Podcast Summary: “How Horses Heal the Mind and Body”
Podcast: The Determined Society with Shawn French
Host: Shawn French
Air Date: November 10, 2025
Guests: Michelle, Christian, and Leah from the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
Episode Overview
This episode delves into the world of equine-assisted therapy by showcasing the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, a transformative nonprofit in Naples, Florida. Host Shawn French speaks with Michelle, Christian, and lead trainer Leah to uncover the science, stories, and emotional resonance behind therapeutic riding. Across vivid examples and personal testimonies, the discussion demonstrates horses’ unique ability to heal mind, body, and spirit—for riders, families, and even the horses themselves.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Mission and Scale of Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
- Serves individuals with "additional needs"—mental, physical, or social—through interactions with horses.
- “We serve individuals with additional needs … through the help of our horses.” — Michelle [00:00]
- Over 800 community members and 115 therapeutic riders benefit annually, encompassing 50+ diagnoses.
- “Over 50 diagnoses … and we’re serving about 115 therapeutic riders, but over 800 individuals annually.” — Michelle [02:07]
- The facility grew from humble beginnings in 1997 to a 10-acre campus, largely due to volunteer and donor support.
- “It’s incredible what volunteers have done in order to grow this place.” — Christian [02:35]
2. How Horses Heal: The Science and Sensory Experience
- Riding a horse mimics the human walking gait, providing significant sensory and neurocognitive stimulation.
- “The horse manipulates our spine in the way that a human would walk, and it helps with the neurocognitive feedback that we receive.” — Michelle [04:05]
- Horses synchronize with the rider’s heart rate; their emotional regulation helps regulate the human in turn.
- “Horses sync with our heart rates. … Their emotional regulation will help a person’s emotional regulation.” — Michelle [05:17]
- Sensory trails and guided activities (occupational therapy) are designed to develop physical, cognitive, and social skills.
3. Transformative Stories: Impact on Riders and Families
- Therapy brings moments of breakthrough—mobility, speech, social interaction—that ripple out to families.
- Story of a reluctant memory care resident opening up and engaging emotionally through a mini horse visit.
- Example of a nonverbal rider who began to communicate during sessions, bringing hope to families.
- “Her daughter was standing in our waiting area crying, watching her mom have the freedom and smile for the first time in goodness knows how long.” — Michelle [14:11]
4. Building Confidence & Overcoming Fear
- Conquering the challenge of working with horses builds both physical and emotional confidence.
- “Do the hard thing to build confidence. … You have that fear, right, then you overcome that fear with the support from the trainers and the community.” — Shawn [11:29]
- Progress happens step by step, from supported walking to solo riding, and extends socially as well.
5. Symbiotic Healing: Horses and Humans Both Benefit
- Horses rescued from difficult circumstances also heal by participating in therapy.
- Colt, a rescue, “shows up each day ready to work, with his version of a smile.” — Michelle [21:46]
- There’s a focus on exemplary animal care, healthy environments, and recognizing horses’ emotional growth.
6. The Role of Volunteers: Therapy for All
- Volunteers play a pivotal role—every lesson involves multiple helpers, building a supportive community.
- Many volunteers and staff find personal therapeutic benefits from their work with horses and riders.
- “It’s not just therapy for the riders. It’s therapy for us.” — Leah [29:58]
- “When we have a rider up ... they might be a little anxious. … As soon as the horse starts to move forward, they’re just … in this wonderful, peaceful place.” — Christian [15:26]
7. Unique Programs: From Minis to Ground Therapy
- Mini horse outreach brings therapy to assisted living and memory care communities.
- Ground programs serve individuals battling addiction, trauma, or other life challenges through non-riding equine interaction.
- “We had abused women that came. I have heard numerous times that is the best hour of my life. I forgot about being an addict.” — Leah [30:55]
8. Lessons in Presence, Emotional Regulation & Connection
- All participants are encouraged to be present, leave emotional baggage at the barn, and practice mindful breathing.
- “It teaches people to be truly present.” — Shawn [30:17]
- Horses respond directly to humans’ emotional states, reflecting and revealing issues that can be addressed in and beyond the arena.
9. Growth Beyond Therapy
- Riders develop life skills—confidence, communication, independence—and some move on to college or careers.
- “She now has a boyfriend and … is an accountant.” — Leah [40:58]
- “It gives them a ton of confidence.” — Leah [41:56]
- Inclusive summer camps foster acceptance and teach children lessons in empathy and difference.
- “There’s no judgment. … They accept each other as they are and go off laughing and holding hands.” — Leah [38:10]
10. The “Hidden Gem” and Lessons for Society
- Naples Therapeutic Riding Center is often described as a “hidden gem behind the red wall,” symbolizing unseen but profound impact.
- The environment reflects values the hosts see as lacking in society: unity, presence, connection, mutual growth.
- “Your favorite moments are exactly what most of society is missing right now.” — Shawn [35:12]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Healing:
- “People don’t understand him, but animals do. And our horses provided so much for him.” — Michelle [08:43]
- On Volunteers and Presence:
- “We ask them to leave their baggage at the barn because everyone has it … just leave that out in the parking lot and go enjoy the horses.” — Leah [30:03]
- On Confidence:
- “They were very nervous … to have it become one of their favorite activities throughout the week, and then we watch the progress from … confidence on the horse, to being able to walk supported with a walker, to walking supported with mom’s hand.” — Michelle [12:12]
- On Horses Healing Too:
- “Colt was a neglect situation … and he shows up each day ready to work, you know, with his version of a smile on his face.” — Michelle [21:46]
- On Core Values:
- “Where you do something in one area is going to show up somewhere else in your life.” — Shawn [32:10]
- The Human Need for Connection:
- “It’s all about the connection part. I think that’s probably the best moments I see.” — Leah [34:14]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00–02:07 — Introduction to the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center and its Mission
- 04:05–06:41 — How Riding Mimics Human Movement and Influences the Brain
- 09:25–14:11 — Personal Stories of Transformation & The Power of the Programs
- 17:12–19:10 — Personal Reflection: How the Work Impacts the Staff
- 21:31–22:50 — Healing Horses: Stories of Rescue and Mutual Recovery
- 24:23–25:40 — Lead Trainer Leah: 20 Years of Motivation, Rewards, and Progress
- 27:08–29:18 — Techniques for Building Sensory Awareness, Core Strength, and Emotional Regulation
- 30:03–32:44 — Therapy Benefits for Volunteers, Ground Programs for Addiction/Abuse Recovery
- 38:10–39:51 — Summer Camp Inclusivity and Life Lessons from Children
- 40:58–42:09 — Riders’ Long-Term Growth: College, Careers, Families
Final Takeaways
This episode powerfully illustrates the transformative potential of equine-assisted therapy. Horses enable healing and growth not just for people with visible needs, but for everyone involved—including caregivers, volunteers, and the animals themselves. The lessons of presence, resilience, empathy, and non-judgment radiate from behind the “red wall,” offering a microcosm of the unity and healing so needed in society today.
For more information or to get involved:
Check out Naples Therapeutic Riding Center online, volunteer, or visit a local accredited therapeutic riding center.
Host’s Closing Message:
“Every day, try something new, try something small that scares you a little bit and see what the reaction that you’re going to have is. … Don’t judge the stage you’re at. Embrace it. Love that stage, because that’s where you’re built. That’s where you’re built.” — Shawn French [43:13]