Horses as Healers: Nervous System Regulation, Trauma Release & Identity Rebuild with Kasia Bukowska

On Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with Kasia Bukowska—an equine therapist, artist, and mindset mentor—about how horses act as living mirrors for our emotions. Kasia shares her journey from a lupus diagnosis and doctors saying she’d never ride again to regulating her nervous system, rebuilding identity, and teaching connection-first horsemanship. We cover equine-assisted healing, reading energy over “technique,” creating psychological safety with animals, and practical ways non-riders can cultivate grounded presence.

 

About the guest  

Kasia Bukowska is an internationally recognized equine therapist, artist, and mindset mentor. Featured in Sidelines, Horse Illustrated, and on the cover of Barefoot Horse, she blends energy work, emotional awareness, and creative expression to help people release blocks, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with authentic self-trust—partnering with horses as teachers.

 

Key takeaways:

• Horses mirror our internal state; they respond to our truth, not our masks, making them powerful partners for nervous system regulation and trauma healing.

• Connection and energetic safety outperform rigid “technique.” When pressure and performance drop, curiosity and learning rise—for both human and horse.

• A slower equine heart rate and calm presence entrain us toward steadier breath and body; co-regulation creates conditions for change.

• Identity work is central: Kasia’s healing moved from “riding again” to valuing herself beyond achievement, borrowing her horses’ unconditional regard as a bridge to self-worth.

• Practical start for non-riders: observe animals (even pets) without agenda; notice emotional reactions, breathe, and let insight arise. Presence > control.

• With dysregulated horses (or people), build safety first: create a protected space, invite play and novelty (e.g., props), reward curiosity, and allow movement to discharge energy.

• Progress collapses when expectations harden; staying playful, flexible, and patient maintains trust and results.

• Feeling “stuck” isn’t failure—it’s a precursor to clarity. Fully feeling emotions can open space for creative solutions and next steps.

 

How to connect with the guest  :

• Social: equestriankasiabukowska on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

• Art: https://kasiabukowska.com/

• Equine work: https://www.hearthorseexperience.com/

 

 If you’re in immediate crisis, contact local emergency services or your regional suicide prevention helpline. 

 Here are reliable, widely used crisis lines by region: 

 United States  :   

 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org (24/7). SAMHSA+1 

 Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741 (24/7). Crisis Text Line 

 LGBTQ+ (The Trevor Project, youth) — call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 (24/7). The Trevor Project+1 

 Trans Lifeline — US [phone] (hours vary; peer support). translifeline.org+1 

 Canada  :   

 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline — call or text 9-8-8 (24/7). 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline+1 

 Crisis Text Line (via Kids Help Phone) — text 686868 (24/7). Crisis Text Line 

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