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with horses as your healing guides
Go on a Journey of Self-Discovery
Based in Santa Barbara, CA
Guiding Women Back to Their Power, With the Wisdom of the Horse
Hi, I’m Melissa.
I support mid-life women in reclaiming their confidence, reconnecting to their inner truth, and creating more meaningful, soul-aligned lives—through the healing presence of horses and a holistic approach that honors mind, body, and spirit.
As a certified Equine Facilitated Learning Coach through the HERD Institute, and Certified Counselor of Spiritual Psychology through the University of Santa Monica, I combine deep insight, somatic awareness, and the intuitive wisdom of the horse to help you break free from old stories, limiting beliefs, and patterns that no longer serve you.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or simply yearning for something more—this work is a powerful invitation to come home to yourself.
Together—with my horse partners—we’ll create a safe, supportive space where you can release what’s been holding you back and move into the next chapter of your life feeling grounded, empowered, and deeply aligned with what matters most.
No horse experience is needed. All sessions are done safely on the ground, with horses at liberty.
Why Horses for Healing....
Why Horses Are Ideal Partners For Healing
Because horses are intuitive beings who react to our body language and non-verbal cues, they provide a non-judgemental space of support to help you work through any life challenges you may be facing.
Horses are herd animals and have different personalities, moods, and demeanors. Even though horses are prey animals, their ability to trust and interact with us makes them a powerful source of healing, including helping to relieve anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, and more.
Identify And Shift Negative Patterns
Come to each session open and curious. When you are with your horse partner in their own environment, you will feel more present, connected and open to the possibilities in front of you, so you can move forward in an empowering way. You will be able to quiet your mind and make decisions from your heart that lead you to more fulfilling outcomes.
Walk away feeling more grounded, peaceful, confident, and clear about the steps you need to implement to finally make the change you crave.
Gain Fresh Insights for Growth + Healing
Horses reflect where you are out of alignment. If a horse walks away when you approach it, what is your reaction? What is the story you tell yourself when this happens, and how does this show up in your everyday interactions with others?
These insights are foundational for your transformation, as we look to the horse as a metaphor for our life's journey.
How to Work With Your Horse Partners
Horses are your partners in the healing process. Both the horses and humans always have a choice and will not be asked to do anything they don’t feel comfortable with. This creates a mutually respectful partnership that can lead to a profound and organic connection.
By not using tack or equipment, the horses are given the choice to move about freely. By observing and respecting their boundaries, you too will learn to set your own. This allows for new insights into your current behavior.
Equine Inspired Coaching Offerings:
(All offerings take place at a private ranch in Beautiful Santa Barbara, CA)
1
Equine Partnered Coaching Private Sessions
In these sessions, you’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery, with the horses and Melissa as your gentle guides. Together we will explore the limiting beliefs, emotional patterns, and inner narratives that may be keeping you stuck or disconnected from your fullest expression. You will walk away from your session feeling connected, inspired and clear. Great for families and couples.
2
Held By Horses Workshop for Women
If you’re longing for deep authentic connection—with yourself, with like-hearted women, and with the natural world—this workshop is for you. In this intimate workshop, you'll be invited to slow down, breathe, and come home to your true self. Through guided somatic practices, time with horses on the ground, and sacred circle sharing, you’ll leave feeling grounded, open-hearted, and more connected to your truth.
3
Sacred Pause Half-Day Immersion with Horses
Sacred Pause is a half-day, deeply immersive somatic healing experience with horses, designed for women in midlife seeking emotional clarity, embodied wisdom and soul re-connection. Led by Melissa Costello, Equine Partnered Coach and Counselor of Spiritual Psychology, you’ll engage in gentle, guided interactions with horses—no riding involved—where these intuitive beings become mirrors for your internal world
what people are saying...
"I was deeply moved when I didn’t expect to be. I saw others moved which was also unexpected. I felt safe in many vulnerable moments. My journey with horses continues and it’s nice when it’s punctuated with these kinds of meaningful experiences.
— Lynn H, Nourish Your Soul Participant
Melissa, Diana, and the beautifully loving horses created an experience that was deeply healing and inspiring. So grateful for their care in assuring an opportunity for safe, profound, and compassionate connection.
— Caitlyn, Nourish Your Soul Participant