Transforming Trauma: Therapeutic Retraining at Sacred Connections

Alena here with all the details about my signature Therapeutic Retraining service, 

I'm Alena Clancy, the proud owner of Sacred Connections Horse Training. Today, I’m sharing all the details about my signature service offered here at Sacred Connections—my Therapeutic Retraining program. This program is designed to help horses overcome PTSD, neurosis, and other psychological and physical issues through a holistic approach.

Addressing Deep-Seated Issues

Over the years, I have developed a keen interest and proven success in retraining horses with severe PTSD. I enjoy the process of bringing about psychological soundness in horses that others cannot. My approach is centered on understanding and addressing the root causes of these issues, ensuring that each horse receives the care and attention they need to heal and thrive.

My work often involves horses that have been failed by humans and come from difficult backgrounds. These horses can exhibit defensive, flighty, or bolting behaviors and worse. I have worked with horses from stock auctions and race tracks, often with unknown histories and signs of past trauma, such as stitches noticed after starting work. There is a theme in my career of being a "final chance" for horses who have experienced significant hardship.

A notable example of my experience with severe trauma is my work with a Yakima Mustang mare named Holy. Holy exhibited behaviors indicative of severe PTSD due to brutal use of ropes, making her "dangerously rank." My journey with Holy was a deep healing journey, requiring a very unorthodox and innovative approach. I had to build trust and partnership for over a year before I could more directly address Holy's triggers. I documented this process, demonstrating my methods for working through the horse's trauma. My success with Holy, even in achieving small milestones like a controlled stop, is an enormous accomplishment for her.

My ability to successfully retrain horses with severe PTSD is a key differentiator in my business. My approach often involves a spiritual and energetic connection with the horses. I emphasize the importance of understanding horse psychology and addressing the underlying causes of trauma to facilitate healing and bring about psychological soundness. My success in this area has been achieved through a deep understanding of horses and my compassionate and effective training methods.

Holistic Healing Methods

My program incorporates a range of therapeutic modalities to support the horse's nervous system and overall health, including:

Daily Support: I administer CBD, magnesium, and raspberry leaf daily to support the horse's nervous system.

Detox Therapies: I utilize detox therapies such as colloidal silver and zeolite, or other detox protocols as needed and overseen by a holistic veterinarian.

Bodywork Sessions: Each horse receives two outsourced bodywork sessions per month. The specific modalities used-PEMF, Cryotherapy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Red Light therapy, Emotion Code, Massage, or other bodywork—are selected based on the individual horse's needs.

Daily Support Details

In my Therapeutic Retraining program, I incorporate CBD, magnesium, and raspberry leaf to provide comprehensive support for horses dealing with psychological and physical issues. Each of these supplements offers distinct benefits for the horse's nervous system.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

Calming Effects: CBD is known for its calming properties, which can help reduce anxiety and stress in horses. Stress can arise from various factors like environmental changes, separation, or intensive training. CBD interacts with the horse's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating mood and stress response, promoting relaxation without the side effects of traditional medications.

Regulating the Nervous System: CBD interacts with receptors (CB1 and CB2) throughout the body, including the brain, immune system, and central nervous system. This interaction helps regulate vital functions such as mood, stress response, and immune health. By supporting the ECS, CBD can help restore balance in the nervous system, which is particularly important for horses dealing with trauma and psychological distress.

Reducing Reactivity: Research indicates that CBD can reduce reactivity in horses. Studies have shown that horses treated with CBD exhibited less startle response to stimuli, suggesting a benefit for managing anxiety and stress-related behaviors. This can help horses remain calm and focused during training and other activities.

Supporting Overall Well-Being: CBD's interaction with the ECS also influences other physiological processes, such as appetite and immune health. By promoting balance in these systems, CBD can contribute to the overall well-being of the horse, helping them cope better with stress and maintain a healthier state.

