We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Taylor Gould. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Taylor below.

Taylor, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

I was working with a woman who had recently experienced a devastating pregnancy loss. She was overwhelmed in grief, and she found traditional therapy wasn’t providing the solace she needed. When she emailed me about our Equine Wellness Support Sessions, she was conflicted because she was nervous and unsure about what would happen during our session. Once I explained to her why horses are used in programs like ours, she just had to come out. During one of our equine wellness support sessions, she connected deeply with one of our horses, Tanga. When she came for our first session, I had her do a simple 1:1 session with Tanga – as she stood beside the horse, brushing her coat, you could see the change in her demeanor. You could see the significant change as she began to share her pain and sorrow.

Tanga, sensing her distress, stood quietly and offered her support. In that moment, I saw the profound empathy and connection that can exist between a person and a horse. This experience not only helped her begin to heal but also transformed my understanding of Equine Wellness Support.

Being able to witness their beautiful connection between both Tanga and our client – I realized there and then that this was the field I was meant to be in – underscoring the importance of empathy and the incredible capacity of horses to help us navigate the deepest of human emotions. This experience was pivotal, inspiring me to dedicate my career to supporting others through their healing journeys with the compassionate presence of horses.

Taylor, 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?

Hey, my name is Taylor!

My journey into this incredible field of Equine Wellness Support is deeply personal and profoundly transformative. I came into this profession after experiencing five devastating pregnancy losses – in a span of 3 years.

I had tried to find an emotional outlet, and found that traditional therapy didn’t offer the support I was looking for. But my horses did. My passion for horses and my educational background helped me recognize the profound need for alternative forms of healing especially in rural communities where “Pregnancy losses” are taboo subject.

My passion for continuing my education lead me down a path of becoming a “Certified Equine Assisted Support practitioner” – a program where I was able to combine my education as well as my Social Services background to create a program to help others. GouldWood Meadows became my baby and became passion.

I know what it is like being in a dark place after going through such a traumatic experience as a pregnancy loss. I know the experience of going through a pregnancy loss alone without family – I will forever be grateful for my husband being there for me – my horses are probably one of the few reasons I am still here today.

The healing power horses have, is absoueltly incredible – their gentle, intuitive nature provided a form of comfort and understanding that words could not. Horses have a remarkable ability to sense and respond to human emotions, offering non-judgmental support and companionship. This unique connection with horses not only helped me heal but also inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others find the same solace and strength through equine wellness support.

I knew I had to create a safe haven for other women, a place where they wouldn’t feel alone. A home away from home, a place free of judgment.

At GouldWood Meadows, we offer a wide range of Equine Wellness support services designed to promote emotional and spiritual healing. Our main offerings include:

Equine Wellness Retreats: Immersive experiences that combine nature, meditation, and horse healing to facilitate deep personal growth and healing.

One-on-One Equine Wellness Support Sessions: Personalized sessions tailored to address individual emotional and personal needs.

Workshops and Group Sessions: Programs designed to help groups of indivdiuals, including those dealing with grief, trauma, or stress, find healing together.

Educational Programs: Courses and seminars that educate participants about the benefits of equine wellness support and how to integrate it into various healing practices.

We specialize in supporting individuals who are struggling with PTSD, CPTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and other emotional or personal challenges. Our programs are particularly beneficial for those who have experienced pregnancy loss or other forms of trauma.

By facilitating a connection with horses, we help our clients:

Develop emotional resilience and coping mechanisms.

Enhance their sense of self-awareness and mindfulness.

Experience non-judgmental acceptance and support.

Find a safe space to express and process their emotions.

What sets GouldWood Meadows apart is our deep commitment to empathy and personalized care. Having personally experienced profound losses, I bring a unique perspective and understanding to my work.

Our programs are not just about healing; they are about creating a nurturing and supportive environment where clients can genuinely connect with themselves and the horses.

I am incredibly proud of the safe, healing space we’ve created for our clients. Seeing individuals transform through their interactions with horses is the most rewarding aspect of my work. The profound moments of connection and healing I witness daily affirm the importance and effectiveness of equine wellness support.

I would love for our Clients and/or potential clients to realize that my personal experience has equipped me with the ability to have empathy and understanding to support others in their healing journeys.

We integrate the healing power of horses with mindfulness and nature to promote holistic wellness. We offer dedicated support, our programs are designed to address the unique needs of each individual, ensuring personalized and effective support. We offer a Safe and Nurturing Environment, where we provide a non-judgmental, compassionate space where clients can explore and heal their deepest emotions.

