Luna: My Therapist Who Eats Hay

Recovery is never a straight line. After my thyroid surgery earlier this year I searched for a way not only to restore my health but also to reconnect with my sense of balance, creativity and peace. That path led me to Equines for Healing where I met Luna, a strong and beautiful mare rescued from slaughter. Her transformation physically and spiritually was evident in every graceful breath and attentive stance. During my first session working with her she offered immediate feedback when my task was to lead her to where I wanted her to go, and to make her stop. She would inch forward into my space when I asked her to stop. I had the right words and posture yet she tested my true presence. That was Luna’s precious way of showing me my misalignment.

Stephanie Biondi, the founder of EFH, who is trained in both psychology and Equine Healing watched and said “You are saying the words but your energy is not aligned. Luna knows. You must bring all of you. Your conviction. Your energy. Your presence. Not just the appearance of it.”

The lesson landed deep. It is not enough to do things correctly on the surface. True resonance comes from alignment and conviction. Once I claimed my space fully Luna responded. She listened and walked in rhythm with me.

The Science Behind Equine Healing

Horses are prey animals with physiology deeply tuned to emotional cues. Studies show they pick up on human emotions almost instantly. Scientific reports found horses’ heart rates and physiological responses shifted when they watched videos of human fear or joy.

Further studies have found that when humans focus on positive emotions horses mirror those shifts in heart rate variability (HRV). Other scientific work uncovered evidence that horses synchronize their emotional state and bodily rhythms with humans, resulting in a shared sense of calm and coherence. Horses also possess a refined mirror neuron system that allows them to intuitively read human emotions through facial expressions body language and tone. They are deeply sensitive to our emotional field making them powerful partners in healing.

From Healing Session to Partnership

Weeks later Luna became not just my teacher but my partner. On August 27 I led a guided meditation during our Art with Horses event (see pics below). Luna stood right next to me calm and grounded. Together we shaped a moment of stillness for everyone present.

Presenting her to all the attendees was a monumental moment in my healing journey. It was not just about speaking in front of others. It was about standing beside Luna as a teammate, knowing she trusted me and I could trust her. We embodied calmness together, and I felt the power of alignment, presence, and mutual respect.

Healing Through Connection

As I continue healing from thyroid surgery I carry Luna’s lessons with me. Healing is not pushing to return. It is aligning with who I truly am now. Equines for Healing gave me a space to center, reflect and rediscover my balance. In Luna I found a partner who embodies transformation presence, trust and calm. She showed me how to return to myself fully.

We will be announcing another event soon! Please be sure to reach out to Stephanie at sbiondi@equinesforhealing.com to stay updated.