Gateway Meadows Equine-Assisted Services

Navigating life, especially after experiencing trauma, can make it challenging to maintain a sense of self, purpose, and direction. Sometimes those offering “solutions” don’t even understand the problem. Maybe you don’t either. Whether you are dealing with mind, body, spirit, or other concerns, it’s difficult to heal when you’re overwhelmed with voices externally and internally.

Fortunately, horses can teach us valuable life skills; they live in the moment and are exceptional models of mindfulness. To be mindful is to live in the present, being intentionally aware of each moment and being fully engaged in what is happening in your surroundings—with acceptance and without judgement. Developing a practice of mindfulness reduces stress and enhances your overall well-being. Horses respond to your energy and spirit without words, observing human behavior keenly. They know if you are present.

Welcome!

Few things can compare to a 1,000-pound horse to command your presence. They’re the ultimate inspiration for mindfulness, which includes being fully present, aware, and attuned to the moment.

Gateway Meadows Founder and Executive Director, Kathy Friedrich

Kathy was an army nurse during the Gulf War, and never lost her desire to help veterans. She worked in various healthcare leadership positions in quality and program development including a director position at the Minneapolis VA and the Director of Neuroscience Clinical Programs for Allina Health. Her experiences are being utilized to build and lead the Gateway Meadows programs with the expectation Gateway Meadows will meet high quality standards and demonstrate measurable research based improvements for those we serve. She has years of experience facilitating and coaching teams and individuals in the healthcare setting and is certified as a nurse coach by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation and an Arenas for Change (ARCH) certified professional. She is also the caretaker of the Gateway Meadows property and herd along with a wonderful team of volunteers.

Our Mission

Gateway Meadows Equine-Assisted Services’ mission is to provide therapeutic services to Veterans, First Responders, and their families while partnering with horses to build inner strength, belonging, and purpose.

Participant Spotlight:
Hear Allison’s Story

“There’s an innate sense of well-being when I am at Gateway Meadows with Kathy and the horses. I was lucky to attend her all-female, four-day summer session. I learned a lot about myself, other Veterans, and how equine therapy can and will build confidence in us.

We all have a story, and I’m learning A LOT about how to cope with PTSD and depression during sessions with Kathy and the horses—more than I ever received at the VA. They always pushed pills, since my 2004 diagnosis after a tour in Iraq. You name a pill, I’ve been prescribed it and they never helped me feel better. The VA’s therapy always focused on Alcohol Use Disorder.

During coaching sessions with Kathy, she helps me focus on how to be more positive, and combat the issues at hand. I finally feel like my younger and healthier version is coming to fruition through her guidance and support. I greatly appreciate the opportunity and friendships built through Kathy’s dream of helping Veterans.”

Now offering One-Day Sessions for Organizations

One-day sessions are tailored to meet your organizational goals, such as:

team building,
goal setting,
improving communication,
listening to the customer,
and creative problem solving.