The Mending Post, LLC

The Mending Post, LLC Addressing self-awareness, self-esteem, emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, social/interpersonal skills, reduce stress/anxiety.

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."-Winston Churchill Founded in 2025 by Mattie Mathews, The Mending Post, LLC is an equine-assisted therapy practice rooted in compassion, connection, and the belief that healing begins in relationship. With over 10 years of experience with horses, a master’s degree in special education, certification in Animal-As

sisted Therapy, and currently working on her second masters in clinical mental health, Mattie created The Mending Post as a safe haven where individuals of all backgrounds can begin, or continue, their healing journey. The Mending Post isn’t just about horses, it’s about people. Survivors, seekers, youth, adults, and families looking to reconnect with themselves and others in a safe, trauma-informed environment. At The Mending Post, we look forward to working alongside individuals, families, and organizations in our community, offering space, support, and the healing presence of horses as companions on the path toward growth and restoration.

Sometimes life gets a little messy. Sometimes our brains are louder than our hearts. And sometimes you just need a horse...
08/20/2026

Sometimes life gets a little messy. Sometimes our brains are louder than our hearts. And sometimes you just need a horse who doesn’t care about your to-do list, your past, or whether you remembered to answer that text. 😂

We currently have TWO spots available at The Mending Post.

Our ground-based equine-assisted sessions provide a space to slow down, reconnect, build confidence, work through challenges, and maybe discover that the horse has a few things to teach us along the way.

No riding. No judgment. Just horses, connection, and a little bit of mending. ❤️🐴

Message us to see if we are a good fit for you.

Have a great Thursday!

Yesterday was a reminder that our horses aren't just teachers, they're learners too. ❤️🐴It's been quite a while since Ri...
08/01/2026

Yesterday was a reminder that our horses aren't just teachers, they're learners too. ❤️🐴

It's been quite a while since Rimson has been separated from his herd for one-on-one work, and today he made sure everyone knew exactly how he felt about it. There was pacing...there was bucking... and enough neighing to let the entire ranch know he had some very strong opinions. 😂

It would have been easy to take him right back to his herd and call it a day. But just like we encourage people to work through life's challenges with support, it's important that we help our equine partners build those same coping skills.

So we slowed down. We stayed patient. We gave him the time and reassurance he needed to work through his stress instead of avoiding it. Little by little, he relaxed, reconnected, and found his confidence again.

One of the most powerful aspects of equine-assisted services is that our horses are authentic. They experience uncertainty, stress, curiosity, and resilience just like we do. They don't teach because they're perfect, they teach because they've experienced challenges and show us what it looks like to move through them.

Today's lesson wasn't just for Rimson. It was a reminder for all of us that growth often begins outside our comfort zone. Whether you're a horse or a human, having someone beside you while you navigate the hard moments can make all the difference.

And yes...Rimson eventually decided that surviving a few minutes away from his buddies wasn't the tragedy he originally believed it to be. 😆

We're proud of you, big guy. Even our teachers deserve the chance to grow.

There are two kinds of horses...Those who politely inspect the new hay...And then there's Buddie and Rimson, who looked ...
07/17/2026

There are two kinds of horses...

Those who politely inspect the new hay...
And then there's Buddie and Rimson, who looked at the fresh delivery and immediately thought, "You know what this needs? My belly." 😂

Nothing says "horse spa day" quite like scratching every itchy spot on a fresh bale of hay. We tried to explain that hay is for eating... they respectfully ignored us.

This morning was one of those much-needed mornings spent simply being with the herd. ❤️ Watching everyone enjoy the cool morning, the fresh hay, and each other's company is a reminder that healing doesn't always happen through words. Sometimes it happens in the quiet moments...with a nicker, a soft nose, or two goofy horses giving themselves the world's cheapest massage.

And then there's little Maximus. 🥹 He's still convinced everyone is his best friend, and honestly, he's just the sweetest little guy ever. The only thing standing between him and becoming a miniature supermodel is that wild forelock and mane! Somebody may need to schedule him for a makeover before he starts auditioning for an '80s rock band. 🤘😂

Our herd never fails to make us laugh, but they also remind us why equine-assisted services are so powerful. They teach us to slow down, be present, and find joy in the simple things... even if those simple things involve rolling all over perfectly good hay.

07/16/2026

The horses held a staff meeting this morning. Well...Rain tried to stay on topic, Buddie was distracted by snacks, Rimson voted "yes" to everything, Zeke the donkey insisted he should be in charge, and Maximus the mini horse somehow managed to intimidate everyone simply by existing, while Pancho and Lefty satnd back and observe. So...business as usual. 😂

We're excited to announce that our Monthly Book & Art Club is starting back up! 📚🎨 It's a chance to slow down, get creative, connect with others, and spend time with our amazing herd.

But that's not all...

We're also launching new group activities for both kids and adults! Whether you're looking to build confidence, improve communication, reduce stress, strengthen relationships, or simply reconnect with yourself, our equine-assisted services provide a unique, hands-on experience in a safe, welcoming environment.

Horses don't judge your past, your title, or whether you've had three cups of coffee before arriving. They respond to authenticity, helping us become more aware of our emotions, boundaries, and relationships. Sometimes the greatest conversations happen without saying a single word.

