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Dr. Veronica Lac, founder of The HERD Institute, challenges traditional norms in favor of a more inclusive, relational approach—one that prioritizes attunement, adaptability, and social equity in healing with horses.

🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why the dominant equine therapy model falls short—and what needs to change✅ How cultural competency shapes the horse-human relationship in ways most practitioners overlook✅ The power of language in equine-facilitated work—why words like “using” horses subtly reinforce outdated hierarchies✅ What it truly means to “partner” with horses—moving beyond tools and techniques to a more ethical, embodied approach✅ How belonging, social justice, and equine therapy intersect—and why this conversation is long overdue

⏳ Episode Breakdown

00:00 | Introduction & WelcomeJosh and Victoria introduce Dr. Veronica Lac and set the stage for a deep conversation about equine therapy beyond technique.

01:55 | Veronica's Personal Journey with HorsesDr. Lac shares her early experiences with horses, the cultural significance of equine relationships, and how her background shaped her approach.

08:17 | The Role of Embodiment in Equine TherapyA discussion on how working with horses is deeply embodied and how this principle shapes The HERD Institute’s model.

12:32 | Cultural Competency & Power Dynamics in HorsemanshipDr. Lac breaks down how cultural experiences shape interactions with horses and why traditional training methods often fail to consider these nuances.

21:14 | Moving Beyond Technique: Why Attunement MattersWhy a flexible, attunement-based approach is more effective than rigid exercises in equine therapy.

31:20 | Horses as Partners, Not ToolsChallenging the dominant mindset of "using" horses and shifting toward a true partnership model.

39:18 | Belonging, Social Justice & Equine TherapyHow systemic change in the industry ties into broader conversations about diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

44:51 | Creating Change: The HERD Institute’s VisionHow The HERD Institute is actively working to shift the paradigm of equine-assisted therapy through education and community building.

51:10 | Final Reflections & How to ConnectDr. Lac shares final thoughts and invites listeners to explore The HERD Institute’s programs, books, and resources.

🔥 Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Dr. Veronica Lac doesn’t just challenge the status quo—she offers a roadmap for change. This episode is an invitation to rethink how we engage with horses in therapeutic spaces. Are we truly honoring their agency? Or are we still centering human needs at their expense?

📚 Grab Veronica’s book: Obviously, I'm Not From Here—Embodying a Sense of Belonging with the Help of Horses, It's Not About The Activity—Thinking Outside The Toolbox In Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy & Learning, & MORE! Get Books Here

📍 Explore The HERD Institute’s groundbreaking work & Resources: herdinstitute.com

🎧 Tune in, join the conversation, and step into a new era of healing, connection, and purpose.

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PS—When You're Ready...

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