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.

In this special episode of Taking Back the Reins, Dina welcomes Mel Malcolm, a devoted listener who traveled all the way from New Zealand to connect in person. Mel opens up about her journey — from growing up on a farm, facing life challenges, and experiencing a mental health crisis, to discovering the healing power of horses. Her story is both deeply personal and universally inspiring, showing how equine therapy can help us reconnect with ourselves, release trauma, and rediscover joy.

Together, Dina and Mel explore the magic of working with horses, the importance of somatic healing, and how animals mirror back to us the lessons we most need to learn. Mel also shares her dreams for the future, her passion for wild horses, and her vision of helping others through equine-facilitated learning.

Whether you’re curious about equine therapy, seeking inspiration for your own healing journey, or simply love hearing transformational stories, this episode is a beautiful reminder that growth and recovery are always possible — especially when we let horses guide the way.

Did you know that your energy, emotions,

and mindset directly affect your horse? Horses are incredibly sensitive to

our non-verbal cues, heart rate, and emotional state—meaning that how you feel

and think can shape your horse’s behaviour and connection with you.

In this episode, I dive into:

✅ How horses mirror

our energy and emotions

✅ The science

behind Heart Math and how your heart rate influences your horse

✅ Practical

exercises to create a calm, connected, and trusting partnership

✅ Mindset shifts

that transform your relationship with your horse

If you’ve ever felt like your horse reacts

differently when you’re stressed or unsure, this episode is for you! Tune in to

learn how small changes in your mindset can lead to huge breakthroughs

in your horse’s behaviour.

🔗 Listen

Now & Subscribe

🎧 YouTube:

https://www.YouTube.com/TheWayOfTheHorse

🌎 Website:

www.thewayofthehorse.co.uk

(http://www.thewayofthehorse.co.uk/) www.rescueranchuk.co.uk

(http://www.rescueranchuk.co.uk/)

Let’s connect!

📸 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/TheWayOfTheHorse_

📘 Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TheWayOfTheHorse

🎤 If you

loved this episode, share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social

media—I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Would you like me to tweak anything before

you post? 😊

Workplace stress, burnout, and disengagement are more common than ever—but what if the key to a thriving team isn’t more policies, but more understanding? In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be trauma-informed in the workplace and why it’s essential for creating a culture of safety, trust, and resilience.

Join me as we break down the signs of trauma in workplace behavior, discuss how stress impacts teams, and share practical steps leaders and employees can take to create a healthier, more productive work environment.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ What it means to be trauma-informed in a professional setting

✔️ How unrecognized trauma impacts communication, productivity, and team dynamics

✔️ Simple strategies to create a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and supported

✔️ The role of leadership in fostering emotional intelligence and well-being

✔️ How animals and nature teach us about resilience and stress management

✨ If you’re a business owner, manager, or someone who wants to foster a more compassionate and effective workplace, this episode is for you.

📢 Ready to bring trauma-informed training to your organization? Let’s chat!

Kind Regards,

Dina Shale

Founder & Director

Tel: 07714 269218

Email: thewayofthehorse2015@gmail.com

Website: www.thewayofthehorse.co.uk (http://www.thewayofthehorse.co.uk/) www.rescueranchuk.co.uk (http://www.rescueranchuk.co.uk/)

https://www.facebook.com/TheWayOfTheHorse

https://www.facebook.com/RescueRanchUK

In this heartfelt episode, I share the inspiring journey of working with Client A, who recently completed a somatic healing process. Together, we worked through discharging the stored 'charge' from her nervous system, allowing her to embody a profound sense of change and transformation. I reflect on how powerful and emotional this experience was, not just for her but for me as her guide. Join me as I discuss the process, the impact of this breakthrough, and why somatic healing continues to amaze me.

What You’ll Learn:

1. What it means to discharge the ‘charge’ in the nervous system and why this is crucial for healing.

2. How somatic processes help clients embody lasting change and resilience.

3. Insights into the deep connection between facilitator and client during transformational moments.

4. Why addressing the body, not just the mind, is vital in healing trauma and emotional pain.

5. How equine-facilitated therapy amplifies the effects of somatic healing.

6. The joy and fulfillment of witnessing clients reconnect with themselves and their bodies.

Final Words:

Client A’s journey is a reminder of the profound power of somatic healing. Watching her embrace transformation and feeling her newfound balance inspires me to continue sharing this work. If you’re curious about releasing stored stress and truly embodying change, reach out or explore our programs. Healing is possible, and I’d love to help you experience it too.

In this episode, I share insights from my recent training in London, where I deepened my understanding of somatic healing and how it applies to equine-facilitated therapy. We’ll explore how horses use their bodies somatically to process stress, regulate their nervous systems, and maintain balance—offering powerful lessons for our own well-being. Discover why these natural processes are transformative for clients working through trauma, anxiety, and emotional blocks, and how somatic awareness can enhance your connection to yourself and others.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The key principles of somatic healing and how the body processes stress.

2. How horses instinctively regulate their nervous systems and what we can learn from their behavior.

3. The science behind why somatic techniques work for trauma recovery.

4. How equine-facilitated therapy integrates somatic practices for mental and emotional healing.

5. Practical examples of how these insights have benefited clients dealing with ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and grief.

6. Why somatic awareness is a vital tool for reconnecting with your body and building resilience.

Final Words:

Horses are incredible teachers, showing us how to live in the moment, process emotions, and heal through the wisdom of our bodies. This episode invites you to embrace their lessons and explore how somatic practices can transform your life. If you’re curious about how equine therapy can help you or want to learn more, reach out or join one of our programs.

Let’s start your healing journey together!