About Me

    I got my first horse when I was 12 and I was hooked right then! Cookie was her name and she was in foal when we got her. After 11 months, I was lucky enough to be with her minutes after she had given birth. My mom broke open the sac, then ran to the house to get me. When Cookie’s filly, Windsong, took her first steps, she came right towards me! Wow! Was I excited. I spent every day after school with her and she became my best friend. We grew up together and we both learned so much from each other, it was amazing. I spent many wonderful hours exploring the world on my horse. She will always be my first love...

I have bred, raised, trained and shown horses, both English and Western, for many years. Today I have three Rocky Mountain Horses. I started with a rescued mare, adopted a stallion that needed a home...voila! Got a foal out the deal. I trained the mare, Arkie, and am currently training the colt, Malachi, and (recently gelded), Cisco. I own Green Crow Animal rescue and currently have 3 dogs, 2 cats, 14 chickens, and 40 (yes, 40!) birds, in addition to the horses.

   California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE) certified me as a drug and alcohol counselor in 2001. I started working with homeless dual diagnosis adults, then I worked with outpatient adolescents. After that, I then began counseling with DUI clients.  I discovered the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) model in 2012 and fell in love with the idea of using horses as therapeutic tools. It was a perfect blend of my love of animals and psychology.  EAGALA certified me, both as a mental health specialist and as an equine specialist, in 2013, and I have been working with this program ever since. I have worked with adolescents as young as 13, and adults as young as 63.  

My other certifications include California Horsemanship Association (CHA), CPR, and First Aid.
 
Jaye Strother
Heart N Soul Equine Assisted Growth and Learning
619-871-0051
heartnsoulequinetherapy.org

Andrew Strother

CATC II, CCS, EAP:  Andrew has over 20 years in the dual diagnosis counseling field.  In 1994, he began as a case manager for a residential mental health program where he did his internship.  In 1997, Andrew became a manager and clinical supervisor and head of training for Phoenix House Academy of San Diego where he remained and served the Southern California District for 17 years. In October of 2015, Phoenix House of California Inc. shut down its residential adolescent treatment programs and Andrew joined forces with his wife in their vision to form a nonprofit counseling group that uses the power of animals to bring healing, empowerment, and enrichment to the lives of others.

Andrew is a certified Substance Abuse Counselor and Certified Clinical Supervisor through CAADE Addiction Counseling Certification Board of California.  He also has Equine assisted Psychotherapy credentials through Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association.  Additional certification is from The Crisis Prevention Institute as a trainer for Crisis Prevention as well as Trauma Informed Care.  He is certified under SAMSHA to teach Motivational Interviewing Techniques.  Andrew is also a Red Cross First Aid and CPR instructor and Trainer of Trainers with the Labor Occupational and Safety and Health Organization as a Work Occupational Safety and Health program coordinator.  His recent course of Study is through The University of San Diego in their Nonprofit Management Program which should be completed at the end of 2017.  Andrew has lent his knowledge and talents to adult and adolescent programs throughout Southern California and is on the board of directors for Behold Ministries who oversees the Alpine Youth Center and unity programs bringing church, government and businesses together to bring about social change.  In his spare time, he is an assistant pastor in his church, and does old west acting and entertainment with different organizations and production companies to raise money for women and children charities.

Why Horses?

Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to influence people in incredibly powerful ways.  Developing relationships, training, horsemanship instruction, and caring for horses naturally affects the people involved in a positive manner.

The benefits of work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, communication, and healthy relationships has long been recognized. Horses naturally provide these benefits.  The use of horses is growing and gaining popularity with the rise of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning.

We are often asked, "Why horses?  Why not other animals?"

Naturally intimidating to many, horses are large and powerful. This creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. Working alongside a horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides wonderful insight when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.

Like humans, horses are social animals, with defined roles within their herds.  They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes and moods; an approach that works with one horse won’t necessarily work with another.  At times, they seem stubborn and defiant.  They like to have fun.  In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning, an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.  

Horses require us to work, whether in caring for them or working with them.  In an era when immediate gratification and the "easy way" are the norm, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful, a valuable lesson in all aspects of life. 

Most importantly, horses mirror human body language.  Many complain, "This horse is stubborn.  That horse doesn't like me," etc.  The lesson is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently.  Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.

More about EAGALA

Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association

EAGALA equine therapy Founded in 1999, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is the leading international nonprofit association for professionals incorporating horses to address mental health and personal development needs.  Our vision is that every person worldwide will have access to these therapy services known as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning.

There are now over 600 EAGALA programs, with professionals trained and certified through EAGALA,  providing services helping change the lives of people with a diverse range of struggles such as street children in Mexico and South Africa, those suffering from addictions, depression and trauma, and improving relationships in families and groups.  EAGALA has over 4,500 members in 50 countries.

Click on the image below to learn more information about EAGALA

A huge THANK YOU to the following supporters!

Tom's Hay Farm
1790 CA-98
Calexico, CA 92231
(760) 768-3010
tomshayfarm..com

Descanso Junction Restaurant
8306 Hwy 79
Descanso CA 91916
(619) 659-2199
Descanso Junction Restauran

Country Cottage
8306 Hwy 79
Descanso, CA 91916

EMS San Diego
8375 Broadway
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
619-792-9454

Rock Canyon Animal Rescue Foundation
3355 Emmanuel Way
Alpine, California 91901
619-445-4763
http://www.rockcanyonanimalrescuefoundation.org/