Evidence-Based Equine Experiences

At The Rosie Project, we offer guided, equine-assisted sessions designed to support emotional regulation, clarity, and authentic connection through intentional interaction with horses.

Black background with a white horseshoe.

A Different Approach

Equine-assisted work is often misunderstood.

At The Rosie Project, equine-assisted experiences are grounded in research, nervous system science, and a deep understanding of horse behavior. The work is structured, intentional, and designed to create meaningful, measurable shifts in awareness and regulation.

Horses are not used as symbols or tools, they are partners in this work. They are highly attuned, responsive animals whose behavior provides clear, real-time feedback. In this environment, individuals are invited to slow down, become present, and engage in a different kind of learning—one that is experienced, not performed.

  • Black and white medical emblem with caduceus and the words 'American Medical Center San Diego' around the edge.

  • United States Marine Corps emblem with eagle, globe, and anchor in black and white

  • Silhouette of a soldier carrying a person in his arms, with the text "Wounded Warrior Project" below.

  • Black and white emblem of the United States Navy featuring an eagle with outstretched wings, an anchor, and a shield, surrounded by a chain border with the words "United States Navy".

  • Black and white logo with a 3D cube design above the word "SDA" in large letters.

  • A logo featuring a stylized tree with multiple leaves and the word 'SIDRE' underneath.

  • Medal of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation featuring a scale, a torch, a mountain, and the outline of California state.

  • A grayscale logo with a stylized, geometric 'V' and 'X' intertwined.

  • Black and gray logo for Francis Parker School featuring a geometric emblem above the name.

An elderly woman with silver hair, wearing a red shirt, a patterned vest, and large earrings, is hugging a large brown and black horse. She has a wide-brimmed hat hanging from her arm, and is standing in a green outdoor setting with trees in the background.

Why Horses

Horses offer a unique and scientifically supported foundation for this work.

As highly attuned animals, they respond to coherence - the alignment between what you feel, think, and express. When those elements are out of sync, they notice. When they come into alignment, the horse responds.

This creates a clear and immediate feedback loop that supports awareness and change.

Horses also support co-regulation. Their steady physiological state can help the nervous system slow down and stabilize, creating the conditions for presence and clarity.

They don’t respond to roles, expectations, or external identity.
They respond to what is real.

Learn More About Us
Person hugging a large brown and white horse in an outdoor setting.

Why The Rosie Project

At The Rosie Project, equine-assisted work is approached with intention, structure, and a deep respect for both horse and human.

Sessions are designed to be experiential - meaning the focus is not on talking through change, but on engaging with it in real time. Through guided interaction with horses, individuals are supported in developing awareness, regulation, and a more grounded way of moving through the world.

This work is informed by research in equine behavior, nervous system regulation, and trauma-informed frameworks. Every element of the experience is designed to be safe, thoughtful, and effective.

The wellbeing of the horse is always the first priority. A regulated, content horse creates the conditions for a meaningful and productive human experience.

The Rosie Project works exclusively with rescue horses - an intentional part of its philosophy. These animals bring a depth of presence and sensitivity that strengthens the work in a way that is both grounded and impactful.

In addition to individual sessions, The Rosie Project partners with schools, community organizations, and government programs, reflecting a level of professionalism and trust that sets this work apart.

Start Your Experience

Our Services

A woman lying on a blanket under a shade, with her eyes closed, is being touched by a woman in a white shirt with two horses nearby, one sniffing her face and the other her hand, in a horse enclosure with a sandy ground and trees in the background.

Reiki Workshop

A gentle, restorative experience combining Reiki with the grounding presence of horses. These sessions are designed to support relaxation, reflection, and overall energetic balance in a calm, supported environment.

A woman sits on a chair while a horse gently touches her chest with its nose. Two other people are present, one sitting nearby and another standing, with the scene set in an outdoor, enclosed area.

Breathwork Workshop

Led by a certified breath coach, these sessions integrate guided breath work with equine interaction to support nervous system regulation, emotional release, and a deeper sense of balance and calm.

A man wearing a brown shirt and white shorts petting a brown and white horse at a stable.

Sound Healing & Mindfulness

A combined experience that begins with guided mindfulness alongside horses, followed by a sound healing session designed to deepen relaxation, presence, and internal awareness.

A woman in a white jacket and wide-brimmed hat gently touches her hand to the nose of a light brown horse. There are two other women in the background, one smiling and wearing glasses and a hat. The scene appears to be outdoors in a sunny, open area with trees in the background.

