Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Bowman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always loved horses. From the time I was a small child my parents told me my third word I spoke was the word. Hor-hee which was horse. I didn’t own my first horse until I was 30 years old, and that started the true passion of learning about these fascinating creatures and teaching others. I always said if I was fortunate enough to own one I would share it with people who don’t have the exposure but adored them like I did. As the years went by I had many opportunities to work with and care for a variety of beautiful horses both professionally in veterinary medicine and personally. I currently own 5 of my own. But it was the gift of a miniature horse named Fabio that sparked my interest in using miniature horses in a therapy setting. I journal and pray every day and ask God for guidance with my life’s choices. And one day as I was journaling, I heard God say.: “ I will use your horses as a conduit of hope and healing.” I didn’t quite understand what that meant, but I knew that I loved senior citizens, those with intellectual and physical disabilities and horses. And somehow those things would one day converge in a perfect symphony.
In 2024 I took a leap of faith and started Tiny Treasures Therapy Horses. I remember the first sales call I made to a senior community as it was so encouraging. As I explained how we use the horses to uplift, encourage and bring joy to the elderly their eyes grew wide as they asked: “ You bring them indoors?” To which I responded: “ I will go anywhere I can make people smile.” They booked their first visit on the spot and that one facility led to 19 others and growing. Many of these facilities are now regular visits every other month as a part of their enrichment /social therapies.. Together with my team of three therapy horses, Fabio, Justice and Tilly we are bringing hope and emotional healing to one precious soul at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As you can imagine, taking an animal that is used to being out in the great outdoors and teaching them that it’s safe and acceptable to be inside a home or care facility is definitely a feat in and of itself. None of my mini horses.( of which I have 3 I use for service work) came trained for this job. So trying to convince a prey/flight animal that stepping into someone’s bedroom is OK takes a lot of patience, time and perseverance. Not to mention these horses have to be desensitized to a variety of items from oxygen machines to walkers, scooters and wheelchairs. Patience is always your best friend when working with horses. You learn a lot about your own lack of it when you have to slow down to help another creature who thinks the opposite of you grow. Inadvertently you yourself also grow in the process.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
There’s nothing I love more than allowing others to see horses in the privileged light that I have been able to. I get to live with these beautiful creatures every day, and watch their habits and learn their eccentricities. So one of the things that I do that sets my therapy business apart is I do an educational presentation for my clients. Whether they are memory care or nursing care or living with an intellectual disability, I meet them at their level of understanding and teach them something interesting or fun about horses. What I have noticed this does is engages those that don’t typically like to engage. I frequently hear from the caregivers in these facilities that many of their residents that don’t come out for social experiences are excited to engage with our horses. Loneliness is a big factor in some of these folks lives. So if we can make them feel included, seen and heard for the hour that we are with them than that is the greatest gift we can give them. As you can imagine as they light up with Joy that splashes back on me..
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I would tell anyone who has a passion and wants to pursue it first off to count the cost. There is always a cost whether it is financial,time or energy. Ask yourself: “Is this something that I can give my whole self to?” if it is, then you know you have found your calling or purpose. I believe that whatever you do, you should do it with your whole heart. This is not always an easy business. It requires a lot physically and financially to run. However, the dividends it pays back in the sheer joy on the faces of our clients is worth every bit of energy and expense.. We get the privilege of being one flower of joy that these people collect in the bouquet of their lives so we aim for every visit to be the sweetest one they’ve ever had.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: tinytreasurestherapyhorses
- Facebook: @tiny.treasures.therapy.horses
