Cheri Davidson with one of her “therapists” at Horse Discovery on her farm south of Millbrook which offers year-round programming that supports mental health.
Looking past the barn, there are eight horses in the field beyond, passively grazing until they notice the arrival of someone new.
They slowly work their way back to the barn, curious about this stranger. Some approach, ready for some personal attention, others stand back, waiting for a personal invitation which may or may not come.
Horse Discovery is the dream of Cheri Davidson, who purchased their farm south of Millbrook twenty five years ago with her husband Paul, fulfilling their dream of leaving Toronto behind to live in the country. It’s a familiar path, but the journey has not been typical. There are eight horses at Horse Discovery, but no one rides them. They have a very different role than sport or transportation: they offer the healing calm, peace and relaxation of interactions with these horses to children and adults of all abilities.
Horse Discovery’s work are the horses. Their sensitivity, calm presence, and willingness to connect create the conditions for participants to experience a sense of peace. In the horses’ presence, people are invited to slow down, become more present, and see themselves, their emotions, and their patterns in a new way.
For the last ten years, Horse Discovery has introduced children and adults to the healing power of horses, through supportive, guided experiences led by these peaceful animals, offering visitors ways to release anxiety, process emotions and find peace within themselves. Horses are at the heart of the experience, as they approach people with curiosity without judgement. Horses and visitors both have the choice to interact or not. Cheri has been helped by Paul and their two sons whose work behind the scenes managing the pasture, mending fencings, preparing trails and maintaining the property ensure visitors feel welcome in a beautiful, pastoral setting.
Cheri explains, “We create a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment where the horses are seen as partners and their communication is care-fully observed. Their presence can help people release anxiety, gain perspective, and discover new ways of responding to life’s challenges.”
Horse Discovery offers year-round programming based on FEEL®, Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning. FEEL is a globally recognized certification program, based in Canada, which uses an experiential approach where people learn through guided interactions with horses, developing greater self-awareness and skills that can support personal growth and positive life changes.
Programs at Horse Discovery include private FEEL sessions, shared experiences for couples or close friends, meditation with horses, corporate retreats, and other horse-guided learning opportunities. Sessions are designed for people of all ages and abilities, and no previous horse experience is necessary.
Last month, Horse Discovery was selected by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Pine Ridge to receive a Champion of Mental Health Award. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that make out-standing contributions to mental health in the community. Caroline Monsell, Board Member of CMHA HKPR noted, “We identify three guiding pillars for the award: Knowledge, Hope, and Belonging. As founder of Horse Discovery, Cheri Davidson has created a peaceful retreat next to the Ganaraska Forest that offers ways of healing and connection in the presence of horses.”
Congratulations, Cheri and team, for offering a unique, local outlet that supports mental health, resilience and well-being. To learn more about this organization, visit horsediscovery.com.