Horses as Healing Companions in Alaska | Anchorage News

In Wasilla, Alaska, a ranch turns horses into healing companions—where equine-assisted psychotherapy helps people process emotions through ground work, not riding. Sixteen calm, non-judgmental horses act as mirrors to patients’ inner worlds, offering metaphors and unexpected emotional insights. Therapists like Laura Condon say interacting with horses accesses deeper brain regions, while specialists like Debbie Erickson draw from personal healing experiences with horses. This therapy works for first responders, at-risk youth, and more—often covered by insurance—and even includes therapeutic riding for physical recovery, proving horses are more than animals—they’re vital partners in mental wellness. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/cb43b4fd19ec978c