Meet The Equine Team
Here's who you will be working with during equine therapy treatment at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center.
Our Equine Therapy Program
Equine Therapy at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center is a structured, evidence-informed treatment approach that uses meaningful interactions between patients and horses to support emotional and psychological healing.
Under the guidance of licensed therapists trained in Equine-Assisted Therapy, patients engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, leading, and groundwork—each tailored to specific therapeutic goals. Because horses are highly sensitive to the emotions and body language of those around them, they serve as honest, non-judgmental partners who provide immediate feedback that deepens self-awareness.
Our Equine Therapy sessions are held in a serene Orange County setting that encourages calm, reflection, and focus on recovery.
Learn more about equine therapy at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center.
Our Equine Therapy Team:
LCSW
Sue came to equine work later in her career. Upon finding the wisdom of horses, she was quickly finding ways to bring this work to her clients. Her horse, Mateo, has been her greatest teacher about horses but also about how to establish relationships, the power of two way communication, trust and the magic of going slow.
Over her 30 year career there has been nothing more exciting than partnering with horses in the therapeutic process. Horses can truly heal in ways other humans can always do.
Equine Specialist
Deanne has been a horse owner for over 20 years. Her understanding of the gift horses give us through their peaceful, intuitive nature piqued her interest in equine assisted therapy.
She went through training to learn skills for conducting an equine assisted session. She has partnered with her horses and equine therapy organizations to facilitate groups for the past five years.
Gigi
Hackney Pony
She is the oldest horse at the barn in her 40’s. Hackney ponies are known for their elegant appearance and animated gait. This is true for Gigi too. She is often a great place for people to start with horses as her size and sweet welcoming spirit becomes a place to move thru any fears.
Savanah
Arabian horse
She is an Arabian horse. Arabian horses have roots in West Asia. They have a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage. She is in her late 20’s. Many experience her to have a very calm demeanor and willing spirit.
Charlie
Horse
He is a larger horse which can offer different experiences. He is in his early 20’s. Hе loves to be with people and can show up in different ways depending on the day. That makes it fun to interact with him as you aren’t always sure what might happen.
Huckleberrie
Rescue Horse
He is a true rescue horse. He was rescued before heading to a sad demise. His previous owner had a huge heart for all who needed care and Huck was no different.
As a rescue horse, we don’t really know his story. Often horses who need rescue have reached the end of expectation of what an owner might have needed in a horse or it just isn’t a fit between horse/owner. Huck can be silly and fun. He also a great teacher of boundaries.
Benefits of Equine Therapy
Equine Therapy offers a range of meaningful benefits for individuals navigating substance abuse, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges.
Working with horses builds self-esteem, as successfully caring for and connecting with such a large, perceptive animal creates a genuine sense of accomplishment and capability.
The nonverbal nature of horse communication encourages patients to develop stronger emotional awareness, helping them better identify, understand, and manage their own feelings. Building trust with a horse (which requires patience, consistency, and presence) mirrors the same skills needed to rebuild trust in relationships and in oneself.
Together, these experiences promote lasting personal growth that extends well beyond the therapy session.