Lauren Crocker, a Tennessee-native and realtor, is following her passion for horses all the way out into the pasture, hoping to make a difference along the way. With the current state of the real estate market, Crocker decided that now was the time to do something she has always wanted to do:, open an equine-centric, therapy- based non-profit called, Saddled Souls.

About Saddled Souls

Saddled Souls is a labor of love for Crocker. After overcoming a truly heartbreaking past of childhood trauma and now having to raise her kids on her own, she knows all too well how important it is to overcome life’s setbacks and hardships, how important it is for children especially, to have a place of peace and safety that allows them to grow into who they were meant to be.

“We need to help our children now so that it benefits them in the future, and hopefully it will allow them to live in a better world than we are living in today,” said Crocker.

That is what Saddled Souls is all about, bettering the lives of children and using the unconditional love and gentleness of horses to accomplish that goal.

The Benefits of Equine Therapy

The size of a horse can be frightening to many people, but the animals are actually therapeutic for those who ride on them. Equine-assisted therapy, also known as hippotherapy, is a modality used by physical, occupational, and speech therapists in which the natural gait and movement of a horse is utilized as a means of treatment. The use of the horse movement is no different than any other type of therapy tool used; it addresses the same goals but has the added benefit of being provided outdoors, which is known to benefit mental health.

While Crocker hopes to serve all children through Saddled Souls, she is hoping to make a difference in the lives of children who have special needs or health-related concerns, as equine therapy is especially beneficial for children with sensory disorders.

Saddled Souls will have the capability to assist children with any number of needs because they have an array of horses on site. The horse any given child will be paired with will be based on the specific needs of that child, so every child will be provided with treatment specifically designed just for them and their needs.

“Each movement of the horse is different, and it benefits a child differently,” says Crocker.

In addition to the horses themselves, Crocker has incorporated her own designs for special tack, and is looking to manufacture brushes and massaging tools that provide a sensory-soothing experience.

Getting Up and Running

Saddled Souls is in the early stages of opening to the public, as they are still in the process of getting everything they need for both the children and the horses. They are located in Tennessee and currently have 5 horses but are looking to expand with more in the near future.

They currently have an occupational therapist but are still searching for physical therapists, speech therapists, mental health counselors, and volunteers to round out their staffing needs.

They are in the process of applying for grants and will gladly accept any donations for “Tack,” or the equipment and accessories placed on horses in the course of their use as domesticated animals. This includes items such as saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, and bits.

Saddled Souls hopes to be officially open to the public by mid-March and anyone with a child who would benefit from equine therapy is encouraged to join! As Crocker says, “Everybody should have a horse. Everybody should ride and should have that freeing feeling of just being themselves.”

About Lauren Crocker

Lauren Crocker is an experienced realtor and broker. She specializes in commercial and residential real estate properties in Montgomery County, TN. She is also the founder of Saddled Souls, a non-profit specializing in equine-assisted hippotherapy for children. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/SaddledSouls