Philanthropist Ann Lesley Smith Shares How Equine Therapy with Purebred Arabian Horses Can Help With Depression

Ann Lesley Smith likes the unexpected. When she decided to start bringing Arabian horses to her California estate, she did not expect her connection with one in particular to lead to a new purpose. But it was a surprise that she welcomed with open arms. 

 

While the equestrian expert knew full well that Arabian horses were special, she didn’t know that her prized Arabian stallion, Amir Fadjur Salaam, could open up a world of empathy and healing for not only Ann, but others.

 

“For thousands of years, Arabian horses have been bred to be companions,” says Smith, “which has led to the breed becoming known for their human-like ability to understand and to empathize.” These unique attributes have made Arabians a prime choice for those seeking equine therapy.

 

As she enters her seventies, Smith has felt called to help others. Through opening her estate to those seeking rest, renewal, and connection, Smith has embraced the power of equine therapy to help those struggling with everything from anxiety to depression.

The effectiveness of equine therapy

Equine therapy is nothing new. For years, the effectiveness of equine therapy for mental health has been studied and shown to reduce stress, improve mindfulness, and even lower posttraumatic stress symptoms. These powerful results have contributed to equine therapy being used in substance recovery and mental health treatment facilities.

 

Smith feels that her Arabian horses, and Amir in particular, have a way about them that instills confidence.

 

“You can see it in his eyes,” says Smith. “He understands you. People are not used to that, and it changes them.”

 

Smith has opened her California estate, nestled within the beautiful vineyards of wine country, to anyone seeking time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, including those who may be struggling with symptoms of depression. She allows them time to rest and be among the free-roaming Arabian horses.

 

“Arabian horses create a different type of reaction than people are accustomed to with people,” says Smith. “They require trust and presence, and those needs can often pull people out of the isolation they are experiencing because of depression.”

 

As people learn to be “in the moment” on Smith’s estate, they begin to see the powerful pull of nonjudgmental engagement that the horses provide. For many, it is more effective than a talk-first approach to therapy.

A shining symbol of equine therapy

Smith knew as soon as she met Amir Fadjur Salaam that he was something special. A direct descendant of The Fabulous Fadjur, one of the most celebrated Arabian horses in recent history, Amir had the same empathy, kindness, and intelligence that had made his ancestors so beloved. 

 

“Amir isn’t simply a beautiful horse; he is a symbol of peace,” says Smith. 

 

Arabian horses were often given as gifts symbolizing goodwill thousands of years ago, and Smith believes that Amir could be the horse to carry on that ancient tradition of inspiring serenity and accord between divided parties. 

 

For people experiencing depression, the world can often feel cold and inaccessible. Amir’s presence has a way of offering wordless reassurance that someone is okay just the way they are. 

 

“Amir can affect change on a global scale and one-on-one,” Smith says, “and that’s immensely powerful.”

Healing with a calm presence

The entire idea behind equine therapy is that sometimes a simple calming presence can be more healing than all the advice and talk therapy in the world. 

 

Smith has experienced Amir’s calming presence in her own life. After the death of her husband, musician and mogul Chester Smith, she turned to her horses for comfort and quiet reassurance. What they gave her was inspiration and a renewed purpose.

 

Smith knows that healing and calm can often come from the most unexpected places. For her, it is what makes life interesting.

 

“Horses can be more than just beautiful animals to look at,” Smith says. “They can offer hope for a better tomorrow.”

 

Through equine therapy, many people grappling with depression learn to slow down, reconnect with the here and now, and feel less alone. The distinctive sensitivity of the Arabian horse, in particular, can help people with depression feel a stronger sense of connection.

 

Sometimes, the best paths to healing are surprisingly simple. With her estate open to those who need it and her beloved horse by her side, Ann Lesley Smith is helping people see the beauty in understanding, empathy, and the everyday.