“The horses do the healing—we just hold the space.”
Erin Cain, an Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning with over 25 years of experience, has spent a lifetime forging quiet but powerful connections—between horses and humans, healing and presence, land and longing. A dedicated practitioner and guide, Erin’s work is rooted in a deep respect for the intuitive wisdom of horses and the belief that transformation often begins in stillness. Her approach is both professional and profoundly personal. Certified and trained in equine-assisted therapy, Erin brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to her practice. But it’s her lived experience—her resilience, her reverence, her listening—that sets her apart. With every session, she artfully integrates therapeutic techniques with the healing presence of horses, fostering spaces where people can explore, feel, and remember who they are beneath the noise.
Erin’s journey here wasn’t linear. Born on the East Coast, her life unfolded in unexpected chapters—from single motherhood to the mountains of Telluride, each step guided by an inner compass pointing toward purpose. A transformative experience at a Colorado ranch in 1995 marked the beginning of a deeper calling—one that would eventually reshape her life around the intersection of mental health, learning, and the healing power of equine connection.
When she met Joe, a photographer who had spent years documenting wild mustangs, something clicked. Their shared reverence for these misunderstood animals sparked a new path—one rooted in rescue, restoration, and the quiet, sacred work of bearing witness. Together, they began adopting wild mustangs—horses discarded by a system that didn’t see their worth—and watched as these beings helped unlock buried emotion and insight in the humans who came to be with them.
And then, just as the world was shutting down, a door opened.
A piece of land became available. Unplanned, but perfectly timed. Raw, open, and ready to become a sanctuary. From that patch of earth, Grace Reins was born—not from ambition, but from devotion. A space where people and horses alike could come to feel safe, seen, and whole again.
Today, Erin continues to steward Grace Reins with quiet strength and deep intention. Her unique ability to harness the wisdom of horses allows her to guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. What she offers is more than therapy—it’s a return to wholeness, facilitated by the most honest of teachers.
Explore the profound journey of returning to yourself—rediscovering inner peace, clarity, and authenticity amidst life's complexities. Delve into practices and insights that facilitate personal alignment and renewal.
Discover strategies for navigating grief and embracing life after loss with resilience and compassion. Explore healing practices and insights to support you on this transformative journey.
Uncover the transformative power of finding wild grace and expansive redemption in life's journeys. Move through how embracing grace can lead to profound personal growth and renewal.
Delve into the fascinating dynamics of exploring how our interactions with others reflect deeper truths about ourselves. Uncover insights and strategies for leveraging this reflection to enhance personal growth and relationships.
Explore effective techniques for regulating your emotions and returning to a centered state amidst life's challenges. Discover practical strategies that promote resilience and well-being in everyday life.
Unlock the keys to building resilience and cultivating a deep sense of purpose in your life's journey. Explore practical strategies and inspirational insights to empower you on the path to personal growth and fulfillment.
For Erin Cain, Grace Reins is more than a therapy program—it’s a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and hope. “When people and animals work together, incredible things happen,” she says. “It’s a privilege to be part of that journey.”
Erin Cain | Powerful Ladies Podcast Episode #303
On “Mental Breakthroughs,” host Patricia Wu and guest Erin Cain, owner of Grace Reins Equine Therapy, discuss the powerful role horses can play in helping people heal from past traumas.
Discover invaluable insights into managing anxiety and nurturing relationships. Let’s unravel their dialogue to uncover key takeaways that can empower us in navigating anxieties and enhancing connections.
MHTN delves into the “Ingredients for Life” theme, Erin shares transformative insights on how equine therapy can guide us toward joy, happiness, vitality, and purpose. Erin shares tips to guide you in your personal growth.
Deeply honored to be featured in the Telluride Local News Business Spotlight, recognizing our commitment to fostering healing and connection through the transformative power of horse partnerships. Being showcased allows us to reach more individuals seeking solace and growth, reinforcing our mission to empower others on their journey towards emotional well-being and resilience.
In this episode, host Tony Dufresne, PhD, sits down with Erin Cain, founder of Grace Reins and a pioneering equine therapist. Erin shares her transformative journey from a young girl with a dream on Long Island to leading an innovative therapeutic riding program.
Erin opens up about the resilience and passion that fueled her path, revealing the strength found in vulnerability and the empowering role of community support, especially for women. Listen to the full story here.
Erin Cain ||| Founder of Grace Reins
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