believe God placed in my heart and called me to walk out. I believe healing ultimately comes from Him, and I see the horses as a beautiful gift He has given us to help reach people who are hurting. There is something sacred about the way horses bring calm, honesty, awareness, and connection into a space. I do not believe that is an accident or coincidence. I believe every movement and response from a horse can have meaning and purpose, and that God can use them in powerful ways to help people feel seen, safe, and loved when they may not have the words to explain what they are carrying. My hope is that every person who comes here experiences not only support and healing, but also the love, peace, and presence of Jesus through the work we do with the horses.
What would you say to someone who is nervous around horses but curious about trying equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)?
One example comes to mind, and while every person’s experience is different, this was one of the most powerful examples I have witnessed so far.
At a recent workshop, a kind middle-aged woman called me the day before and told me she wanted to come but was terrified of horses. I encouraged her to attend with no pressure—just to observe, be present, and take in the space.
When she arrived, she was very anxious — talkative, fidgety, and unsure about entering the area with the horses. At first, she chose to stay back, but by the next day she decided to try. As the workshop went on, I watched her become more comfortable. Her anxiety began to ease, and she even started standing near the horses and touching them at times. During one of our processing activities, we were sitting in a circle and talking when one of the horses walked into the middle of the group. The horse stopped directly in front of this woman, lowered her head over the woman’s head, and quietly rested there. The woman began to sob, and they stayed that way for about 20 minutes.
Afterward, I checked in with her. She told me that the horse had the same name as her sister, who had recently passed away. In that moment, she felt sadness, love, compassion, validation, and healing all at once.
She came back for the next workshop, but this time she entered the space completely differently. Instead of anxiety, there was calm and confidence. The same horse walked right up to her again as soon as she stepped into the area. It was unusual, powerful, and incredibly moving to witness.
I have countless stories like this and could write about them all day. To me, moments like this show how deeply horses can help people feel seen, understood, and supported in ways that are hard to put into words.
Are there any resources that you think would be helpful for our readers to know about?
If you want to learn more about the model we use for equine-assisted therapy (EAP) here is the link: https://eagala.memberclicks.net
If you would like to get in contact with me directly here is my website: https://solomonsanctuary.com/
Shannon Solomon is the founder and owner of Solomon Sanctuary, LLC. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP). Although she is not new to Minnesota, she and her family moved back here from the East Coast within the last two years. She has been married to her wonderful husband for 15 years, and they have three unique and special kiddos, along with a giant Saint Bernard who is basically a lovable fur-ball dinosaur. They also have three equines of their own that they love and use in the program, along with four horses owned by her equine specialists. Shannon has many passions and hobbies, but above all, she loves Jesus, and she loves watching Him work through the horses.
