Rider f inds horses help the healing process

San Antonio professional horse rider Chloe Pfude launched a Healing with Horses Therapy program that has garnered a positive response from the community.

Pfude, a UTSA psychology graduate, was inspired to create the course through her own mental health battles and her love for horses.

“I felt there was more of a need for equine assisted therapy for mental health struggles,” Pfude said, after volunteering at a different equine therapy course.

The $50, hour-long course is crafted for beginners to professionals, with each course helping build practical communication skills and confidence, according to the press release.

“I love when my clients fall back in love with horseback riding,” Pfude said. “Especially the therapy part of it.”

Pfude’s Healing With Horses program is open to riders in San Antonio, Boerne and throughout the Hill Country.

Pfude works with beginners to overcome their anxiety, frustration or any overwhelmed feeling they have when approaching horses. These same tools are then applied to their day-to-day anxieties.

“My courses have been successful in many different ways,” Pfude said, adding that the equine program can be long term. “I’ve had all different types of people come for lessons and their feedback has always been good due to the horses, lowering their stress levels.”

Pfude uses two horses during her courses: Sydney and Tadpole. Pfude describes Sydney as a “heart horse,” as the horse is able to detect emotional distress.

“He provided my therapy when I needed it,” Pfude said. “I see him as a very lovable and genuine horse.”

Tadpole is a thoroughbred horse with a sweet demeanor and is used in more advanced courses, according to Pfude. Courses are typically one on one, but group therapy is also available.

“I believe strongly that the equine-assisted therapy is needed especially for mental health,” Pfude said. “For lessons, I try to do more one-on-one so my clients can have more time with the horses. But I do offer group lessons as well in certain circumstances.”

To learn more about Pfude’s program, visit: http://www.healing- withhorses.com/ plan