In this episode of Taking Back the Reins, host Dina Shale shares the inspiring journey behind Project Pony and The Accelerator—two groundbreaking equine-facilitated learning programmes designed to help people overcome trauma, stress, and life’s challenges. Discover how a framework born during the pandemic has evolved into a powerful path of healing, transformation, and empowerment—inside what Dina calls her “portal of transformation.”

Whether you’re curious about equine-assisted learning, thinking about becoming a facilitator, or seeking tools to step into your soul’s purpose, this episode offers wisdom, real-life stories, and encouragement to take back the reins of your own life.

In this episode of Taking Back the Reins, Deena welcomes guest Gordon Forsyth, Chair of PACT (Parents and Autistic Children Together), to explore the realities of raising and supporting neurodivergent children. Drawing from two decades of lived experience as a parent and advocate, Gordon shares openly about the challenges families face, the lessons learned through trial and error, and the power of community in finding a way forward.

Together, Deena and Gordon dive into the importance of recognising behavior as communication, shifting away from punishment toward understanding, and building environments—at home, at school, and in the wider community—where children can truly thrive. Their conversation highlights how traditional approaches like talk therapy or rigid systems often fall short, and how somatic, body-based work with horses can unlock deeper awareness and healing that words alone cannot reach.

This is an episode full of honesty, hope, and practical wisdom for parents, educators, and anyone walking alongside neurodivergent children. Whether you’re seeking support, inspiration, or simply a reminder that you are not alone, Gordon’s journey and Deena’s insights will leave you encouraged and empowered to take back the reins in your own story.

After years of study, practice, and perseverance, Dina has completed her three-year journey to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner — a milestone that has reshaped both her personal healing and her professional work with horses. In this deeply personal episode, she opens up about the struggles and setbacks along the way, the determination to keep rebuilding, and the profound sense of purpose that continues to guide her work.

Dina explains how somatic awareness — understanding the body’s language of trauma, regulation, and resilience — has changed her life and the lives of her clients. Through inspiring stories, including powerful breakthroughs from clients who could not reach certain traumas through talk therapy alone, she illustrates why body-centered healing is the “missing piece” in mental health and personal growth.

Listeners will come away with hope, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of how trauma is not a life sentence, but an opportunity to build capacity, reclaim strength, and reconnect with the present moment. Whether you’re curious about equine therapy, exploring somatics, or simply seeking inspiration for your own journey, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that healing is always possible — especially when guided by the wisdom of horses.