Meet anne.
SURVIVING >>> THRIVING
In 2021, my sister-in-law was tragically taken from us, a victim of sex and drug trafficking. This devastating event, coupled with my own experiences of acute childhood trauma, led to a diagnosis of severe PTSD. While receiving treatment for the trauma & learning to navigate life with my PTSD, I recognized a need for a “bridge of support” within the community.
Being diagnosed with PTSD, sent me on a recovery path, allowing me to awaken to the fact that I had been surviving through life and did not know how to switch to thriving.
My why, the reason for Soulful Strides, is to become the bridge of support to those journeying from surviving to thriving. Statistics show, that Ontario has the second highest rate of reported trafficking cases in all of Canada.
THAT is my why - to see these numbers reduced by empowering each individual/group via equine-assisted learning & wellness support through the power of the HERD. My goal is to Raise Vibes so that each can live their best life knowing they’re worthy!
Anne Theriault
Certified Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Facilitator
First Aid Certified
HORSES LITERALLY SAVED MY LIFE…
In February 2023, my life changed with a vivid dream.
I was mucking a horse stall, and while this might sound mundane to some, I was overwhelmed with a sense of pure joy and happiness.
Which, at one of the hardest, darkest moments in my life, was the light that saved me, turning into a year that would bring healing, synchronicities, and an entirely new direction for my life.
Before that, I had spent 16 years working in the insurance industry—far from horses and anything remotely related. But something about that dream told me to follow the breadcrumbs, and that’s exactly what I did.
By March, I found myself at my very first Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) session with Mena at Liberty Lane Retreats. I had never experienced anything like it—the healing power of horses was real. I was hooked. From there, the doors began to open. I joined the Ontario Equine Education Employment Program (OEEEP), which provided me with essential training, industry knowledge, and even a placement in the horse industry.
Since then, doors have flung open left and right. I had the privilege of assisting other EAL facilitators for their events, working with school boards, cancer support group, kids with disabilities; I have written my story in a shared anthology, spoke at various events sharing my journey thus far, and finally began hosting my own events! It’s been a whirlwind in the best sense.
What started as a dream—literally—blossomed into a year of magic, growth, and purpose. Through horses, I found my true calling.
And now, I’m ready to help others along their paths, one Soulful Stride at a time.
Where do I dream from here?
BUTTERFLY RANCH.
My dream is to have a ranch of our own, where Soulful Strides remains at the heart of it all. Butterfly Ranch will focus more on being the healing hearth for all in the community (incorporating more healing modalities), as well as a place of seasonal fun activities.
It’s a powerful practice to make a vision board that supports your dreams.
ARE YOU READY FOR A SHIFT?