If you’re looking for a transformative healing experience that combines the wisdom of horses with empathetic support, I invite you to join us here at GouldWood Meadows.

Together, we can navigate your healing journey and find the peace and strength within. Your journey may be challenging, but with the support of our equine partners, healing and growth are possible.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most harrowing experiences of my life was going through an ectopic pregnancy. It was a time of immense physical pain – I found myself immersed in emotions by the fact that I received little to no support from the hospital staff. Instead of being surrounded by compassionate care, I found myself in a cold, clinical environment where I had to advocate for my own medical needs. The feeling of isolation and helplessness was overwhelming, yet it was in this moment of profound vulnerability that my inner strength began to surface.

The ordeal forced me to become my own advocate, demanding the attention and care that any patient in my condition rightfully deserved. This was not an easy task. Being in severe pain and emotionally shattered, I had to summon every ounce of strength to ensure my voice was heard. It was a harsh realization that the healthcare system often falls short in providing the necessary support during such critical times. My experience made it painfully clear that no woman should ever have to endure what I went through alone and unsupported by hospital staff.

Surviving this traumatic event transformed my perspective on postpartum care and pregnancy loss. It fueled a deep-seated passion within me to make a difference. I knew that I needed to use my experience to help other women, to ensure they receive the compassion and understanding that was so lacking in my own journey. This led me to become a dedicated advocate for improved postpartum practices, particularly for mothers who have experienced a loss.

I began educating myself extensively on postpartum care and the unique challenges faced by women after a pregnancy loss. I started sharing my story, hoping to shed light on the gaps in the healthcare system and to encourage other women to advocate for themselves. Through workshops, support groups, and one-on-one sessions, I aimed to provide the empathy and support that I had so desperately needed. My goal was to create a safe space where women could heal, both physically and emotionally, without feeling alone or judged.

Looking back, my resilience through that dark period not only shaped my advocacy but also reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact. I am now more determined than ever to educate healthcare professionals about the importance of compassionate care and to empower women to speak up for their needs. The journey has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.
Helping others navigate their healing journeys and witnessing their strength and recovery has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life. My story is a testament to the power of resilience and the profound impact that horses, empathy and advocacy can have on the lives of those who are suffering.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, the most crucial factors for succeeding in the field of equine wellness has to be experience, having empathy and compassion. While having theoretical understanding and formal education provides a strong foundation, it is the hands-on experience with horses and clients that truly refines a practitioner’s skills. Working directly with horses over time deepens one’s understanding of their behavior, body language, and individual needs. This practical experience ensures that we can safely and effectively incorporate horses into therapeutic settings, creating a seamless and beneficial experience for all involved.

Experience also plays a pivotal role in understanding the nuances of human emotions and reactions in healing. Each client’s journey is unique, and the ability to draw from past experiences helps practitioners tailor their approach to meet individual needs. This adaptability and depth of understanding come from years of working with diverse clients and observing the varied ways in which they interact with horses. It allows for a more personalized and impactful healing process, as practitioners can anticipate and respond to the subtleties of each client’s emotional state.

Equally important is the ability to empathize with our clients. Many individuals that are seeking equine wellness support are dealing with profound emotional challenges, such as trauma, grief, or loss. Empathy involves not only understanding and sharing the feelings of others but also demonstrating genuine compassion and support. This empathetic connection is essential in building trust and facilitating healing. Clients need to feel heard, understood, and valued, which is the cornerstone of any effective healing relationship. Without empathy, even the most technically proficient practitioners might struggle to achieve meaningful breakthroughs with their clients.

Empathy extends beyond our human clients to include our equine partners. Recognizing and respecting the emotions and needs of horses fosters a harmonious and responsive interaction. Horses are highly sensitive to human emotions, and a practitioner who can empathize with a horse can better understand its cues and responses. This mutual respect and understanding between humans and horses enhance the therapeutic experience, making it more effective and transformative. It ensures that the horses are willing and cooperative partners in the healing process, rather than just passive participants.

Ultimately, the combination of experience and empathy is what truly sets apart successful practitioners in this field. Experience provides the practical know-how and adaptability needed to handle diverse situations, while empathy builds the deep, trusting relationships that are crucial for an effective connection. Together, these qualities create a holistic approach to equine wellness support that respects and nurtures both human and equine participants, leading to profound and lasting healing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gouldwoodmeadows.ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gouldwoodmeadows
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gouldwoodmeadows

Image Credits

All photos are taken by Taylor Gould – With GouldWood Meadows.