Equine therapy expands program at Shepard Meadows

Shelly Whitlock-Pope

An Equine Gestalt program at Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center Inc. could offer participants a safe place to “work through” issues, according to Executive Director Shelly Whitlock-Pope.

BRISTOL — Shelly Whitlock-Pope is bringing the wonders of equine Gestalt therapy to Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center through a new 10-week group steered toward women.

“If someone has truly let go, the horse will follow them,” said Whitlock-Pope, executive director at Shepard Meadows. “If not, the animal will stop. The horse can sense if people are feeling different. It’s something you have to experience for yourself. I’m truly a believer.”