Meet the Equine Therapy Team
Our Horses: A Mother Son DUO!
Shahar Lawrence LCSW
Founder
Hi! I'm Shahar and these are my horses Katie and Allstarr ◡̈ I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Therapist who specializes in working with survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. I'm also a horse girl, who started riding when I was 10, competing across the US and Canada when I was 12, started providing equine skills group at age 20, and equine therapy at age 22. Now i’m excited to be offering Equine Retreats for survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence!
But the real reason I know how to do this work is because I lived it. After my own assaults and abusive relationship, horses were the only place I felt safe. They taught me how to set/hold boundaries and how to trust myself and others again. They empowered me to speak up. They showed me my body could be safe and mine again.
The first time I went to therapy, as an adult, my therapist asked me, "How did you survive everything you've been through?" my answer was immediate: "Horses."
From that day I knew I wanted to provide that space and opportunity for others. Because I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my horses. And I feel honored to share that with you.
This retreat exists because of that. Because I know firsthand that horses heal in ways talk therapy alone can't.
Beystarrs Kadance AKA Katie
My 17 year old retired multi-national champion Arabian mare who taught me everything about confidence, boundaries, and communication. She competed at the highest levels, winning numerous roses. Now, she's trading that for getting to work with trauma survivors and help them reclaim their lives.
Always A Starr AKA Allstarr
Allstarr: Katie's 6 year old gelding, who looks like a spitting image of his mama. He's been a snuggler since birth and always loves being a show-off. He started off in the show ring and competing at national levels too! But showed a lot more desire to connect with people in a deeper and more meaningful way and has quickly fallen in love with his role as a therapy horse.
The Horse Who Started It All:
Chattahoochee DWA - AKA Hoochee
This is Hoochee. He was my first horse and the one who got me through it all. I owe my life to this horse. He had the most gentle soul and biggest heart. I got him when I was 12, and we all know what it’s like to go through our teenage years as a girl; so I was real lucky to get him when I did. I spent 3-5 days a week at the barn, grooming, riding, bathing, and just being with him.
He and I were able to win regionals together and even top ten at nationals. But what really made the impact was who he was as a horse. I knew that at any hour, I could walk into his stall, and wrap my arms around him, and he would just hold me. Endless tears were shed on his next and on his back - and he comforted me through it all.
After my assaults I would go sit with him, so confused about what had just happened, and feeling so worthless, used, and powerless. He reminded me that I was still seen, I was still deserving of love, and I was still worthy of having a voice.
He was the first horse I started doing equine skills groups with. And this program won’t be the same without him. But the love, safety, comfort, and healing that he provided me is the whole reason I became a therapist and the reason this program exists. So this program is dedicated to continuing his legacy and providing that same healing to anyone else who needs it!