About Me
Hi, I'm Nicole-
Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was born into a family with a long history of owning and riding horses, and horsemanship has been woven into our family story for generations. Growing up around horses gave me a sense of safety, connection, and belonging that became especially meaningful as I navigated a childhood marked by trauma.
As an adult, I continue to heal from complex PTSD, and horses have remained a steady source of support, grounding, and emotional restoration. Their presence helped me rebuild trust, soothe my nervous system, and reconnect with my own inner strength. This personal healing journey is a core reason I feel called to share the comfort and stability horses can offer others.
My understanding of the therapeutic power of horses also deepened through my experience as a parent. My daughter was diagnosed with a mild form of cerebral palsy, and therapeutic horseback riding was one of the first treatments recommended to help her build balance, core strength, and confidence. I spent years participating in her lessons and witnessing firsthand how horses support physical and emotional development for children with special needs.
During this time, I also volunteered at a local riding school for disabled children, which further strengthened my appreciation for the sensitivity, adaptability, and healing presence of horses.
As the founder of Phoenix Rising Equine Therapy, I bring together over 35 years of hands-on horse experience with a compassionate understanding of what it means to seek healing. My certified miniature therapy horses, Firefly and Ember, along with my heart horse Beau, offer gentle companionship and emotional comfort to individuals of all ages.
My background also includes training in energy-based healing modalities, which I integrate in a subtle and grounded way. Though sessions don’t require a spiritual experience, I do encourage an openness to working with energy, as I wholeheartedly believe that energy is the language horses understand and respond to most deeply. My approach is always accessible, welcoming, and tailored to each person’s comfort level.
Through Phoenix Rising Equine Therapy, I’m dedicated to bringing the healing power of horse interaction to hospitals, assisted living communities, memory care homes, schools, private residences, and wellness settings. My mission is simple: to offer comfort, connection, and moments of peace through the gentle wisdom of horses.