A place to slow down, listen, and grow—together with horses.

What is Equine Assisted Coaching?

Equine-assisted work honors the natural behavior of horses and herds.  Horses are skilled at keeping themselves safe and adept at survival; their natural behaviors are optimal for mental and physical health.  In many respects, humans have lost the instinct to keep themselves safe and healthy.  We entrust horses to show us the way back to health.  Work and observation in the horse world lends itself to extremely powerful metaphors into our own patterns, strengths, and the nonverbal messages we send out. 

Wisdom of the Herd

  • The Nonverbal Zones

    Do you know what you’re communicating when you aren’t using words? Horses rely on body language to share their most essential messages with one another—and humans do the same. At times, what we say out loud doesn’t match what our bodies are expressing. In equine-assisted practices, the three non-verbal zones help us notice these differences and learn how to align our words, body, and intention for clearer communication.

  • Herd Versus Pack

    One of the most meaningful principles in the Equine-Assisted Philosophy is the distinction between herd and pack behavior. Horses live in herds rooted in cooperation, awareness, and shared safety—not dominance or control. By observing and experiencing this natural way of being, participants are invited to notice where “pack” instincts show up in their own lives and gently release them. In their place, the herd offers a model for connection, balance, and a more harmonious way of living.

  • Attention / At-Ease

    Both states are essential to a healthy life, though rarely in equal measure. Horses naturally move between moments of focused attention and moments of ease, honoring what is needed in each instant. Through observing this balance, we learn to recognize our own tendencies—this simple yet profound principle invites greater awareness of ourselves and others, supporting clearer communication, healthier relationships, and a more grounded way of being in work and in life.

  • The Re-Circle

    Horses naturally respond to new or unfamiliar situations, often with a subtle, physical cue that signals caution and careful assessment. Observing this teaches us a grounded and safe way to approach life’s uncertainties. The Re-Circle process becomes a powerful metaphor for humans, guiding us to pause, recalibrate, and engage with challenges in a measured, thoughtful, and resilient way.

  • Pressure / Pain

    Horses are remarkably attuned to both physical and emotional pressure—and they respond instinctively to protect themselves from discomfort or pain. By observing how they navigate these experiences, we gain insight into our own responses. Are we able to notice the difference between pressure and pain in our lives? Do we respond in ways that are healthy and balanced? Horses guide us in cultivating awareness, helping us evaluate situations more clearly and respond with intention rather than reaction.

  • Push / Pull

    Horses offer gentle mirrors for understanding our own patterns of action and reaction. When do we push forward, and when do we pull back? Are we leaning too heavily on one or the other? By noticing these tendencies, we can see how our behaviors influence those around us and begin to respond with greater awareness, balance, and intention—both with horses and in our daily lives.

Founder

Horses showed me something different, responding to what’s real, not what’s said—and in that honesty, finding clarity, regulation, and trust without forcing change. Thrive Equine exists because I believe hope happens best when we slow down, listen to The Herd, and allow ourselves to be, and be still. -Victoria Vail

Certifications

​EAL for Business, EAL for Veterans Greg Kersten, Founder of the EAL program, EAGALA, and the O.K. Corral Series

EAL for Faith & Families Elaine Davis, Founder of Unbridled

Business Certifications Culture & Leadership, Principles of Education, Fierce Conversations, Benchmarking for Success, Cash Flow Management

Financial Certifications Master Financial Coach & Financial Peace University - Ramsey Solutions

Businesses Thrive Equine, Thrive With Horses 501(c)3, HerdWise Consulting Co., Valère Salon & Spa, Valère Medi + Day Spa

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Sessions include guided interactions with horses, reflection, and practical integration. You can expect a calm, supportive environment where you’re invited to slow down, notice, and engage at your own pace—nothing forced.

  • Not at all. Everything we do is ground-based—no riding required. You’ll be guided every step of the way, and the horses you work with are carefully selected for this type of interaction. If you would like to explore riding, please send us a message so we can collaborate on session-layout you are looking for.

  • That’s completely normal. Many people arrive feeling unsure or guarded. The horses meet you exactly where you are, and you’ll never be pushed beyond your comfort zone. Emotional responses are welcomed and supported.

  • Yes. Safety—emotional and physical—is a top priority. All sessions are facilitated by trained professionals, and horses are carefully matched to the work they do. Clear boundaries and consent are always honored.

  • No. Thrive Equine offers coaching and experiential learning, not psychotherapy. While the work can feel deeply therapeutic, we do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Many participants find this work complements traditional-therapy beautifully.

“Loved this experience! My leadership team and I were able to work through some challenges we had at work with this training. We used the concepts learned and applied them to real life scenarios. Victoria is a great facilitator and made us all feel comfortable! Thank you!!”

“So insightful! You can learn a lot about yourself and others. Lots of fun, fresh air and enlightenment! Super experience!”

“One of the most eye opening/self reflective experiences I’ve had. I was almost in tears realizing how much I’ve grown. I cannot recommend Thrive enough!”

“This was truly a unique experience for me! I would recommend this opportunity to any families, business leaders or anyone wanting to grow and find another piece of yourself that you didn’t know was there.”

More Reviews Here!