Feauture in Vacaville Magazine

Humans have partnered with horses and expressed themselves through art across cultures and time. Through out the 20th century, practices integrating horses and art into therapeutic settings has evolved into what are now cutting-edge approaches for improving mental health and catalyzing personal growth.

Grounded in experiential hands-on activities, these approaches nurture emotional regulation, foster a sense of well-being, and build self awareness, offering pathways to wellness, recovery and resilience.Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) and Expressive Arts are now recognized as science-based tools for healing. Research in neuroscience, psychology and behavioral therapy supports their potential to reduce stress, promote positive changes in brain function, enhance communication skills and improve overall mental health. Studies continue to show the effectiveness of these methods, making them increasingly integral to holistic wellness practices.

Crescent Moon Center’s therapeutic equine assisted learning and expressive arts workshops provide participants with a unique learning opportunity and a trauma-informed space for healing.

Participants have described their experience as “transformative” and “life changing,” highlighting the power of this work to foster self awareness and emotional healing.

“One way this program impacts my commitment to recovery is the intense feeling of community,” said a participant.

"Crescent Moon creates a safe and inclusive space for people to be supported. Diversity and belonging are central to our values. As a nonprofit, Crescent Moon is dedicated to improving access to holistic wellness programs for diverse, underserved and under-resourced communities. Donations are critical to fund program scholarships for those who need financial support to access these life changing programs,” said Karen Kahn, Founder and Executive Director of Crescent Moon Center.

Many thanks to Vacaville Magazine for sharing our story!