Equine-Assisted Mindfulness

Guided, ground-based sessions focused on presence, awareness, and emotional regulation through intentional interaction with horses. This work supports self-awareness, connection, and the ability to respond rather than react.

Explore Our Other Services

From Our Clients

  • "I had no idea what to expect, but the experience was deeply impactful—both personally and within the group. The connection between horses and humans here is unlike anything I’ve experienced before."

    - Sharone

  • “The spirit, sincerity, and sense of connection you experience here is something truly special. It’s a rare space where both horses and people can simply be.

    - Susan

  • "Working with Laura and the horses has been a meaningful part of my personal healing journey. Each experience has helped me grow, connect, and better understand myself."

    - Jonni

  • "This was more than a team-building event—it created genuine connection, trust, and a meaningful reset for our team."

    - Amy

  • "A one-of-a-kind experience that allowed our team to reconnect with ourselves and each other in a meaningful way."

    - Zubin

  • "A powerful and thoughtfully guided experience that supports emotional awareness and connection. The work being done here is truly exceptional."

    - Dr. Violeta

Silhouette of a horseshoe, white on black background.

Partner Organization Feature: San Diego Regional Center

The San Diego Regional Center is a nonprofit organization that provides services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties. Through personalized planning, coordination, and access to resources, they help individuals build independence, achieve their goals, and fully participate in their communities. This partnership supports The Rosie Project’s ability to deliver inclusive, accessible programming that meets individuals where they are and fosters meaningful growth.

Learn More & Pricing

Our Story

The Rosie Project was founded by Laura Spielman, whose path into this work began during a pivotal season of her life. Like many people at a crossroads, she was searching - for clarity, steadiness, and a deeper understanding of herself - and found that in horses.

What began as a personal experience quickly became a deeper pursuit, leading Laura to immerse herself in the study of horse behavior, nervous system regulation, and the profound connection between horses and humans. With a background in education and years spent working closely with military communities, she built The Rosie Project as a practice that is both structured and deeply human - offering evidence-based, equine-assisted experiences for individuals, families, and communities.

Today, the work extends beyond private sessions to include programming within schools, military and first responder groups, and correctional settings, all grounded in one core goal: to create a safe, intentional environment where people can develop awareness, regulation, and meaningful connection.

Nicole Trotta, Equine-Assisted Breath and Nervous System Specialist

A woman with long brown hair wearing a pink sweater and a heart-shaped necklace, smiling against a background of blurred green and white bokeh lights.
A woman with blonde hair, wearing a camouflage cap and brown jacket, stands outdoors at sunset holding a braided rope, facing a large brown horse with a mountain and trees in the background.

Helen Bohm, Equine Expert

A woman smiling and holding a lead rope next to a black and white horse in an outdoor stable area.

Laura Spielman, Founder

Contact Us Today
Black and white icon of a horseshoe, representing horse shoes or equestrian equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or fill out our inquiry form.

Inquiry Form

  • No experience with horses is necessary. The work we do at The Rosie Project is relational, not equestrian. Our horses respond to who you are in the moment, not what you know, and our facilitators guide you through the entire experience with care and intention

  • Wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes — no sandals or heels. A light layer for the weather is always a good idea.

  • Riding is not part of the experience at The Rosie Project. All of our work happens on the ground, alongside the horses. This is where the real magic lives — in the relationship, the presence, and what the horses reflect back to us in those moments.

  • The Rosie Project does not accept insurance. We offer a sliding scale for veterans and first responders in recognition of their service and sacrifice. Through The Rosie Project Charitable Foundation, sliding scale fees are also available for our literacy and education programs. For anyone facing financial barriers, please don't hesitate to reach out — we will always do our best to make this work accessible.

  • We welcome people of all backgrounds and do our best to accommodate varying needs. That said, we want to be transparent — the full experience at The Rosie Project includes uneven outdoor terrain, and being in the presence of horses carries inherent physical risk. For those with significant physical limitations, we strongly encourage reaching out before your visit so we can have an honest and caring conversation about how to best support you.

  • As much as we respect and honor the role of service animals, we are not able to welcome them on our property. The presence of other animals can affect the safety and behavior of our horses, and the wellbeing of everyone — human and equine — always comes first.

Contact Us

To learn more about our The Rosie Project, our programs, or to schedule a consultation call, please fill out our inquiry form.

Email Us Today