Magnesium

Nerve Function: Magnesium is essential for proper nerve function and helps regulate neurotransmitter activity. This regulation can help calm a nervous or excitable horse, reducing stress and anxiety.

Muscle Relaxation: Magnesium is involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. Adequate levels can prevent muscle cramps, stiffness, and soreness, improving a horse’s comfort and performance during exercise.

Electrolyte Balance: Magnesium helps regulate the balance of electrolytes in the body, which is crucial for maintaining hydration and normal cellular function. This is especially important after intense physical activity or during hot weather.

Mood Balance: Magnesium supports mood balance by influencing the nervous system and muscular health. Restoring optimal magnesium levels can promote relaxation and a calm demeanor in horses.

Stress Reduction: Magnesium can help manage hyperactive or reactive behavior in horses by calming their nervous system. This can be particularly beneficial for horses prone to spooking or over-excitement.

Raspberry Leaf

Calming Effects: Raspberry leaf is known for its calming properties, helping to reduce anxiety and stress in horses. It contains natural compounds that support smooth muscle tone, potentially making horses less reactive to stressors.

Hormonal Balance: Raspberry leaf can help regulate hormonal balance, particularly in mares. Maintaining normal hormone levels can reduce mood swings and anxiety, contributing to a calmer and more balanced nervous system.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Raspberry leaf has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, including the nervous system. This can alleviate discomfort and promote overall well-being.

Nutritional Support: Raspberry leaf is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients support the overall health of the nervous system and contribute to the horse's ability to cope with stress.

By combining these three supplements, I aim to provide a multi-faceted approach to supporting the nervous system health of horses. This holistic and compassionate method ensures that horses receive the care and attention they need to heal and thrive.

Detox Therapy Details

Along with the daily support of CBD, magnesium, and raspberry leaf I also incorporate both colloidal silver and zeolite, overseen by a holistic veterinarian, into my Therapeutic Retraining program to provide comprehensive support for horses with psychological and physical issues.

Here's how each one benefits equine detoxification:

Colloidal Silver in Equine Detoxification

Supports the Immune System: I administer colloidal silver orally as a daily supplement to help boost the immune system. By doing so, it helps the horse's body naturally detoxify and eliminate toxins more efficiently.

Eliminates Pathogens (Internal Use): Internal use of colloidal silver helps eliminate pathogens within the horse's body.

Promotes Wound Healing and Prevents Infection (Topical Use): When applied topically to cuts, scrapes, abscesses, and other wounds, colloidal silver promotes healing and prevents infection. This reduces the overall microbial load on the horse's body, supporting detoxification.

Treats Skin Conditions (Topical Use): Colloidal silver treats skin conditions such as fungal infections, thrush, and ringworm, alleviating discomfort and preventing secondary infections that could hinder detox.

Supports Respiratory Health (Inhalation Therapy): For horses with respiratory issues, colloidal silver can be used in a nebulizer or vaporizer to help clear infections and improve respiratory function. This is beneficial for horses with chronic conditions or exposure to environmental toxins.

Disinfects the Environment: Spraying colloidal silver in barns and stalls disinfects the environment and reduces the presence of harmful pathogens, supporting the horse's overall health and detoxification.

Synergistic Effects with Other Detox Therapies: Combining colloidal silver with other detox therapies like herbal supplements, detoxifying clays, and bodywork enhances the overall detoxification process.

Zeolite in Equine Detoxification

Binds Toxins: Zeolite's unique structure attracts and traps positively charged molecules like toxins, heavy metals, and ammonia in the gut, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream and promoting their elimination from the body.

Improves Digestion: By reducing the toxic load in the gut, zeolite creates a healthier environment for beneficial gut bacteria to thrive. This leads to improved nutrient absorption and overall digestive efficiency, which is important during detoxification.

Reduces Ammonia Levels: Zeolite binds to ammonia in the gut, reducing its concentration and minimizing its negative impacts on digestive health and overall well-being.

