Snickers the horse at Healing Meadows Farm. Photo courtesy Pam Nelson
LAKE HAVASU CITY – Equine certified founder Pam Nelson of the nonprofit Healing Meadows, is assisting victims of trauma cope with the help of farm animals. Last week, the organization hosted a meet and greet so that the community can learn more about how animals can play a key role with one’s emotional recovery.
The Healing Meadows Meet and Greet took place on Thursday, August 15 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Grapes and Grains wine bar. A survivor of childhood trauma herself, Nelson has heartwarming memories of spending school breaks with her grandparents who just so happened to be farm owners with horses.
She remembers getting a pony from them and how the bond between them left a lasting positive impression on her. Now a parent herself, she witnessed her own child interacting with a pony and the experience immediately brought back those past feelings of safety amongst animals.
It also sparked the idea that she could help others in similar situations. When the former special education teacher retired, she decided to obtain certifications in Equine Facilitated Learning from The Heard Institute.
By last January, she launched the nonprofit with 25 acres of land complete with animals like pigs, sheep, and of course, horses. The programs of Healing Meadows are designed with obstacle courses created to build confidence and bring about calmness during difficult times.
Their programs are for adults and children and all shared information during the sessions is strictly confidential. The doors of Healing Meadows are also open to volunteers. Anyone interested in these opportunities can contact Nelson directly by calling 928-200-6256. Healing Meadows wishes to host more meet and greets in the months to come. More information about the nonprofit can be acquired by visiting healingmeadows.org. It’s never too late to begin the path to healing.
Phaedra Veronique
