STABLE: A Therapist and the Healing Nature of Horses

by Emily Swisher

"Emily Swisher's beautiful prose illustrates how an emotional connection with horses helped both her and her clients gain insight into their own emotions." -Temple Grandin, Author Animals Make us Human

When Emily Swisher follows her dream to work with horses at an equine-therapy ranch first in Colorado and later in Montana, she helps people heal from their wounds and traumas. Emily's story is interwoven with those of other inspiring individuals and groups she has supported, from victims of abuse and troubled children to the bereaved and broken-hearted. She sees the transformation of individuals, sometimes subtle and small, other times hard-won and miraculous, while healing her own long-buried scars and rediscovering the joy and fearlessness she lost along the way.

In this vivid and insightful memoir, steeped in wisdom, she creates lyricism through her life experience and empathy and the soul-stirring western landscapes. STABLE, a love letter to the transformative power of horses, explains why these extraordinarily intuitive animals have the ability to mirror human emotions, helping us to discover hidden parts of ourselves to overcome trauma, bring peace and show us how to live more authentically and mindfully.

Genres: Horses

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2024

Reviews

[Cathrine "Capi" · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a horse lover and true believer in the ability of animals (and horses in particular!) to heal us, I read this book with interest. I feel it dealt more with the author's process in getting to the point of being a horse psychotherapist rather than the actual therapy that she was doing with others; I was hoping for more stories of the healing process that the children and adults encountered rather than just very short bits and pieces. She herself was healed and comforted by being around horses and knew she could use them to heal others. Worth reading as a "teaser" of what equine therapy can do in the proper settings.

[Alex Leggett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely, easy read with descriptive writing that allows you to easily picture the Colorado and Montana scenes that Emily’s story is filled with.

I was drawn in by the description of the book, which promised an explanation and insights on *why* horses are able to connect with humans - emotionally - so well, to go along with Emily’s story. But that was not in the book. This is much more an autobiography following Emily’s years getting started as a therapist and her own self discovery. There’s next to no insight on what makes horses such a unique animal that humans find connection with. As a horse girl myself, I was looking forward to diving more deeply into that. But did not find it here despite what the description on the back cover promised.

[Dina Eledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Emily's deep and soulful life reflections blended with her experience and expertise in equine therapy are beautiful reminders to embrace our wild, childlike nature and discover our passions. A perfect Summer read!