This group is free and open to anyone, we ask that you RSVP below.

Join us for this free, family-friendly event on our beautiful farm in Marshall, NC!

Schedule of Events:

9:30 - 10:15 AM: arrival and check-in

10:15 - 10:45 AM: Intro to equine-assisted services with Jaime Williams

10:45 - 11:45 AM: Equine-assisted services interactive demonstration

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM: A word from our sponsors

12:00 - 12:30 PM: Lunch 

12:30 - 1:30 PM: Group demonstrations with Brothers and Sisters Like These, Resources for Resilience, Veterans Healing Farm, and more!

1:30 - 2:00 PM: Closing with Shannon Knapp 

This event is FREE and open to all first responders (retired and currently working), their families, support staff, and community members.

Please RSVP on our SUMMIT PAGE!

Join us for a day of learning with panelists including first responders, mental health & wellness organizations, and other key community members!

Schedule of Events:

10:00 - 10:30 AM: Opening Remarks from Keynote Speaker Jamie Williams: Why are we here?

10:30 - 11:15 AM: Couch Optional: Demystifying Mental Health and Wellness: Shannon Knapp 

11:15 - 11:30 AM: Break

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Reducing Stigma & Building Awareness Panel with first responders, peer support, leadership, and family members

12:30 - 12:45 PM: A word from our sponsors

12:45 - 1:30 PM: Lunch and special dog visit in honor of K9 Veterans Day

1:30 - 2:30 PM: Pathways to Support, Fast and Slow(er) Panel featuring Equine Assisted Services, Resources for Resilience, mindfulness, and responder support services

2:30 - 3:00 PM: Now What? With Shannon Knapp, including open Q&A time

This event is free and open to all first responders (retired and currently working), their families, support staff, and community members.

Please RSVP on our SUMMIT PAGE!

Kicking off the event on Thursday evening is our keynote speaker, retired firefighter and fire chief Jamie Williams. Jamie dedicated 25 years to serving the California Fire Protection District.  She holds certifications in both peer and group intervention through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, working alongside peer support teams, chaplains, and mental health professionals in leading crisis diffusing and critical incident debriefings. From her personal journey as a first responder, Jamie has found the incredible healing power of horses. She is an equine professional and co-founder of the Optimum Resilience Program at Best Solutions Therapy in Middleton, Idaho, where they provide treatment, counseling, education, advocacy, and life coaching.

Jamie is also part of the counseling and training team at First Responder Wellness, an inpatient and intensive outpatient program located in Newport Beach, California. First Responder Wellness specializes in the treatment of first responders and public safety professionals recovering from trauma and provides them a safe transition back to their careers and personal lives.  

In addition, Jamie is co-founder of FRCareer 360, a coaching and personalized mentorship program and resource center for individuals choosing firefighting as a livelihood. 

This event is free and open to all first responders (retired and currently working), their families, support staff, and community members.

Please RSVP on our SUMMIT PAGE!

This group is currently full. To be notified about additional groups, please contact programs@heartofhorsesense.org

This group is free and open to anyone, we ask that you RSVP below.

Join us for a tour of our beautiful farm and a demonstration of equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning!

RSVP Here:

Come to engage with horses and each other, build community, and leave feeling centered and grounded! RSVP below:

Come to engage with horses and each other, build community, and leave feeling centered and grounded! RSVP below:

Join us for Poetry in the Pasture on September 13th from 4:00-6:30 pm at the Farm! Come to replenish your connection with nature, horses, and one another.

This event will feature readings by two accomplished local poets, Nickole Brown and Alida Woods, and include a book signing for Alida’s latest book of poetry, Listening for Grace Notes, published by Kelsay Books.

Visitors will also enjoy live music from Thomas Kozak, light refreshments, and time with horses!

Tickets can be purchased below for $20. All proceeds directly support our Heart Herd and provision of low and no cost equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning.

We will have seating available, but we encourage visitors to bring their own camping chairs, blankets, or any food and beverage they would like to enjoy in addition to light refreshments available at the farm.