In this episode of "The Curious Equestrian," we are honoured to interview Lindsey Crosbie, the visionary founder of With Horses CIC.
Join us as we delve into the heartwarming story of With Horses, a mission-driven Community Interest Company that believes horses are for everyone, not just a privileged few. Discover how they offer transformative training courses and educational resources, fostering a harmonious partnership with horses to promote healing, growth, and learning.
Lindsey's Journey and the Birth of With Horses
Lindsey shares her personal journey, coming from a background where horses could have greatly helped her, but were unfortunately not accessible. After working in the equine-assisted services industry for two decades and running a charity for ten years, she witnessed horses' profound impact on young people's lives, particularly those who had experienced trauma. However, the challenge of sustainable funding for such therapeutic programs led Lindsey to create With Horses CIC, a business that funds a charity. All profits from their products, courses, and consultancy are channelled into providing free therapeutic sessions for disadvantaged young people.
Transformative Moments: The Power of Horses
Lindsey recounts a heartwarming story of a young boy who had experienced domestic violence, living in a refuge with his mother. Through equine-assisted learning, the boy's transformation was nothing short of magical. As he connected with a horse named Fabian, he found newfound confidence and grew unimaginably. This profound bond with horses has the potential to bring healing and empowerment to people from all walks of life.
The Therapeutic Potential of Equine-Assisted Learning
Lindsey explains why horses have such a remarkable impact on individuals, especially those dealing with trauma. Horses offer a calm, nonjudgmental presence, making it easy for people to trust them. Their ability to regulate their emotions, from hypervigilance to calm relaxation, teaches individuals how to find balance and stability within themselves. The act of directing a powerful horse through nonverbal communication empowers individuals, building their confidence in unique and novel ways.
Courses and Opportunities to Get Involved
With Horses CIC offers a range of courses catering to various interests and backgrounds. Their accredited practitioner and instructor training courses prepare individuals to interact with horses on the ground, helping others develop confidence and communication skills. Additionally, they offer webinars and entry-level courses to explore horses' healing capacities further.
Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Aspirations
With an exciting year ahead, With Horses CIC plans to expand its services to offer therapeutic retreats, including the "Horseplay Retreat" for adoptive families and the "Overcoming Obstacles Retreat" for women overcoming domestic violence. They are also launching an approved provider scheme for their curricula, allowing others to replicate successful equine-assisted projects in their own settings.
Making a Difference: How You Can Help
Individuals can purchase their products and courses to support the transformative work of With Horses CIC, knowing that all profits go towards helping young people in need. Additionally, the company seeks volunteers to provide a safe and stable environment for children in care, particularly in their stable moment sessions.
Final Thoughts
With Horses CIC stands as a shining example of a mission-driven organization, bringing horses' healing and transformative power to those who need it most. Their commitment to inclusivity and compassion has the potential to change lives and create a world where horses truly become teachers, guides, and healers for everyone. To learn more and join the cause, visit their website and be part of the magic horses can bring to people's lives.
