Dr. Anita Shkedi

15/05/2026

On May 27th, in Israel, I will be starting a new CPD course for professionals in Equine-Assisted Services. This course will share the latest knowledge and new methods for collaborating with horses to support trauma survivors.
It is important to note that this is not a therapeutic riding course; rather, it focuses on trauma-informed work aimed at assisting individuals in the present, with a lasting impact beyond their time with the horse.
Over the past two years, my understanding of trauma, resilience, and recovery has deepened significantly. One key insight stands out: connection cannot be forced, especially when working with horses. It must be established on a foundation of trust, respect, and willingness.
In a structured therapeutic environment, horses provide a unique space that is both safe and gently challenging. They respond to a person's emotional state, rather than their story, which encourages presence, honesty, and emotional regulation.
Through non-verbal communication, clients develop self-awareness, establish boundaries, build confidence, and foster resilience. Horses offer immediate, non-judgmental feedback, facilitating emotional regulation and co-regulation in real time.
This work transcends verbal communication; it engages the body, where trauma is often stored, helping to restore rhythm, balance, and a sense of self.
Additionally, I am excited to announce the launch of my new book for practitioners who wish to partner with horses in supporting trauma survivors. It will complement my previous book, Horses Heal PTSD: Walking New Paths. (Available: www.anitashkedi.com)
If anyone wishes to sign up for it, please let me know. [email protected]

15/05/2026

On May 27th, in Israel, I will be starting a new CPD course for professionals in Equine-Assisted Services. This course will share the latest knowledge and new methods for collaborating with horses to support trauma survivors.
It is important to note that this is not a therapeutic riding course; rather, it focuses on trauma-informed work aimed at assisting individuals in the present, with a lasting impact beyond their time with the horse.
Over the past two years, my understanding of trauma, resilience, and recovery has deepened significantly. One key insight stands out: connection cannot be forced, especially when working with horses. It must be established on a foundation of trust, respect, and willingness.
In a structured therapeutic environment, horses provide a unique space that is both safe and gently challenging. They respond to a person's emotional state, rather than their story, which encourages presence, honesty, and emotional regulation.
Through non-verbal communication, clients develop self-awareness, establish boundaries, build confidence, and foster resilience. Horses offer immediate, non-judgmental feedback, facilitating emotional regulation and co-regulation in real time.
This work transcends verbal communication; it engages the body, where trauma is often stored, helping to restore rhythm, balance, and a sense of self.
Additionally, I am excited to announce the launch of my new book for practitioners who wish to partner with horses in supporting trauma survivors. It will complement my previous book, Horses Heal PTSD: Walking New Paths. (Available: www.anitashkedi.com)
If anyone wishes to sign up for it, please let me know. [email protected]

ב-27 במאי, בישראל, אתחיל קורס CPD חדש לאנשי מקצוע בשירותי סיוע סוסים. הקורס ישתף את הידע העדכני ביותר ושיטות חדשות לשיתוף פעולה עם סוסים לתמיכה באנשים המתמודדים עם טראומה.
חשוב לציין שזה אינו קורס רכיבה טיפולי; זהו קורס המתמקד בעבודה המודעת לטראומה שמטרתה לסייע לאנשים בהווה, עם השפעה מתמשכת מעבר לזמן שלהם עם הסוס.
בשנתיים האחרונות, ההבנה שלי לגבי טראומה, חוסן והחלמה העמיקה משמעותית. תובנה מרכזית בולטת: אי אפשר לכפות חיבור בכפייה, במיוחד כשעובדים עם סוסים. הוא חייב להיות מבוסס על יסודות של אמון, בטחון, כבוד ורצון.
בסביבה טיפולית מובנית, הסוסים מספקים מרחב ייחודי שהוא גם בטוח וגם מאתגר בעדינות. הם מגיבים למצב הרגשי של האדם, ולא לסיפור שלו, שמעודד נוכחות, כנות ווויסות רגשי.
באמצעות תקשורת לא מילולית, הלקוחות מפתחים מודעות עצמית, קובעים גבולות, בונים ביטחון עצמי ומטפחים חוסן. הסוסים מספקים משוב מיידי וללא שיפוטיות, ומקל על ויסות רגשי ווויסות משותף בזמן אמת.
העבודה הזו חורגת מהתקשורת המילולית; העבודה עם הסוס מפעילה את הגוף, שבו לעיתים קרובות נשמרת הטראומה, ועוזר לשחזר קצב, איזון ותחושת עצמי.
בנוסף, אני נרגשת להודיע על השקת ספרי החדש עבור מטפלים המעוניינים לשתף פעולה עם סוסים בתמיכה באנשים המתמודדים עם טראומה. הוא ישלים את הספר הקודם שלי, 'סוסים מרפאים PTSD: הליכה בדרכים חדשות'. (זמין: www.anitashkedi.com)
אם מישהו מעוניין להירשם בבקשה לשלוח מייל . [email protected]

23/12/2025

19/04/2025

At the beginning of April, Debbie and I accepted an invitation from Proyecto Caballo to attend a two-day gathering in Spain, where fifteen participants explored concepts that go Beyond Welfarism. This topic holds deep significance for me, particularly when it comes to the welfare of horses. The event provided an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the connection between humans and horses and to explore ways to improve their lives.
I would like to thank the organizers and especially Carlos Ganzabal for inviting us to the meeting. The accommodation, food and hospitality was perfect.
From the PROYECTO CABALLO website: As legal guardians of equines, we believe it is our moral duty to confront the loss of freedom imposed by domestication.
During our visit we engaged in discussions and collaborated on a White Paper aimed at redefining the future of equine welfare. Participants from various countries joined these conversations, exploring fundamental questions about human interactions with equines, including:
• The pursuit of power and control
• The desire for adrenaline and excitement
• The influence of social status and belonging
• The genuine care, love, and need for connection
Over two days, we engaged in brainstorming sessions to delve deeper into these themes, examining how domestication impacts horses both physically and emotionally.
I quote again from the PROYECTO CABALLO website: We acknowledge that restricting equine freedom—confining them behind fences, no matter how spacious—profoundly affects their psychological, emotional, and physical development. Much like humans deprived of autonomy, horses experience boredom, stress, and frustration, often developing stereotypic behaviors due to the lack of stimulation and the inability to express natural instincts. These limitations affect their capacity to explore, learn, and adapt, ultimately diminishing their overall well-being.
As caretakers entrusted with their welfare, we bear a moral responsibility to mitigate these restrictions by creating enriching environments that promote their physical, mental, and social health. This means providing access to suitable spaces, encouraging meaningful social interactions with fellow equines, and fostering activities that engage their minds and bodies. By implementing these measures, we can counteract the negative effects of confinement, improving their quality of life while honoring their intrinsic needs as sentient beings.
For more information, visit Proyecto Caballo: Beyond Welfarism.