Equine Facilitated Mental Health and Learning

H.E.E.A.L. (Human Equine Empowerment and Learning United) was founded on a strong belief in
resilience, healing, and the powerful connection between humans and horses. Our journey is rooted in the
experiences of our Founder, Sarah Dunkle, who endured many years of grief, loss, maltreatment, and the
mental health challenges that ensued. After being diagnosed with PTSD in 2023, she discovered that
healing isn’t just possible—it’s an innate, relational process. For Sarah, this process began with trauma-
informed care and is deepened through her relationships with loved ones and animals.
Sarah began founding H.E.E.A.L., and was soon joined with Kristina Jex, to provide a space where others can find strength, hope, and develop emotional stability through equine-facilitated psychotherapy. Our program is built on
evidence that healing happens through connection—with ourselves, with others, and with the horses that
act as our therapeutic partners. At H.E.E.A.L., we are committed to empowering individuals, families, and
communities to transform their pain into resilience and their struggles into symbols of hope.
Each part of this story, from the smallest victories to the greatest challenges, is a testament to a truth that
we at H.E.E.A.L. hold dear- we truly are stronger together.



The power of horses
Horses are sensitive to the
physical and emotional state
of humans (and other animals).
Horses are highly attuned
to even the
slightest shifts in heart
rate, breathing, energy, and
emotion.
The horse’s responsiveness to
participants enables both the
participant and therapist to
gain valuable insight
— George William Erskine Russell, 1906
