EP#04 | Meet Taylor Tatum, a backcountry trail-riding-focused horse trainer, believes in laying strong foundations in the arena to ensure success on the trail.

In this episode, Emma and Taylor discuss the deep connection between humans and horses, how equine-facilitated mental health (EFMH) is changing therapy, and the parallels between horse and human psychology. 

Taylor shares insights on herd dynamics, the importance of trust and leadership, and how working with horses can help individuals recognize their own emotional patterns. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or simply curious about the therapeutic power of animals, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.

About the Guest:

Taylor Tatum, Horse Trainer & Equine-Facilitated Mental Health Specialist

Taylor Tatum is a horse trainer specializing in backcountry trail riding and equine-facilitated mental health (EFMH). With a deep understanding of equine behavior, she uses gentle, empathetic methods to build trust and clear communication between horses and humans.

She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Counseling, specializing in equine-assisted therapy, and is passionate about using horses to help others heal.

Outside of training, Taylor enjoys exploring the wilderness on horseback, photography, videography, and sharing her journey as a western lifestyle and wellness influencer.

About the Animals:

Horses are intelligent, social herd animals that rely on trust and leadership for survival.

Their ability to mirror human emotions makes them powerful partners in therapy, helping people recognize stress, anxiety, and emotional patterns.

Equine-facilitated mental health (EFMH) leverages this connection, allowing individuals to process emotions through mindful interaction with horses.

Episode Takeaways:

1. Horses reflect human emotions and behaviors, making them powerful partners in therapy.

2. Observing herd dynamics can reveal insights into human social interactions and leadership.

3. Equine-facilitated mental health (EFMH) helps individuals recognize anxiety, boundaries, and self-awareness.

4. Rescue horses in therapy: The debate around using trauma-affected horses in mental health work.

5. Trust-building and leadership in horsemanship have direct parallels to personal growth.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Taylor Tatum and her journey in horsemanship
• [00:02:00] How Emma and Taylor met through Mikko’s Choice CBD products
• [00:05:00] Rescuing Ruger: Taylor’s first horse and its impact on her career
• [00:09:00] Understanding horse psychology and training reactive horses
• [00:14:00] Rehoming vs. keeping horses: The emotional complexities
• [00:24:00] Equine-facilitated mental health: How horses help humans heal
• [00:29:00] The importance of mindfulness and boundaries in working with horses
• [00:38:00] Leadership, trust, and human-horse relationships in therapy
• [00:46:00] The controversy around using rescue horses in equine therapy
• [00:56:00] How horses help people understand their emotions and body awareness

Quotes

1. “Horses are social herd animals. They’re designed to be in connection. You could argue the same thing about humans.” – Taylor Tatum

2. “If you can practice asking for what you need in a safe environment with a horse, it becomes easier in everyday life.” – Taylor Tatum

3. “Every horse has a different personality. Some engage, some don’t—just like people.” – Emma Davis

4. “When a horse reacts, it’s not personal—it’s about survival. Understanding that can change how we approach our own fears and anxieties.” – Emma Davis

Resources:

1. Do Your Groundwork

2. Taylor’s Instagram

3. Groundwork Collective Instagram

4. Mikko’s Choice

5. Human Animal’s Podcast YouTube