When we modern humans think of wellness—we tend to think of powders, treatments, regimens—but not often of re-forging the deep connections we have with our selves, our settings, and others for whom we care deeply. Similarly, when we think of horses—we often think about beauty and pageantry and performance—but not so much the wellness of those horses, or furthermore, of ourselves.
Today’s presenter, Crystal Birchmeier of Happy Hooves Wellness is redefining the relationship between horses and humans, focusing on mutual wellness and healing.
Growing up deeply embedded in the horse industry, Crystal’s journey was shaped by both her love for horses and a critical awareness of the industry’s shortcomings. Inspired by a mentor’s belief that the future of horses would be more in wellness than work-exploitation, it was around a difficult time in dealing with the grief of loss of family and other tribulations of a global pandemic, that Crystal decided to pivot the existing Happy Hooves Equine business to focus on horse wellness, as well as human wellness, incorporating horses. With this change, they have adopted the re-branded name Happy Hooves Wellness also.
The first in her family to go to college, pursuing to become a therapist and ultimately becoming a certified life coach, Crystal now collaborates with professional licensed therapists to harness the horses’ therapeutic potential. These majestic animals, being prey and herd creatures, are exquisitely attuned to their surroundings and others’ emotions, making them excellent partners in therapy. Crystal shared a touching example of this synergy: when a horse sensed one visitor’s overwhelming stress on the farm, it came over, dropped down and rolled around in a strange gesture that Crystal hadn’t seen but was exactly what her guest needed to feel a new sense of calm.
In addition to therapy sessions, Happy Hooves offers a wide array of wellness-adjacent activities including lessons, agility club, summer camps, birthday parties, Inclusive Hooves accessible learning programs, horse boarding, and more!
Crystal concluded with a favorite quote of hers and a poignant reminder of the transformative space she is able to facilitate for her guests:
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” – Rumi.
For anyone this may benefit, connect with Crystal to schedule your discovery session now. To connect with local businesses and hear or potentially deliver more great presentations like Crystal’s, visit one of our meetings any time, and consider joining to become a member!