If you've been thinking about trying equine-assisted services, this is the perfect time to join us. No riding experience is necessary, just bring yourself, comfortable shoes, and maybe a willingness to laugh when a donkey decides your pockets are hiding treats.

At The Mending Post, healing doesn't always look like therapy... sometimes it looks like horse hair on your clothes, paint on your hands, laughter with new friends, and discovering strength you didn't know you had.

📩 Message us today to learn more or reserve your spot. We can't wait to welcome you to the herd!

The wait is over...everyone meet MAXIMUS! 🐴❤️After keeping our big surprise under wraps, we're excited to introduce the ...
07/15/2026

The wait is over...everyone meet MAXIMUS! 🐴❤️

After keeping our big surprise under wraps, we're excited to introduce the newest member of The Mending Post herd!

Now...the humans think he's adorable. The herd? Well... they're still holding a committee meeting. 😂

🐴 Rain: "I'm just going to admire him... from way over here."

🐴 Pancho: "That's definitely a horse... right?"

🐴 Lefty: "I've seen some strange things around here, but this one takes the cake."

🐴 Rimson: "If he's staying, I guess I'll allow it... but I'm keeping one eye on him."

🐴 Buddie: "Can somebody please explain why the new guy is horse-sized for ants? I have questions."

🫏 Zeke: "NOPE! It's tiny... it moves... and I don't trust it!" (Runs away dramatically.) 💨🤣

Who knew the smallest horse on the ranch could have everyone else second-guessing themselves? Apparently, being little can be pretty intimidating!

But that's exactly why Maximus is going to be such a special part of The Mending Post.

For some of our younger clients, standing next to a full-sized horse can feel overwhelming. Maximus offers a gentle introduction to building confidence, trust, and connection. He reminds us that you don't have to be the biggest in the herd to make the biggest impact.

Around here, healing isn't measured in hands high, it's measured in courage, connection, and heart. ❤️

Welcome to the herd, Maximus! We have a feeling you're going to leave some pretty BIG hoofprints on a lot of little hearts. 🐴✨

🐴✨ Exciting news from The Mending Post... but we’re going to make you wait just a little bit longer! 🤫There’s a new addi...
07/08/2026

🐴✨ Exciting news from The Mending Post... but we’re going to make you wait just a little bit longer! 🤫

There’s a new addition joining our Mending Post family, and we are beyond excited! We wish we could share all the details right now, but where’s the fun in ruining a good surprise? 😉

Let’s just say this new addition is going to bring even more heart, personality, and probably a little extra mischief to the ranch. (Because apparently, we didn’t already have enough characters running around here! 😂)

The animals have been informed… although some are more curious than others, and I’m pretty sure Zeke the donkey is already trying to figure out if this means more snacks. 🫏🤣

Stay tuned…we can’t wait to introduce you to the newest member of The Mending Post family! ❤️🐴

Happy 4th from The Mending Post.  We hope you all have a great and safe holiday! 😁🎆🇺🇸
07/05/2026

Happy 4th from The Mending Post. We hope you all have a great and safe holiday! 😁🎆🇺🇸

06/23/2026

🐴 Never a dull moment at The Mending Post!

This morning, I was busy doing chores and chatting with one of our newest "assistant facilitators" when I turned around and discovered she'd apparently been promoted to Donkey Wrangler-in-Chief...

There she was, happily riding Zeke the donkey like she'd been doing it her whole life. 🤦‍♀️🤣

The funny thing is, neither Zeke nor our tiny facilitator seemed concerned about discussing this career advancement with management beforehand.

Moments like these are a great reminder of why we do what we do. Horses and donkeys have a special way of helping people feel comfortable, build confidence, form connections, and create memories they'll never forget. Sometimes healing and growth happen through structured activities, and sometimes they happen through unexpected moments that make everyone laugh.

At The Mending Post, we're accepting new clients beginning in July and would love to help you, your child, or your family experience the incredible benefits of equine-assisted services.

Because let's be honest, where else can personal growth, confidence-building, and donkey supervisors all be found in one place? 🫏❤️

📩 Message us for more information and to reserve your spot!

The Mending Post is excited to begin welcoming new clients for Equine Assisted Services starting in July!Equine-assisted...
06/17/2026

The Mending Post is excited to begin welcoming new clients for Equine Assisted Services starting in July!

Equine-assisted services provide a unique opportunity to build confidence, improve communication, strengthen emotional awareness, develop healthy coping skills, and foster meaningful connections, all through interactions with our incredible horses. Sometimes the greatest lessons come from a horse simply meeting you where you are, without judgment and with plenty of heart.

Speaking of connections, we recently gained a new "assistant facilitator" (she's a little short on credentials but makes up for it with enthusiasm 😄). In no time at all, she formed a special bond with Rimson and Zeke, proving once again that horses have an amazing ability to connect with people and make them feel seen, valued, and accepted.

While we can't guarantee your horse partner will share their snacks, we can promise an experience that is rewarding, memorable, and often life-changing.

If you've been curious about how horses can help build confidence, resilience, and personal growth, now is the perfect time to learn more!

📩 Message us today to reserve your spot or get additional information. We can't wait to meet you!

06/14/2026

Thank you to everyone who helped get the herd loaded, transported safely and moved into their new pasture. Everyone is happy and Rimson even had coffee with me. We're excited and accepting new clients to begin services July 1st!

Address

*
Paulden, AZ
86334

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+13077524417

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