Philanthropist and Equine Expert Ann Lesley Smith Explains How Therapeutic Riding Supports Trauma Re

Many equestrians understand that horses can be much more than just companions. For philanthropist Ann Lesley Smith, her collection of Arabian horses (and one in particular) has been part of a larger vision and purpose. This vision connects to horses, calmness, and the possibility of healing for people with trauma.

When Smith brought her prized Arabian horse, Amir Fadjur Salaam, to her California estate, she realized what a special presence he brought with him. "His lineage and his temperament represent the best qualities of the Arabian breed," Smith explains. "You can see it in his eyes. He understands you. He carries an almost human-like level of empathy. It can be transformative."

Smith’s connection to Amir has brought a positive change into her life as she enters her seventies. Through opening her home to others to find rest, recovery, and embrace wellness, Smith has discovered how time with horses can support trauma recovery and overall emotional wellness.

The power of therapeutic horsemanship: In the presence of horses

Smith’s Arabian horse Amir is a direct descendant of The Fabulous Fadjur, a celebrated and award-winning Arabian stallion. "He has the same level of intelligence and understanding that Fadjur had," says Smith, who has worked hard to position Amir as a symbol of goodwill and peace, not only for people who visit her estate but for the world.

Smith understands that horses have a calming presence that can be life-changing. It is why she decided to open her estate to others. "People ride horses among the free-roaming Arabians, and it changes them. They may have never experienced that level of freedom before," she explains.

Research shows that riding horses can have a profound effect on people with trauma, showing that just 3 weeks of therapeutic riding results in a 66.7% likelihood of lowered PTSD scores, which jumps to an 87.5% likelihood after 6 weeks. Riding can impact levels of anxiety, depression, and anger. It can also ease insomnia, flashbacks, and emotional avoidance, which are well-known symptoms of PTSD.

Horses are known to be hypervigilant, especially the highly intuitive Arabian breed. They can often mirror trauma responses and require a dynamic where humans have to earn the horse’s trust, helping to foster a unique, calming connection that helps people regulate their emotions.

The act of riding can also help people embrace freedom and wellness. Riders have to stay present, regulate their breathing, and coordinate their bodies with the rhythm of the horse. Therapeutic riding is not just relaxing, but it can help people restore confidence.

Finding a capacity for wellness and joy through equine-assisted therapy

Like many people, Smith has weathered many ups and downs throughout her life. When her husband, musician and mogul Chester Smith, passed away, she retreated to their California wine country estate and threw herself into her passion for helping others.

"I was inspired by Amir. His empathy and his understanding helped me believe I could bring more peace and kindness into the world," Smith explains.

Amir has allowed Smith to blend her passion for horses, faith, and helping others into one mission, creating a space where people can find rest, renewal, and hope.

Why Smith’s mission of peace and wellness resonates

Smith’s mission has connected her personal interests to something larger and broadly human. "Many people who are living with trauma want relief from more than just their symptoms," she says. "They want to find a way back to themselves."

Smith knows the feeling, and through Amir and her love for horses, she has learned to embrace the power of equestrian healing.

"Amir is part of a larger story about healing and a lasting legacy of peace," says Smith.

Therapeutic horseback riding and other forms of equine therapy offer a combination of movement, connection, and structure to support emotional healing. For people seeking to heal from trauma, anxiety, grief, or stress, being in the presence of horses can help them rebuild trust, confidence, and a deep sense of calm. The steady rhythm of riding, along with communicating with the horse, encourages awareness of one’s body and emotional regulation.

While therapeutic horse riding is not a complete replacement for professional mental health care, it can complement other forms of mental health care support. Like Ann Lesley Smith, many people find that horse riding and being around horses becomes more than just a fun activity; it becomes a pathway to resilience, self-awareness, and full emotional wellness.

Uneeb Khan is the founder of Techager and has over 6 years of experience in tech writing and troubleshooting. He loves converting complex technical topics into guides that everyone can understand.