The Olympian

What you can learn to help yourself

New Age Horse Whisperer’ offers equine-assisted therapy programs

By Lisa Pemberton | The Olympian • Published April 08, 2007

ONALASKA - Gallant, the 22-year-old bay thoroughbred, wasn't budging.

He had "compromised" as much as he wanted to. Now it was her turn to come closer to him.

"Typical male," joked Katie Trzebiatowski of Olympia as she wrapped up a late-morning session at Human-Equine Alliances for Learning (HEAL) ranch, southeast of Chehalis.

The 80-acre nonprofit ranch is run by Leigh Shambo, 49, an experienced horse trainer, clinical psychotherapist and self-described "New Age Horse Whisperer."

She offers numerous equine-assisted therapy programs - from individual and family counseling sessions to one- and three-day personal growth workshops geared toward helping people with emotional fitness, relationship skills and spiritual growth.

During a typical session, most of the interaction takes place between the horse and the client.

Shambo often sits outside of the training ring, and jumps in when she feels she's needed.

"You might think of my role as being a trained witness," she said. "I really try to not be too directive."

In most cases, clients don't ride the horses. Instead they're given brushes, carrot sticks and other equestrian training tools to work and play with the horses. Activities range from quiet reflective sessions with the horses to basic equine handling exercises, such as grooming and leading around a pen.

Shambo said the activities are different from traditional horsemanship classes because they're facilitated in a way that pushes clients to become more aware of their emotions, and to pay attention to horses' reactions.

"We like to say it's as healing for the horses as it is the people," she said.

Based on personal experience

A lifelong equestrienne, Shambo's practice grew out of her personal experience with horse--assisted therapy.

In 1988, after years of working as a professional horse trainer, Shambo struggled to physically and emotionally recover from a serious riding accident. That same year, her mother committed suicide.

It wasn't necessarily intentional, but Shambo turned to the only friends she felt could help: Her horses. "I noticed how incredibly attuned they were to my emotional makeup on any given day," she said.