‘Horses Heal Souls’: How This Finance Pro in Her 50s Swapped Stocks for a Life-Changing Animal Sanctuary
Her leap of faith created a sanctuary where horses bring comfort and change lives
Key Takeaways
- Anna Gassib proves that horses act as "equal partners" in healing trauma and addiction.
- After years in finance, Anna bootstrapped her dream, turning one pony into a 22-acre center.
- From veterans with PTSD to struggling teens, equine therapy fosters trust and empathy.
As the stress of her career began taking a toll, Anna Gassib returned to her love of riding horses. Instantly, she felt calmer, realizing the healing power horses possess. Soon, Anna changed her life’s course and dedicated herself to making a difference in other people’s lives through equine therapy! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World.
Dismounting her horse, Anna Gassib wore a big smile. “Thank you, girl,” she said, gazing into the animal’s brown eyes. Having loved horses all of her life, it felt nice to spend time with them again. A warm comfort flowed through her.
There’s something so healing about being around horses, her heart echoed, assuring her she had done the right thing by taking a chance on a new venture.
In 2004, after many years working in finance, Anna made a career pivot and started Indian Hills Farm in her backyard in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, with just one pony. Bootstrapping it with her savings and equestrian knowledge, Indian Hills Farm opened right away with boarding and riding lessons.
It soon grew into a full center with 20 horses and began offering therapeutic sessions, skill-building for youth and early intervention for children with emotional issues.
As Anna observed others around the horses, she saw what an impact they made on everyone, especially those going through challenges. This is making a true difference. This is what I’m meant to do!
Expanding the dream
By 2011, Anna had the opportunity to take over the defunct Bergen Equestrian Center at Overpeck Park in Leonia, New Jersey.
By modernizing its facilities and expanding its programs, the small farm turned profitable in just one year, growing into a 22-acre center. Soon, its 75 horses were serving thousands of people with riding lessons and trail rides.
Unable to forget the powerful impact she had witnessed over the years at Indian Hills — watching horses bring calm and healing to so many people — she began to nurture a new dream.
“I want to offer a holistic space where riding coexists with therapy,” Anna enthusiastically shared, wanting to address more needs, such as addiction and trauma. “We can use horses as equal partners in healing.”
Anna went to work developing non-riding equine programs with trained therapists and partnering with local agencies. By 2012, she launched Our Stable Life — an equine-assisted psychotherapy program using horses for emotional wellness with sessions for trauma, addiction and special needs.
Anna also published a book that same year called Self-Awareness through Equine Connections to advocate for its integration into mental health. With plans to expand Our Stable Life nationally, and begin new programs to include veteran and youth initiatives, Anna aims to keep going, always innovating to reach more lives through horses.
Changing one life at a time
Having witnessed so many profound healings, Anna treasures every success story.
One veteran with PTSD was isolated and distrustful. In one session, the horse nuzzled him, bringing him to tears and leading him to share about his trauma for the first time, which helped him on his road to recovery.
Another teen with behavioral issues gained confidence after spending time with a horse and is now thriving.
“Horses heal souls, igniting lasting change, teaching us trust, presence and empathy,” shares Anna. “Those are all lessons that heal divisions and foster joy. The thing is that anyone can tap into this power. Even just observing a horse can spark self-awareness and hope.”
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