Today I’m talking with Toni Mattson from Trinity Equestrian Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Toni and her team work with horses alongside veterans, first responders, youth, families, and individuals facing trauma, PTSD, dementia, and other life challenges. I first heard Toni on the radio here in western Wisconsin and became really curious about the work they were doing, especially the dementia program called “Reminiscing on the Ranch.”
In this conversation we talk about what horses notice about people, why they respond so honestly to emotion, and how animals can help people reconnect with hope, trust, and themselves. We also talk about Toni’s book Unlikely Recruits, her work with veterans, and the surprising ways horses can help people feel seen and safe again.
This was just a really meaningful conversation and I’m grateful Toni took the time to share it.
Learn more about Toni and Trinity here:
🌿 https://www.tonimattson.com/
📘 Unlikely Recruits by Toni Mattson
https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Recruits-Enlists-Horses-Veterans/dp/173762850X
🎙 The Empathetic Trainer Podcast
The Empathetic Trainer
#EquineTherapy #HorseTherapy #PTSDRecovery #TraumaHealing #Horses #EmpatheticTrainer #AnimalAssistedTherapy #Veterans #HorsePodcast
