hometownsource. com / heartland / Stories of the Heartland • Sunday, April 19, 2026 Page 33
awareness,” Dingmann said.
While equine gestalt focuses on exploring emotions and patterns through a relational reflection of the horse, Dingmann said, mind and body energy work is about harmonizing emotional and energetic imbalances.
Neurolinguistic programming refers to changing thought patterns and beliefs that shape the client’ s behaviors. By the client being aware of what’ s happening somatically within his or her body, it can also help the client reconnect to his or her emotions, as well as how his or her body stores the emotions and how it may present itself physically. For instance, grief is often stored in the chest, which can result in physical sensations of tightness and heaviness due to the impact of the loss.
Since Dingmann founded Equine Inspired Soul in November 2023, several clients have requested sessions, whether it is on an individual basis or in a group setting.
One client, who visits Equine Inspired Soul regularly is a woman named Kim. Working through complex emotional experiences, including feelings of depression and difficulty of setting personal boundaries, the therapeutic sessions helps her process emotions and release the energy she’ s been holding onto for several decades.
Surrounded by horse stalls, bales of hay and sleepy kittens, the two talk about Kim’ s personal healing journey, how she’ s been doing and feeling since the last session, any new revelations she’ s discovered whether they bring her enlightenment or pain and next steps for support. It is a peaceful setting where clients are encouraged to be themselves and are safe to share their most inner feelings and experiences.
The work with the horses for a grounding session be-
The steady breathing, grounded presence and calm demeanor of horses can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Pictured is Heza, an 18-year-old sorrel gelding, helping Kim, a woman struggling with anxiety and depression, find inner peace.
Horses live fully in the present and encourages clients in gestalt equine sessions to slow down and reconnect with their bodies and the environment. gins with the client standing in the middle of a pen. As several horses take turns working with the individual, Dingmann lets one horse in at a time and can tell by the horse’ s behavior when one horse is done and another is ready to go in. Once a horse is released into the pen, he or she can move freely and choose on their own when to approach and engage the client.
Dingmann said during the session, the horses won’ t approach or engage the client unless he or she is open, meaning he or she has dropped any defenses( resistance), is being authentic and is present.
As the horse’ s behavior reflects the client’ s inner state, when the client is open, the horse offers closeness and connection whether it is by touching the person with its body or by nuzzling him or her. In other words, Dingmann said, the horse acts as a partner by regulating the client’ s nervous system and reflecting the emotions the client is processing in the moment. In turn, that helps break through any hindrances that keep the client from knowing the truth, being self-aware and ultimately- healing.
“ The lessons we learn in the presence of horses and in the quiet moments of self-reflection are timeless. They remind us that transformation is not a destination, but a practice, not something we force, but allow,” Dingmann said.“ In choosing patience, presence and compassion, we open ourselves to the deepest forms of growth and connection available to us.”
Dingmann said one sign that the client is releasing negative energy, such as tensity, is when the horse leaches. Leaching often looks like the horse is chewing, licking or yawning.
“ When you work with the horses and I, we don’ t analyze, fix or tell you what to do. Instead, we create a safe, present moment experience, where you can listen to yourself again- often for the first time in a long time,” she said.“ The horses help us in a powerful, honest way. They don’ t respond to your story, your roles or what you think you‘ should’ feel. They respond to what’ s true in your body and nervous system right now. That feedback brings awareness fast- without judgment. This is where transformation of the heart occurs within us.”
Dingmann offers group sessions for people from all walks of life. All participants sign an agreement to keep what is shared in the group confidential, to honor one another, to be open to learning and to remain respectful. The participants are also educated on the licensing, liability and con-