Meet Dr. Hallie Sheade

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Hallie Sheade.

Hi Dr. Hallie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, where my parents enrolled me in riding lessons at the age of 5. I often joke that it was both the best and worst decision they ever made. Best, because it sparked the passion that has driven me to where I am today. Worst, because once I discovered horses, there wasn’t much room for anything else, and, as you probably know, horses are not cheap.

From the moment I first sat in the saddle, I was hooked. I spent every moment I could at the barn, doing chores to earn extra riding time. But what really captured my interest was working with the “problem” horses. There was something about understanding their behavior and building a connection with them that fascinated me. It was my first glimpse into the profound relationship between humans and animals.

At the age of 12, I made a decision that would shape my future. I wanted to study animal behavior, and I sought out colleges that would allow me to do just that. After high school, I chose the University of Miami, where I could combine my interests in psychology and biology. I was all set to pursue a career studying primate behavior when something shifted.

Taking a year off after college, I moved to Atlanta, where I reconnected with horses. It was there that I discovered a field where I could merge my love for horses and psychology to help people. I became a therapeutic riding instructor and eventually enrolled in a counseling masters program at Georgia State University.

But I still wanted to learn more. So, I packed my bags and headed to Texas to pursue my doctorate under the guidance of Dr. Cynthia Chandler, an expert in animal-assisted therapy, at the University of North Texas. My internship exposed me to working with veterans, and I found it incredibly meaningful. Focusing on serving veterans and their families and others in need through equine assisted counseling became my passion.

Once fully licensed, I opened a private practice, Equine Connection Counseling. Later, my husband, a USMC veteran and equine professional, and I co-founded a nonprofit called STEPS With Horses. Today, I serve as the executive director, and we provide equine assisted mental health services to an average of 60 clients a week. It’s been quite the journey, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but each hurdle has only strengthened our resolve to provide this much-needed service to our community. One of the biggest initial challenges was simply meeting the overwhelming demand for equine assisted counseling. When I first opened my private practice in 2014, Equine Connection Counseling, I was booked solid within five months. It was clear that there was a real need for this type of therapy. To keep up with demand, I had to hire additional staff, and we’ve been growing steadily ever since.

However, not having our own facility or animals for the first several years presented a significant obstacle. Upon transitioning ECC’s operations to the nonprofit, STEPS With Horses, we were able to obtain our own program animals for the first time. It was a game-changer, allowing us to provide consistent care for our clients and ensure high-quality care for our equine therapy partners. But it came at a cost, quite literally.

Providing equine assisted counseling is expensive, from the upkeep of our leased space to the care of the animals. In addition, there is not only a trained therapist present in the session, but also a qualified equine professional. To maintain our mission of providing this service to those most in need, we rely on donors to help support the costs. Despite the financial challenges, seeing the incredible power of this modality in transforming lives makes it all worth it.

Equine assisted counseling has the ability to reach clients who might not otherwise attend counseling or who haven’t achieved desired results with traditional office-based therapies. Knowing that we’re making a real difference in people’s lives makes overcoming the challenges along the way entirely worthwhile.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Ultimately, what sets me apart is my dual expertise as both a mental health therapist and an equine professional and my commitment to the industry as a whole. I understand and balance the needs and welfare of both clients and equines, ensuring a safe and effective therapeutic environment for all involved.

I specialize in equine assisted mental health services, drawing from over 30 years of equine experience. With a PhD in Counseling from the University of North Texas, I hold credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S). Additionally, I am certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) and a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

For nearly 15 years, I’ve been deeply involved in equine-assisted mental health. As the Executive Director of STEPS With Horses and the founder of Equine Connection Counseling, I also provide professional training, consultation, and supervision to both mental health professionals and to equine professionals. My specialties lie in trauma, military clients, and at-risk youth. I’ve developed the Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling and Equine-Partnered Play Therapy approaches, aimed at healing through the powerful connection between humans and equines.

I am also recognized as an industry leader serving in many roles including as a Faculty Member for the PATH Intl Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Workshop and as PATH Intl’s Psychology Editor for their publication, Strides. I also serve on professional committees for PATH Intl. and the Horses and Humans Research Foundation.

I’m most proud of my incredible staff and the amazing equine therapy partners who connect so deeply with our clients. They are the heart of our success. I truly couldn’t do it without them. In this line of work, success isn’t just about individual achievements; it’s about the collaborative effort of a dedicated team. My staff, from the therapists to the equine professionals, bring their unique skills and compassion to our practice every day. They’re the ones who build trust with our clients, create a safe and supportive environment, and facilitate transformative experiences. Moreover, our equine therapy partners play an indispensable role. These incredible animals have a special gift for understanding and connecting with humans in ways that words sometimes can’t. Their intuitive nature and calming presence provide a unique form of therapy that’s truly remarkable.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stepswithhorses.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepswithhorses
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stepswithhorses
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/s-t-e-p-s-with-horses
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stepswithhorses2859

Image Credits
Elliot Mayén