Enhances Immune Function: By supporting a healthy gut microbiome and reducing the toxic burden on the body, zeolite contributes to a stronger immune system, helping reduce the risk of illness.

Eliminates Heavy Metals: Zeolite effectively removes heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury from the horse's body through chelation.

Provides Gastrointestinal Protection: Zeolite has gastrointestinal protective effects and can improve intestinal permeability, helping to maintain a healthy digestive tract and prevent the absorption of harmful substances.

To summarize this section…

Colloidal silver primarily acts as an antimicrobial and immune-boosting agent that can be used internally, topically, and environmentally to support detoxification by reducing the pathogen load and promoting healing. Zeolite, on the other hand, functions as a toxin binder within the digestive tract, helping to remove various toxins, heavy metals, and ammonia, thereby supporting overall health and the detoxification process. Both substances offer valuable contributions to a comprehensive equine detoxification regimen.

Bodywork Session Details

In my experience, bodywork sessions also offer several significant benefits for horses, especially those healing from PTSD. These benefits address both the physical and emotional well-being of the horse and contribute to a holistic approach to care.

Here are the key benefits of bodywork sessions for horses:

Physical Relaxation

Bodywork helps release tension and stress in the horse's muscles, promoting relaxation and reducing physical discomfort. Techniques such as massage, chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture can alleviate muscle stiffness and soreness, helping the horse feel more comfortable and at ease.

Improved Circulation

Bodywork enhances blood flow and circulation, which is crucial for delivering nutrients and oxygen to tissues and removing waste products. Improved circulation supports the body's natural healing processes and helps reduce inflammation, contributing to overall well-being.

Nervous System Regulation

Bodywork can help regulate the horse's nervous system by promoting the release of endorphins and other calming neurotransmitters. This can reduce anxiety and stress, helping the horse feel more balanced and centered. Techniques like craniosacral therapy and myofascial release are particularly effective in calming the nervous system. This benefit aligns with the use of CBD, magnesium, and raspberry leaf in my Therapeutic Retraining program, which also aim to support the horse's nervous system.

Emotional Healing

Bodywork sessions provide a safe and nurturing environment for horses to experience positive touch and interaction. This can help rebuild trust and confidence, especially for horses that have experienced trauma. The gentle and supportive nature of bodywork helps horses feel more secure and connected. I also emphasize a heart-centered approach to training, suggesting that emotional well-being is a key consideration in my methods.

Enhanced Mobility

Bodywork improves the horse's range of motion and flexibility, which is crucial for overall physical health. Techniques like stretching and joint mobilization can help restore normal movement patterns and prevent compensatory behaviors that may arise from trauma-related physical issues.

Holistic Approach

Bodywork is an integral part of a holistic approach to healing, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the horse's health. By integrating bodywork with other therapeutic modalities, such as herbal supplements and energy medicine, horses receive comprehensive care that supports their recovery from PTSD and I truly believe the benefits of bodywork sessions collectively contribute to the overall well-being and recovery of horses dealing with trauma.

Focus on Healing

As you've likely gathered, the primary goal of my Therapeutic Retraining program is holistic healing. I aim to help horses overcome past traumas and current challenges, ensuring both their mental and physical health. My expertise in retraining and healing traumatized horses is a cornerstone of my work, and I am deeply committed to the well-being of each horse I work with.

Integrating My Philosophy

My certifications in ReConnective Healing and as a yoga teacher play an enormous part in my understanding of energy systems and body imbalances, contributing to the therapeutic nature of this retraining. Additionally, my experience with traditional healers in Mexico taught me to "not rule out anything," which contributes to my open approach to the different healing modalities included in this program.

By addressing the psychological and physical ramifications of past experiences through a comprehensive and individualized approach, our Therapeutic Retraining program aims to bring about psychological soundness in horses and enable them to live more freely and enjoyably in the present.

If you have a horse in need of healing, I invite you to consider my Therapeutic Retraining service. You can find pricing and timeline details by clicking the button below.