Meet Kaity Proctor | EAGALA certified equine specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaity Proctor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaity, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the idea for my business slowly over the past decade of my life. It wasn’t an overnight decision.
I’ve been an equestrian since I was young, with a background in competitive riding and horse training. I noticed that a lot of people give credit to their horse for bringing healing and grounding into their lives. I was curious to learn more about the “how and why” horses help people feel better.

I immersed myself in learning about equine behavior, and what connecting with a horse on an emotional level does for a person. I learned that connecting with horses can provide an incredibly unique healing experience for individuals and groups. Horses are powerful teachers that help people experience joy, peace, love, and patience. Horses also have the ability to help people reduce their stress, increase self-confidence, and stand taller.

Alma Vida Horse Ranch came into existence in 2021 when I had the idea that I could combine my equine and business knowledge to launch a non-traditional horse program that focuses on relationship building and emotional connection with horses.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Alma Vida Horse Ranch is a private 6-acre horse ranch in the heart of Queen Creek, AZ. I help women and youth to manage stress and build confidence through relationship building with horses so they can show up happy, connected, and well grounded.

What makes Alma Vida Horse Ranch different from other equine programs is that we focus on connection and relationship building through non-riding activities. We offer an incredibly unique healing experience with horses that you won’t find anywhere else in the East Valley. Our horses’ well-being is always the top priority. Our horses live a natural lifestyle that closely mimics how they would live in the wild: they live outside on a giant grass pasture (never in stalls), they have 24/7 access to forage and water, and they are encouraged to move and explore the property together as a herd. Because of their enriching lifestyle, our horses are able to show up to equine sessions as healthy, happy, and willing participants!

I also recently transitioned my business model to a 12-week program called: “Your Connection Breakthrough: Stand tall and exude confidence in 90 Days through Equine Activities”. This program was created with powerful transformation in mind. I’ve noticed that horses really help people with their difficulties in a very impactful way when the client shows up ready to take action!

My coaching style is compassionate, gentle, and patient. I love having the opportunity to help women and youth overcome their anxiety or low self-esteem through building meaningful relationships with the horses. It is so rewarding to see the women and youth come through my program who leave smiling, standing taller, and ready to integrate horse wisdom into their life!

I am most excited to see the growth and impact that this program will have on the local community and beyond! I’ve been so blessed to nurture my equine program to a point where it’s time to take it to the next level, which looks like brining in corporate organizations in for equine-assisted team-building days, weekends retreats, and partnering with other mental health professionals to provide equine assisted services to those in need. I’ve also been invited onto other podcasts and publications to talk about this equine program, so it seems like the good news of horses being healers is making its way into the mainstream media!

I got to this point today by staying focused on what truly matters: Relationships with horses. Like I mentioned earlier, I spent many years riding and training horses. I’ve been to countless lesson barns and boarding facilities where I noticed a lot of dysfunctional dynamics playing out between horses and people. It was and still is a challenge to be an empathetic person in the horse world. There’s so much pain and fear being tossed around like hot cakes from people to horses. Being a compassionate horse lover in a cruel industry is about the bravest thing a person can be. I know I’m not the only sensitive horse enthusiast in the Arizona who wants to see more love and less pain, so I share my story of how I navigated the horse world until I had the opportunity to create and launch my equine program.

I knew I wanted to run an equine program, but I also knew I had to find a better way for both the horses and the people involved. I started to brainstorm how I could run a horse-centered business that not only kept the horses healthy and happy, but brought joy to the people as well. Alma Vida Horse Ranch is the result of that endeavor! Through non-riding horse activities (such as meditation, mindful breathing, and gentle horsemanship), I help women and youth boost their self-esteem, stand taller, and show up to their life as a happier person! This is a win-win for both horse and human. The horses show up and hold space for healing, and the client experiences equine assisted healing on a beautiful horse ranch in the heart of Queen Creek.

Throughout the whole journey, I had my own personal experiences with horses. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned has to do with consent and entitlement. We have a mini mule named Cowboy who was abused, so he is hesitant to trust people. When I walk up to him feeling entitled to pet him, he runs away faster than the wind. When I slow down, ask him for permission to pet him, and allow him to come to me, he generally consents and will let me scratch his face. Many clients have had a similar experience with him as well. Lessons like these are invaluable and can be integrated in many other areas of life as well.

Alma Vida means “Soul Life”. I believe that horses help us connect with our soul on a deeply spiritual level. This looks different to each person, and no two equine sessions are the same, We have a herd of 7 horses and mules (and a llama and countless chickens) who are ready to help you embark on your life changing equine journey today!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As an outdoor and nature enthusiast, I have to recommend the best local hiking and paddleboarding spots! Fremont Saddle via Peralta trail takes you to an absolute stunning natural volcanic feature known as Weaver’s Needle. It’s a moderately difficult hike, so be prepared with a lot of water and snacks.
Boulder Canyon Recreational site is a classic spot on Canyon Lake that you can choose to set up a picnic on, or take your paddleboard and head east into the canyons. There’s a lot of beautiful wildlife and plants to observe along the way.
After an enriching day in the mountains or on the water, you’ll want to head over to Sidewalk Coffee and Bagel Co in Queen Creek. This cute-as-a-button coffee shop has amazing drinks and fresh bagels daily!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to give immense reverence and gratitude to the countless horses who guided me along the way. Without the wonderful horses I’ve crossed paths with, I have no idea where I would be today. A very heart-felt shoutout to my Mares: Hailey, Pave’, and Mirabel for allowing me to be their steward and showing me how to open my heart to unconditional love.

I’ve had a handful of mentors along the way who have showed me what to do, and what not to do. Jess and Caroline helped shape a positive early experience with horses.

My parents deserves a huge slice of recognition for driving me countless hours and miles to and from the horse barn as a teenager. They have supported me and cheered me along the entire way!

EAGALA is the organization that I’m certified through. They’re doing good work and helping open the door of equine-assisted therapy to a lot of new faces.

Finally, without Cathy, my program wouldn’t exist. She has graciously allowed her horses and mules to be utilized in the equine program, and countless women and children have been able to form a deep connection with the herd.

Thank you to all of the people and equines who have helped light up the path towards more love, deeper connection, and healthy relationships.

Website: https://www.almavidahorseranch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almavida_horseranch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almavidahorseranch