Our mission:
to educate and enlighten people through the natural interaction with horses.

Our goal: 
to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space where the horses and humans can interact and learn from each other.

Our process:
Natural Equine Interactive Growth and Healing is a holistic approach to equine-assisted services that integrates yoga philosophy, natural horsemanship principles, and trauma-informed science to create a profound connection between humans and horses. This method acknowledges the innate wisdom of both horse and human, fostering mutual healing, personal growth, and deeper communication through mindful presence, breathwork, movement, and trust-based interactions.

At its core, this approach is rooted in the understanding that horses are highly sensitive, sentient beings that respond to our energy, emotions, and body language. By incorporating yogic philosophy such as breath awareness, balance, and mindfulness, we learn to regulate our nervous system, enhancing our ability to connect with horses in a more grounded and centered way.

The basic principles of natural horsemanship provide the foundation for ethical, respectful, and intuitive communication, moving beyond dominance-based training into a cooperative, heart-centered relationship. It encourages partnering with the horse rather than controlling it, honoring its natural instincts and basic needs.

Through a trauma-informed lens, we recognize that both horses and humans carry past experiences that shape behavior, trust, and resilience. Understanding the impact of trauma on the nervous system allows for healing interactions that prioritize safety, attunement, and co-regulation. We create an environment that prioritizes the relationship that both honors consent and offers choice through mutual requests for connection. This idea of choice encourages us to stay present to what is and empowers both the horses and humans to move toward emotional balance, confidence, and inner peace.

This integrative practice is not about riding or performance—it is about presence, connection, and mutual transformation. Whether seeking personal growth, emotional healing, or a deeper relationship with horses, this approach offers a nurturing space where both human and horse can heal, learn, and thrive—together.

How can I learn?
We offer private and semi-private sessions and workshops both scheduled and customized.
Please check the calendar for scheduled workshops.
For booking, questions or to set up a complimentary phone call,
please email us here at  thehealingequineranch@gmail.com

About us:
The Healing Equine Ranch, founded in 2007 by Kiki Ebsen, is a nonprofit organization located in the Santa Monica mountains of California, with a sole purpose to care for its small herd of rescued horses and share them with those who wish to learn more about them and themselves.

More about Kiki Ebsen
As a child, the horses held centerstage for Kiki’s attention. Early on she enjoyed trail riding and found success in regional competitions. She has over 6 decades of horse experience and has spent years learning with some of the top names in the world of horses, including Lester Buckley, Dave Ellis, Jim Masterson, Silvia Zerbini, and Warwick Schiller. Her lifelong dedication to these majestic animals led her to rescue several horses as she began envisioning a small sanctuary where healing could begin. Over the years, the herd has grown to nine horses and she has a close-knit bond with each of them.

With her herd in place, she created her nonprofit, The Healing Equine Ranch, in 2009 and started partnering with psychologists to provide equine therapy to local treatment centers. This experience led her to create the modality Natural Equine Interactive Growth and Healing (NEIGH). This innovative approach combines her deep understanding of horses with the ancient philosophies of yoga, natural horsemanship principles, and trauma-informed equine-assisted services, creating a space for genuine connection and mutual understanding between humans and horses. 

Through NEIGH, Kiki aims to guide others towards a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them, emphasizing the importance of being present and honoring the unique qualities of each individual, whether human or horse. 

The Healing Equine Ranch Work Spotlighted by the Women of City Club

The Women of City Club of Los Angeles nominated Kiki to be on the panel of their 2024 event, “Fuel Your Fire…The Unstoppable Woman”. This inspiring event shines a spotlight on women who are trailblazers and making an incredible impact in both the business world and their community.
 

Certifications and Ongoing Credentialing

Kiki is a registered yoga teacher (RYT500) and has additional certificates through Yoga 12 Step Recovery and Stanford Medicine's YogaX Mental Health program. Additionally, she is a Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES) certified to offer and teach specific equine bodywork techniques within the Equine Assisted Services Community. Kiki is Level 2 trained through the Natural Lifemanship Institute and is currently in the process of dual certification as both a practitioner and equine specialist (NLC-P, EP) to provide Trauma-Informed Equine Assisted Services.

"Kiki has a special talent for decoding both, human and animal energy. Her desire for the participant to come away from her clinics better is both sincere and transformative."
Patricia Mortlock, student

Read articles and watch video
Anew Body Podcast (part 1)
Anew Body Podcast (part 2)
ShoutOutLA
VoyageLA
Soluv Magazine
CSUN Sundial
Awestruck with Glozell
Malibu Times

We respectfully acknowledge the Chumash People, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We invite you to explore their culture and traditions by clicking here.