Equine Facilitated Learning in the Diné Community

In October, Women in Ranching supported a two-day Equine Facilitated Learning workshop through the WIR Re-grant Initiative. Held at the base of the Chuska Mountains and led by Audre Etsitty, founder of Equine Insights, the event invited board members of the local Water Users Association, an organization led by local farmers working to revitalize idle farmland, to explore the power of connection between people and horses.

For the Diné people, horses are sacred beings woven into origin stories, songs, and prayers. As Audre explained, “We are a horse culture and have always been agricultural people. According to our stories, horses possess the power to communicate with our inner being (or soul).” That deep relationship grounds the work of EFL, which uses guided interactions and observation to help participants engage in self-reflection, communication and healing.

While some know equine work as therapy which is often used for veterans or survivors of trauma, this approach is different, and Audre recognized that such offerings were not freely available or accessible to her Navajo community.  “I see it as something for everyone,” she shared. “We all face challenges. It’s about finding that inner courage to continue the important work within ourselves and our communities.”

Over two days, the group observed and worked with three horses, recognizing how their movements and behaviors reflected their own energy, emotions, and thoughts. “It’s not therapy,” she explained. “It’s self-driven. It’s a conversation between you and the horse.”

Those conversations were powerful. Some participants worked through grief, others physical limitations or burnout. “Every time I do this, it’s different,” Audre said. “Each horse brings something new to the surface.”

As both a Navajo woman, Diné speaker and equine science professional, she combines cultural understanding and horse work. “In our way, we refer to ourselves as the five-fingered holy people — beings with self-awareness. Horses have the power to know our intentions and speak directly to our inner being,” she said.

The workshop marked an important step toward building culturally grounded wellness programs in the community. “When we redirect the conversation and create space without judgment, people can explore their experiences without stigma,” she reflected. “That’s empowering.”