How equine-assisted therapy is changing lives in Park City

Photo: credit Alejandra Lara

PARK CITY, Utah — For Alejandra Lara, horses have always been more than animals; they have been a bridge—to her culture, purpose, and community. Through her work with horses and mindfulness, Lara introduces others to the transformative power of equine-assisted services, helping individuals foster self-awareness, connection, and healing.

Lara, who immigrated to the United States from Chile 28 years ago, said her journey into equine-assisted services began when she arrived in Park City without financial resources, community, or English proficiency. Volunteering at the National Ability Center’s equestrian program, she was drawn to the therapeutic potential of human-horse interactions.

“I grew up with horses. They were our transportation, our best friends, our sport. But I had never seen someone in a wheelchair getting on a horse,” Lara said. “That opened my eyes to how horses could help people in ways I hadn’t considered before.”

Lara founded Park City Horse Experience to expand equine-assisted services beyond traditional therapeutic riding programs. Her approach incorporates mindfulness, embodied presence, and nonverbal communication. Over the years, she has worked with diverse participants, including veterans, individuals on the autism spectrum, corporate teams, and medical professionals.

“At its core, this work is about being present—learning to notice the nonverbal language of others, how we impact those around us, and how we enter into relationships from a place of embodied presence,” she said. “For doctors and nurses, for example, the takeaway is often realizing how much more meaningful patient interactions can be when they focus on being present, rather than just going through the motions.”

Lara incorporates elements of mindfulness, a practice she deepened through a two-year certification program with renowned meditation teachers Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. She integrates breathwork, sensory awareness, and natural elements into her sessions, encouraging participants to expand their understanding of their surroundings.

“We pay attention to everything—the wind, the birds, even a rabbit passing by,” Lara said. “Horses live in this heightened state of awareness all the time, and they invite us to do the same. It’s about learning to be present in a way that helps us navigate life more fully.”

One of Lara’s most memorable sessions involved a woman struggling with self-worth and uncertainty about her next steps in life. During an exercise, she attempted to lead a horse forward, but the animal refused to move. Lara guided her through a reflection on her inner fears and limiting beliefs. When the woman acknowledged her self-doubt, the horse immediately relaxed, took a deep breath, and followed her without resistance.

“Horses pick up on our internal state in a way that’s incredibly powerful,” Lara said. “That moment was a real breakthrough for her, realizing how much our thoughts shape our ability to move forward in life.”

Lara’s personal experiences also shape her work. As a veteran’s mother, she has seen firsthand the effects of trauma and stress. Her practice with horses has helped her remain present and grounded for her son, who served two combat tours in Afghanistan.

“If I didn’t have this practice of stillness and attunement, I wouldn’t have been able to be there for him in the way he needed,” she said.

Recognizing the growing demand for equine-assisted services, Lara recently transitioned from running Park City Horse Experience as a solo venture to Executive Director of Equellness Center, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote mental fitness and personal growth through equine-assisted services and wellness programs.

“The need for this work became even more evident during the pandemic. People were looking for ways to reconnect with themselves and with nature,” she said. “By expanding into a nonprofit, we can reach more people—veterans, first responders, trauma survivors, and children—through a team-based approach.”

Equellness Center promotes mental fitness and personal growth through equine-assisted activities and innovative wellness programs. The organization works with children, adults, and individuals facing life’s challenges, creating a safe and inclusive space for healing.

“At Equellness Center, we’re building a community where people feel valued and supported,” Lara said. “Horses have an incredible ability to help individuals develop resilience, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Through our programs, we’re helping people reconnect with themselves and create lasting change.”

Looking ahead, Lara hopes participants walk away with a deeper connection to themselves and a renewed sense of trust in their intuition.

“Horses have an electromagnetic field that influences those around them, and their heart rhythms are naturally slower than ours,” she said. “Just being near them can bring our nervous system into a state of calm. That’s not just beneficial for those dealing with trauma—it’s something we can all use in our fast-paced world.”