top of page
Wild Icelandic Horses

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.

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Linkedin
Melissa Costello with her horse partner

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.

Woman doing equine assisted learning with a horse
7A4F1165-CBBD-40C9-93ED-D2170FDDABF1.jpeg

Equine Inspired Coaching Offerings:

(All offerings take place at a private ranch in Beautiful Santa Barbara, CA)

Equine Inspired Coaching: 

A Journey of Self-Discovery,

Healing and Alignment

Step into a powerful, healing partnership with Melissa and her equine co-facilitators—where transformation begins through presence, connection, and truth.

In these sessions, you’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the limiting beliefs, emotional patterns, and inner narratives that may be keeping you stuck or disconnected from your fullest expression.

 

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, overwhelm, trauma, or simply seeking clarity and direction, this work meets you exactly where you are.

With the support of the horse’s intuitive feedback, you’ll begin to uncover where you may be out of alignment—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—so that lasting shifts can occur from the inside out.

 

Each session is a sacred space to slow down, connect, and gently peel back the layers that keep you from living the life your heart truly desires.

Melissa’s background in Spiritual Psychology and advanced Equine Facilitated Learning allows her to bring a unique, multidimensional approach to each session.

 

Whether you choose a private session, group session or immersion experience, your time with Melissa and the horses will leave you feeling connected, inspired and clear. 


No horse experience is necessary—just an open heart and a willingness to explore.

Sacred Horse Sister Circle:

A Healing Space for Women

to Rise Together 

If you're craving deep, authentic connection with like-hearted women and the healing presence of horses, this circle was created for you.

 

Join Melissa and her equine partners in a safe, supportive space where you'll be gently guided to release old wounds, build self-trust, and shift the patterns that have kept you playing small.

 

Together, in sacred sisterhood, we gather in honesty, celebration, and compassion—honoring each woman’s journey exactly as it is.

 

Whether you're navigating a life transition, seeking clarity, or simply longing for soulful connection, you’ll find a space here to be seen, held, and empowered.

This is your time to reclaim your voice, your power, and your truth—and to step into the fullest expression of who you are.

 

No horse experience necessary—just a willingness to show up as you are.

Let the wisdom of the horse and the strength of sisterhood support your healing and growth.

 

Click below to learn more, see upcoming dates, and explore our circle themes.

what people are saying...

woman with horse doing equine therapy

"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

woman with horse doing equine therapy

​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

Ready to begin your Transformational Journey?

We help women experience profound transformation by partnering with horses through workshops, retreats and private or group coaching.

Subscribe to Stay in The Know about Retreats, Events and Horse Happenings. Don’t miss out!

Copyright 2025 Heal with Horses SB with Melissa Costello

Heal with horses logo
bottom of page