Courtesy of Bennett College
Bennett College made history on Tuesday, November 4, by hosting the first official Equine Therapy session at an HBCU, held at the College’s SheCare Wellness Pods and presented in partnership with Proof of Puddin’ and Black Diamond.
Under a clear fall sky, students, faculty, and staff gathered on the lawn to meet two therapy horses—Sunshine and Bam—for an afternoon of grounded, healing-centered programming designed to reduce stress and promote emotional regulation. Participants petted the horses, braided their manes, and walked with them across the grass. Throughout the session, the horses remained peaceful and calm, seemingly unfazed by the flurry of conversation, movement, and laughter around them.
Alongside equine interaction, participants also explored art therapy on the deck of the Wellness Pods. Students spent time journaling, sketching, and creating small scrapbooks—activities that supported reflection, emotional processing, and mindful expression.
The event was led by Talia Scott, LCMHC, ATR-BC, and Denzel Health, with facilitation by the Bennett Counseling Team. According to organizers, working with large animals in a low-stress space can help calm the nervous system, support emotional regulation, and deepen students’ awareness of both body and breath.
Transformative Experiences at the HBCU Equine Therapy Session
“This was more than a wellness activity—today was about giving our girls space to heal,” said Ryanne Peterson, MS, LCMHC, NCC, Director of Counseling Services. “We’re thrilled to be the first HBCU to host Equine Therapy on campus, and the She Care Wellness Pods are the perfect place for students to explore new forms of healing, care, and community.”
This experience also aligns with Bennett College’s Centennial theme, Women. Learn. Lead., reinforcing the College’s 100-year commitment to preparing women to lead in every aspect of their personal and professional lives. Through the SheCare Wellness Pods, Bennett women learn about themselves, learn new models of wellness and emotional regulation, and lead by prioritizing self-care as a foundation for academic success, leadership, and lifelong wellbeing.
The session reflects Bennett College’s continued leadership in innovative, culturally relevant mental health programming. The SheCare Wellness Pods have quickly become a hub for healing-centered practices that affirm the emotional and psychological well-being of Bennett students.
