Equine-Assisted Soul Care & Natural Horsemanship
stop the anxious scroll and get back to what feeds your soul.
People want to be able to quiet their minds and be present.
Soul Care provides tangible biblical tools and practices both in office and outside in the arena.
You can experience the peace your soul is longing for.
Testimonials
Christi M.
“My teenage daughter had her first session at Horse and Soul today and I cannot say enough good things about her experience!!! When she left the house this afternoon to go to her session she was a bit hesitant, burdened, and easily agitated. When she came home, she was exponentially more free. She was noticeably lighter (emotionally) and actually danced around the living room. She opened up to me and shared several aspects of her time at Horse and Soul, and said she can’t wait to go back. Mrs. Delavan was incredible at helping my (usually quiet) teenager open up and let go of several things she’s been struggling with. We are so thankful for Mrs. Delavan and Horse and Soul”
Amber T.
“Don’t let a lack of horse experience allow you to rule out this amazing experience and encounter. Maria Delavan and her horses adapt to whatever level of interaction and pace that you are comfortable with. The entire process and experience is great!”
Lee M.
Horse and Soul is an amazing combination of Maria’s passion and God’s presence. I had the unique opportunity to be a part of a session where teens walked through some tough situations that they face daily, guided by or guiding the horse. I saw freedom and peace fall in this place. God is awesome! Maria has such a beautiful heart that follows the Lord well and shares that with others. Thank you for this encounter. I will definitely be back!
I do Equine-Assisted Soul Care and Horsemanship Instruction.
Here is what that means…
Hi! I am Maria Delavan, MA, and my calling is to guide others toward wholeness—spiritually, emotionally, and through the beautiful connection between horse and rider. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and a Master’s Degree in Christian Formation and Soul Care. I am a certified Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator, a certified Evangelical Christian Spiritual Director, a C2 member of the United States Pony Club, a CHA certified riding instructor, and a retreat and conference speaker.
Alongside my ministry work, I offer riding and horsemanship instruction with a focus on English performance disciplines and natural horsemanship. My goal is to help students become well-rounded, confident, and compassionate horsemen and horsewomen—developing skill, balance, and communication while fostering a deep partnership with their horses.
At the heart of everything I do is Christian soul care—the intentional process of nurturing and tending to an individual’s spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being. It involves practices that cultivate a deeper relationship with God, promote inner healing, and encourage growth in faith.
Key elements of Christian soul care include:
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Spiritual Direction: Receiving guidance from a mentor or spiritual director to discern God’s voice and leading.
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Prayer and Reflection: Engaging in prayer, meditation, and reflection to deepen connection with God.
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Counseling and Support: Addressing emotional and psychological struggles through a faith-integrated lens.
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Community: Building relationships that offer support, accountability, and encouragement.
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Sacraments and Worship: Participating in worship and the sacraments as vital expressions of faith and belonging.
Ultimately, my mission—whether through the arena or the quiet spaces of the heart—is to promote holistic well-being and help individuals grow in confidence, purpose, and closeness with God.
You can experience the peace your soul is longing for.
Are you ready to see how horses can help you experience God?
Here is how I can help you:
Natural Horsemanship and English Performance
Grow in your horsemanship journey and see how horses
can help you grow in confidence and connection.
Equine-Assisted Soul Care Retreats
Come be experience God through horses and walk away refreshed.
You can come to our facility or host a retreat at your facility.
Equine-Assisted Soul Care Workshops
Learn to partner with the Holy Spirit and Horses to help others experience peace and rest.
Graduate with a certification in Equine-Assisted Soul Care and receive individual support.

