Equine Healing
A Journey Back to the Body with Horses as Our Guides
S I G H ~ Somatic Inspired Growth with Horses is a mind-body healing modality co-led by horses as our gentle guides. At the heart of this work is a deep belief in the healing power of connection—connection to the body, the breath, and the natural wisdom of horses. I offer a unique, integrative approach to healing that blends somatic practices, equine-facilitated experiences, yoga, meditation, and nervous system regulation to support individuals on their journey toward greater balance, confidence, and inner calm. Founded and guided by Julia Lerner, this work draws on years of experience helping individuals reconnect with themselves through guided groundwork, mindful movement, and intentional connection. Horses are deeply intuitive beings who respond to our energy and emotions, offering instant, honest feedback and a profound opportunity to tune in—to ourselves and to another living being. No prior horse experience is needed. Horses are gentle, intuitive partners in this process, offering a safe and grounded space to explore self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and a greater sense of belonging. Sessions are offered in Woodacre (Marin County) and Boonville (Mendocino County). To learn more, contact Julia at bluehorseyoga@gmail.com or visit our FAQ page.
Meet the Facilitator
Julia
LERNER
Hello, I’m Julia, the founder of SIGH (Somatic Inspired Growth with Horses). I’ve been deeply connected to horses my entire life—riding since the age of five and eventually entering the competitive riding world. I began teaching horseback riding as a teenager and was drawn early on to the principles of Natural and Holistic Horsemanship, which continue to inform my approach today.
As I grew both personally and professionally, I became immersed in yoga and meditation. After completing my yoga teacher certification, I began integrating these practices with my riding students, noticing how naturally they supported presence, body awareness, and emotional regulation. This led me into deeper work in the healing arts. In the 1990s, I began formal training in Equine Assisted Therapy through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), where I initiated my practice of partnering horses with clients for emotional and psychological growth. I went on to earn my master’s degree in Somatic Psychology and worked extensively with families and children in therapeutic settings throughout the Bay Area.
Today, I hold space for individual clients in Woodacre and Boonville, where I collaborate with my horses to offer a deeply integrative and somatic-based approach to healing. My work weaves together years of equestrian experience, mindfulness, and body-based psychotherapy to support lasting transformation and embodied growth.