We recently connected with Dr. Hallie Sheade and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Hallie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
As a teenager, my journey toward discovering my purpose began in a special place – a barn nestled in the suburbs of Chicago. It was there that I found not only a sanctuary but also a profound connection that would shape my life’s mission.
My fascination with horses had ignited at a young age, a deep-rooted passion that drew me to these majestic creatures. But my journey took a more significant turn when I encountered a horse named Cowman, a difficult lesson horse. He was considered unmanageable by many, his reputation overshadowing his potential.
Yet, it was precisely this challenging horse that became the catalyst for my journey. I felt an inexplicable connection to Cowman, a bond that defied his reputation. Spending countless hours with him, I discovered the therapeutic power of the human-horse relationship firsthand. Through patience, trust, and understanding, I was able to earn Cowman’s trust, and in return, he became a source of comfort and healing during my teenage years.
The barn where Cowman resided became my sanctuary, a place where I found solace, purpose, and a profound sense of belonging. It was here that my personal struggles and doubts began to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of purpose. I became fascinated by the human-animal relationship.
As I matured, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, exploring fields such as psychology and biology. After college, I learned about the emerging field of equine assisted counseling and realized that I could tap into the incredible power of the therapeutic bond between humans and horses to help others facing emotional and psychological challenges.
With the memories of Cowman’s transformative influence etched in my heart, I co-founded STEPS With Horses, an equine assisted mental health services program that aimed to replicate the healing power of the human-horse connection. My purpose had crystallized – I wanted to help others experience the profound healing potential that I had experienced with Cowman. I was determined to provide a space where individuals struggling with mental health issues, trauma, and personal growth could find solace and growth through the unique connection with these extraordinary animals. Just as Cowman had been my guide and refuge, I was now on a mission to help others discover their own paths to healing, all while celebrating the remarkable power of the human-horse bond.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At STEPS With Horses, a 501c3 nonprofit, we have embarked on a mission to harness the therapeutic potential of the human-horse bond to promote healing, growth, and transformation in individuals facing various mental health challenges. What makes our work particularly special and exciting is the profound impact it has on the lives of those we serve. We’ve witnessed firsthand how the connection between humans and equines can be a catalyst for healing and self-discovery. Our programs are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to engage with these incredible animals, fostering emotional and psychological growth.
One of the most remarkable aspects of our work is the inclusivity of our programs. We cater to a diverse range of individuals across the lifespan, including those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. We’ve seen how the power of the human-equine bond transcends language and traditional therapeutic methods, making it accessible and effective for people from all walks of life.
We understand that mental health challenges can affect anyone, and financial barriers should not stand in the way of receiving the support and healing they deserve. Through our free services programs, we strive to make equine-assisted therapy accessible to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it. If you or someone you know is in need of our free services, I encourage you to visit our dedicated page at https://www.stepswithhorses.org/free-grant-funded-services.html to learn more about eligibility and how to access these valuable resources.
In addition to our ongoing free services initiatives, we are constantly exploring ways to broaden our support network, collaborating with community organizations, and seeking grant opportunities to further expand our reach. We remain dedicated to our mission of promoting healing, growth, and transformation through the incredible bond between humans and equines, and we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
What sets us apart at STEPS With Horses is our commitment to both the welfare of our equine partners and the well-being of our clients. Our equines receive the highest level of care, and we maintain a supportive and nurturing environment to ensure their happiness and health. This harmony between human and horse is at the core of our approach, making our work not just professionally fulfilling but deeply meaningful.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey and the pivotal moments that have shaped it, I can identify three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been particularly impactful. These qualities not only guided me through the challenges, but also continue to be essential in my work at STEPS With Horses. Here’s what I’ve learned and my advice for those early in their journey:
Dual Expertise in the Counseling and Equine Industries: Having a comprehensive understanding of both the counseling field and the equine industry has been a cornerstone of my journey. This dual expertise allowed me to bridge the gap between traditional therapy and the unique healing potential of equine assisted counseling. My advice to those starting their journey is to embrace interdisciplinary learning. Whether you’re combining two fields like I did or exploring different areas, gaining expertise in multiple domains equips you with a holistic perspective and opens up innovative opportunities. It enables you to create something truly unique and impactful.
Empathy: Empathy has been at the heart of my work. Understanding the emotional struggles and vulnerabilities of the individuals I serve is paramount. It’s the cornerstone of building trust, fostering connections, and facilitating healing with both clients and with equines. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate empathy as a core skill. It’s not something that can be learned overnight, but by actively listening, seeking to understand others’ perspectives, and practicing compassion, you can develop this vital quality. Empathy not only enhances your effectiveness but also enriches your own personal growth and understanding.
Consistency: Consistency has been instrumental in the success of our programs at STEPS With Horses. It’s essential in building trust with both clients and the equines themselves. Consistency in our approach, in the care of our equine partners, and in delivering our services has been key to our positive outcomes. My advice to those starting their journey is to recognize the value of consistency. Whether you’re establishing a business, pursuing an artistic career, or working toward any goal, consistency in your efforts is the bedrock of progress. Stay committed, keep showing up, and maintain your dedication to your mission, even in the face of challenges.
In conclusion, my journey has been shaped by a unique combination of dual expertise, empathy, and consistency. These qualities have not only guided me but have also enabled me to create an organization dedicated to healing and growth through the human-equine bond. To those early in their journey, I encourage you to embrace interdisciplinary knowledge, cultivate empathy, and prioritize consistency in your efforts. These qualities will not only help you achieve your goals but also leave a lasting impact on the lives you touch along the way.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, collaboration and partnerships are integral to our mission at STEPS With Horses. We are always eager to connect with individuals, organizations, and volunteers who share our passion for equine assisted mental health services and the well-being of our community. If you are reading this and interested in collaborating with us, here’s how you can get involved:
Donors and Supporters: We greatly appreciate the support of individuals and organizations who are willing to contribute to our cause. Your donations are vital for the care and well-being of our therapy equines, as well as for expanding the availability of our free services to those in need. If you are interested in becoming a donor or supporter, please visit https://www.stepswithhorses.org/donate to donate or https://www.stepswithhorses.org/equine-sponsorship to join our equine sponsorship program, The Carrot Club to learn more about how you can contribute and make a positive impact on our programs.
Skilled Volunteers with Equine Experience: Skilled volunteers with expertise in equine care and training play a crucial role in our organization. If you have experience with horses and are passionate about their welfare, we welcome your involvement. Whether it’s helping care for and school our herd or providing support for equine health and well-being, your expertise is valuable. To inquire about volunteer opportunities, please visit https://forms.gle/hH9zszQqBKDzDUFy7 to submit a Volunteer Interest Form.
Community Organizations: We are eager to collaborate with community organizations to expand our reach and provide equine assisted mental health services to a broader audience. If you represent an organization focused on mental health, youth, military veterans, or any other related field and believe that our programs can complement your mission, we would love to explore potential partnerships. To discuss collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at https://www.stepswithhorses.org/contact and we’ll be happy to explore how we can work together to make a positive impact in our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stepswithhorses.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/stepswithhorses
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/stepswithhorses
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/s-t-e-p-s-with-horses
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stepswithhorses2859
Image Credits
Abbi O’Leary Elliot Mayén
