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The Equus Effect in Connecticut specializes in giving veterans, first responders, and others who live and work in high-stress environments the opportunity to build healthy, authentic relationships through purposeful unmounted engagement with horses. The organization’s founders have designed a unique curriculum based on a therapeutic modality called Somatic Experiencing.



This approach to healing has evolved out of research in the fields of neurobiology and trauma which indicates that a person’s reactions to traumatic events and chronic stress remain in the nervous system until they are metabolized and discharged. By combining activities incorporating the principles of natural horsemanship with supportive content, participants regain agency and emotional agility. Through these somatic experiences and engagement with horses, the body can begin to heal itself.



To put it directly, the goal of programming at The Equus Effect is “to help people from all walks of life uncover and dissolve barriers that live on in their systems long after they return to their homes and communities.”



“Lance” is a more recent addition to the small herd at The Equus Effect, but he has already made a profound impact on some of the hundreds of participants which come through their programs annually. The strapping 17 hand Clydesdale/Thoroughbred gelding immediately makes an impression, typically inspiring both curiosity and respect. Originally from Canada, Lance brings an eclectic resume to his work at The Equus Effect, including serving as a guest hunt horse, competing as a jumper, and finally retiring to trails and dressage work in his later career.



Now 22-years-old, Lance brings his extensive training and innate athleticism to his work with veterans, active-duty military, and others in related fields. Staff report he is the perfect match for those participants who love the challenge of working with a big, sensitive horse who is also no push over. Today, Lance participates in all aspects of the curriculum directly involving horses - teaching connection, attunement, and collaboration.



“Lance impressed me the minute I saw him,” said Alex, who is a Navy SEAL. “Like me, he’s a big guy. He looks like a gladiator, but I was surprised at how he responded to me. I used a light touch, what you call minimum essential pressure, and he came right with me.”



The Equus Effect’s program is presented across four sessions; during each session, three hours are spent engaged in experiential learning, with one hour of presentation, lecture, and discussion held over lunch. Thanks to grant funding and donations, these programs are offered for free to their target population. Separate fee-based programs serving those in recovery or those seeking to move beyond personal barriers and obstacles help to support The Equus Effect’s primary vision—to offer those men and women transitioning from high-stress environments the opportunity to enjoy mental and emotional freedom.



When, Julie, a US Army veteran, worked with Lance, she was impressed by his playful nature and ease of movement.



“I thought he would be intimidating because of how big he is, but he was light on his feet and did those circles as soon as I was able to ask him the right way,” she shared. “He seemed to enjoy himself and was kind of like a clown in a way. He was picking up brushes and playing with the ball.”



Engaging with horses like Lance, combined with the guidance and support of The Equus Effect’s talented and highly trained human staff, provides veterans and their family members with profound and practical tools to get grounded and clear, and to rebuild healthy relationships at home, work, and school. Through teaching ground-based horsemanship skills and offering body-based tools to settle the nervous system, participants find new ways to meet life’s challenges and engage more authentically with others.