We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Jarzynski recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Over the course of your career, have you seen or experienced your field completely flip-flop or change course on something?

In the early days of my professional journey with horses back in 2005, the community was a close-knit enclave. We were pioneers in an emerging field, with the American Hippotherapy Association freshly branching off from what was then NARHA, now known as PATH Intl. This separation in 2003 marked the beginning of a new chapter.

Fast-forward two decades to 2023, and the landscape has undergone a seismic shift. The field is vibrant, teeming not only with just practitioners, but also trainers, instructors, and coaches, all dedicated to the healing synergy between humans and horses. The transformation is palpable; where once I stood among a handful, I now find myself amidst a thriving multitude.

Amidst this expansion, we’ve witnessed lines blur and new terminologies emerge as each individual strives to carve out their niche. While precision in language and definitions is vital, especially within the medical community, it’s crucial we do not eclipse the core tenets of our profession. The Hippocratic Oath’s guiding principle, “First, do no harm,” must extend to include our noble equine partners.

As we navigate this period of unprecedented growth, I urge my peers to maintain a dual-focused intention—on the well-being of both our human clients and our horse companions. With this mindset, I am confident that what lies ahead is not just growth but a horizon of endless possibilities. The field is ripe for innovation, for compassionate practice, and for a shared journey of healing that honors the contributions of our equine friends as much as it does our human aspirations.

Melissa , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Welcome to a brief chapter in my life’s narrative. With 19 years under my belt as a physical therapist partnering with horses, I’ve nurtured an alliance with horses that has significantly uplifted many lives. My trail has been carved with notable milestones:

Board Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist
Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning with PATH Intl.
Equine Specialist with EAGALA
Reiki Master
Trauma-Informed Stretching Practitioner

These accolades, while cherished, are simply markers along a much grander journey.

It was an internship in graduate school that cast a spotlight on my true calling, intertwining therapeutic practice with the healing essence of horses. This calling transcended a mere professional choice—it was a destiny, a heart’s echo.

For me, horses are not just partners; they are healers. As someone who has traversed the path from trauma to healing, I’ve experienced firsthand the restorative embrace of these noble beings. They offered me a haven, a starting point for my healing odyssey—a path paved with self-forgiveness and discovery.

This profound realization struck after 2020—I needed to reach out to the guardians of my young clients. Thus, “Finding Peace in the Paddock™” was born, initially intended for these parents but quickly expanding to all who felt the call.

The course is anchored in cardiac coherence and co-regulation principles, a research-backed approach demonstrating the profound impact a horse’s heart rate can have on a human’s. After 2020’s collective trauma, as echoed by the insightful Dr. Gabor Maté, a path to re-regulation became essential.

“Finding Peace in the Paddock” isn’t merely an equine course; it’s a profound dive into self-awareness, steered by the empathetic resonance of our equine guides. Discover the unique power of this course and embark on your serene journey at your own rhythm, under the guidance of a professional versed in the delicate interplay between physical well-being and internal tranquility.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

In the realm of healthcare, we are often guided by clinical parameters—critical for safe practice, yet sometimes restrictive. As a medical provider, my education was built around these rigid structures, leaving little room for the subtle nuances that experience and wisdom can impart. However, with time, I unearthed the value of intuition, the silent whisper of insight that often dwells beyond the bounds of conventional medicine. I learned that unboxing myself from the strictures of clinical protocols could lead to transformative outcomes. Now, I allow my intuition to lead, checking it against the standard procedures. This subtle shift—this ‘twist’—has often been the cradle of the most profound healing moments.

Parallel to this, in my horsemanship journey, I had to dismantle the long-held belief that I must dominate as the ‘alpha’. This notion, steeped in outdated research, lingered in training methods I was once familiar with. The unlearning process revealed a profound truth: partnership, not dominance, is the cornerstone of true horsemanship. Embracing horses as equal partners rather than mere instruments has profoundly enhanced the healing work we do together. It’s a dance of mutual respect that allows for a balanced nurturing of all souls involved—human and horse alike

Any advice for managing a team?

Nurturing a team brimming with high morale is an art I’ve come to appreciate deeply. The secret? Authenticity. In my observations of admired leaders and through my own experiences, I’ve recognized that authenticity fosters a culture of mutual support and respect. When you lead with genuineness, even in a position of authority, it resonates with your team, inspiring them to rally behind a shared vision.

The heart of team morale lies in recognizing each individual’s worth. It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating value with bonuses or material rewards. While these are appreciated, they can miss the mark. True appreciation is demonstrated through acknowledgment and visibility—seeing and valuing your team members for their unique contributions. Leaders falter when they fail to shed their ‘armor’, to connect on a human level. Without this connection, staff and volunteers may feel overlooked, no matter the material recognition they receive. Strive to make your team feel seen, and morale will naturally soar.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissajeanpt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaJeanPT/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-jarzynski-mspt-hpcs-857b5028
• Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/melissajeanpt/

Image Credits
The first photograph of myself and the horse should give credit to Kristen Vallejo photography.