Courageous Hearts: Healing with Horses and Mental Health Support in Delaware

In this episode of “Out & About with Antionette” I am featuring an incredible guest, Rosemary Baughman, who is making a positive impact in her community through her unique program, Courageous Hearts, LLC. So, grab your favorite beverage and let’s get into it!

Courageous Hearts: Healing with Horses and Mental Health Support in Delaware

Rosemary Baughman, the team member of Courageous Hearts, LLC. This organization is dedicated to providing an alternative experience of psychotherapy using horses as a therapeutic tool. The program, situated in Lincoln, Delaware, works to destigmatize mental health and substance use disorders by offering treatment for opioid use disorder and providing alternative therapy for veterans and active duty military personnel.

Rosemary, a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience, explains her journey of integrating horses into clinical therapy. Inspired by her daughter’s love for horses, Rosemary recognized the healing power of these majestic animals and sought to incorporate them into a therapeutic model accessible to everyone. She co-founded Courageous Hearts 12 years ago and has witnessed tremendous success, serving close to 1000 individuals annually through alternative therapeutic methods.

What sets Courageous Hearts apart is their approach to therapy, which doesn’t involve traditional horseback riding. Instead, they use horses as co-therapists and observe how their behavior interacts with the people they are helping. This unique approach has allowed them to support individuals, including military personnel, in processing trauma and addressing mental health challenges in a non-verbal, organic manner. As a result, they have been able to help many people, including veterans and their families, cope with the challenges they face.

In addition to their on-farm programs, Courageous Hearts is also actively involved in community outreach, partnering with schools, mental health coalitions, and other organizations to provide support and resources. Their commitment to accessibility is evident as they emphasize that financial barriers will not hinder individuals in need of treatment.

Rosemary’s passion and dedication to her work shine through in the conversation. She shares her wisdom and advises listeners to practice connection and mindfulness in their daily lives, ultimately offering a message of hope and encouragement.

I hope you found this episode as fascinating and inspiring as I did! Stay tuned for more stories of resilience, hope, and change on “Out & About with Antionette.” check out this upcoming event; Complimentary demonstrations of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Monday, February 5th at 3:30 pm; call or email to register: [email protected] / 302-491-6946