The Horse Cure - by Michelle Holling-Brooks (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Survivors of trauma, loss, illness, abuse, stress, and depression can face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. But today, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that horses play a crucial role in therapy for those struggling with significant psychological and emotional challenges. Inspired by her own childhood trauma when she spent seven days in a coma, awakened to a severely compromised body and brain, and rebuilt her life with the help of a horse, Michelle Holling-Brooks founded Unbridled Change, a non-profit Equine-Partnered Therapy organization that helps match horses to individuals in need. Here she shares amazing stories of the people she's worked with and the "horse cure" that changed their lives.

• Ashley was locked in closets as punishment, and physically and sexually abused, resulting in an angry and violent child who threatened her adoptive family--until she met Cocoa and Radar, the horses that helped her learn to trust again.
• Brenda was diagnosed bipolar and lived through humiliating domestic abuse, but three horses--Delilah, Wiscy, and Diesel--helped her establish a sense of self-worth, hope for the future, and ultimately, the will to go on.
• Nick was angry, suicidal, and a veteran with combat PTSD, who now says, "Horses literally saved my life."

The Horse Cure presents an enlightening mix of treatment theory and human interest, certain to educate those involved in or intrigued by the equine therapy and psychotherapy worlds while shedding light on the remarkable hope and exciting possibilities this kind of work offers.





Review Quotes




Those of us who work with horses every day have long understood their ability to read our emotions, keep us honest in our relationships with them, and bond with us. In The Horse Cure Michelle Holling-Brooks has eloquently and accurately shared this amazing process of how building a trusting relationship with a horse can help to heal the emotional wounds carried by so many. Sharing these intimate stories and photos raises awareness and opens the door for others to have the opportunity to partner with horses as they work to grow and change their lives." —Janet Mayberry, Executive Director, Dream Catchers Therapeutic Riding

"If you're looking for a book that demonstrates how powerful horses are when dealing with mental health, this tear-jerker is a must read!" —: Horse Nation

"Finally, a book that captures the quiet and not so subtle power of the horse to human connection. This is a must read for anyone who loves horses and wants to understand the growing field of equine assisted psychotherapy. Masterfully written, a refreshing perspective..." --Rebecca Bailey, PhD, Director of Transitioning Families, Advisor of JAYC Foundation, author of Safe Kids, Smart Parents






About the Author



Michelle Holling-Brooks has been a certified professional in the field of Equine Assisted Therapies since 2000, and is a lifelong equestrian. A life-threating illness in her early teens inspired her commitment to her work and the founding of Unbridled Change, a non-profit equine-partnered therapy organization, in 2008. Holling-Brooks has over 20 years of training with a number of organizations in the field including: EAGALA, PATH, and Natural Lifemanship. She is certified in Mindfulness and Life Coaching, is a Reiki Master, and has specialized training in the areas of trauma, PST, and attachment work. Michelle resides in Boones Mill, Virginia.

Photographer Ann-Janine Morey is Associate Vice Provost for Cross Disciplinary Studies at James Madison University and the author of four books. She is certified as an equine specialist for delivering horse-assisted mental health therapies, and was a co-founder of a nonprofit that used horses in therapy sessions with veterans and at-risk youth.