At CHAOS Farm we are privileged to offer this unique form of therapeutic intervention in a beautiful, very special part of Cornwall, on the Roseland Peninsula.
Equine Facilitated Therapy is an increasingly recognised way of exploring a wide range of emotional and mental health issues, in a way that is safe, supported and generally more easy to engage with by those who find traditional office based therapies too challenging.
Horses are widely accepted as being highly sensitive, intuitive animals but are also generally accepting of, and often encouraging of human interaction. However, they are also completely nonjudgemental, and very present, they live life totally in the moment. This unique collection of traits provides an environment ideally suited to clients needing to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours whilst in the presence of a companion who accepts them for who they are, and offers unquestioning support whilst they consider new ways to think, feel and act that may lead to positive change within their lives.
The CHAOS Herd consists of currently 16 horses and ponies within the herd, who between them have a wide range of size, type, age, gender and backgrounds. They work with our fully trained and insured therapy team and equine specialists to offer a huge source of wisdom and experience to our clients enabling a truly personal, client-centred approach to the sessions.
No previous experience with horses is necessary, in fact those who feel uncertain or anxious around horses can find the sessions incredibly empowering, though maintaining physical and emotional safety at all times is a priority.
JESS STRONGMAN
I grew up with horses as part of my family and from a young age, i recognised that every horse had a very different, and distinct character and that each would play a role within peoples lives at different times. From this I studied to become a veterinary nurse and learn about animals as a whole, small furries to horses and farm animals.
My veterinary nursing led me to move away from Cornwall, where I learnt more about people, their varied needs and supporting them when their much loved pets departed. Different events unfolded and I was fortunate to move back home to Cornwall. I changed my learning to a human focus, with horses and animals in general still very much my love. I studied, learnt and grew my knowledge and helped to initiate the palliative care team within Stayathome Cornwall, going onto develop the paediatric palliative and complex care team.
Opportunities arose, in which I could combine my love of animals and helping people, I moved across to develop CHAOS farm, whilst empowering people to make positive changes in their lives. I became an equine therapist through the equine facilitated learning and therapy model, EAGALA, soon becoming the South West Network Coordinator and helping other facilitators learn and grow to a high standard. Being passionate about food and the planet, as a team we developed the horticultural branch of CHAOS Farm to focus on lowering food miles, reducing food poverty and further empowering people to help themselves.
Today, CHAOS Farm, people, animals and the planet, are my passions.
SOPHIA-HARTMANN
Originally from Germany, I studied Equestrian Management and spent many years immersed in the world of equestrian sports across France, Germany, and the UK. But after facing my own difficult journey through poor mental health, my perspective changed and so did my path.
I knew I wanted to help others through their difficult times. That’s when I discovered the art of equine therapy.
In 2023, I moved to Cornwall and found CHAOS Farm, I knew this was where I was meant to be.
Horses have an incredible ability to sense, connect, and understand us in ways that words often can’t. Their presence is grounding, their energy intuitive. Equine therapy is something truly magical and unless you’ve experienced it yourself, it’s hard to believe.
ANNE-MARIE
For as far back as I can remember I have had a deep connection with horses. In childhood they were my safe, happy place – a bond that included riding but also went far beyond this.
I have also always had a deep curiosity with the human condition and a desire to assist others in their own healing and empowerment. For over twenty years I taught yoga, mindfulness and meditation, leading both group and private classes, and retreats. I completed shamanic practitioner and counselling training, and have worked in substance misuse and recovery at a detox and rehab unit. Working with the vulnerable or elderly is also a passion of mine.
In 2024 I qualified as an equine assisted therapist with LEAP, one of the leading training providers of equine assisted services. For me this work weaves together perfectly all the strands of my passions and experiences in life so far. I draw from my experience in body based practices, trauma informed training, counselling and equine assisted training, alongside my experience of working with a diverse variety of people, and my own lived experience which includes a personal recovery journey.
Equine assisted learning is experiential and embodied, for this reason I know it to be extremely effective for creating lasting change at the cellular level. Co-facilitating with horses is the most powerful therapeutic modality I have experienced so far and I am consistently in awe of the wisdom and generosity of these wonderful beings and the potency of this work.