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The Zeemering Family Pet and Human Therapy Foundation Programs


Over the last 30 years, Ms. Zeemering has built a sophisticated, successful combination of sustainable businesses and land conservation initiatives, which have, gradually, turned into animal-based projects and programs for the Foundation.

The farm itself was initially developed around the raising, training and breeding of horses, and the entire site is home to miles of trails for horse-riding or nature walking. Sixteen years ago, the Foundation began hosting Equine Assisted Psychotherapy programs, demonstrating and promoting EAP’s invaluable benefits. It has held regular EAP demonstrations for various interest groups, sponsored successful individual therapy sessions with autistic children and long-term therapy programs for veterans with PTSD. The Foundation, in fact, sponsored the very first public EAP demonstration workshop in MI at the farm in 2004. This was a “founding moment” for EAP in MI, as the demonstrating therapists back then had to be brought in from out-of-state. Now there are several licensed MI providers, but the only full-time EAP facilities are in Traverse City and Claire, with a smaller one in western MI.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: "Why Horses"

Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to influence people in incredibly powerful ways. Developing relationships, training, horsemanship instruction and caring for the horses naturally affects the people involved in a meaningful way. The benefits of the work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, communication, and healthy relationships have long been recognized. Horses naturally provide these benefits. We are so often asked, “Why horses, why not other animals?”

Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of a horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.

Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.

Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the “easy way” are the norm, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful, a valuable characteristic in all aspects of life.

What is the role of the horse in an EAP session? Horses are sensitive to non-verbal communication and respond to what messages the clients give them in the moment. These responses give the client and the treatment team information – information that brings awareness of current patterns and motivates change to new ones. Many clients will complain, “The horse is stubborn”. “The horse does not like me”, etc. But the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, the horses will respond differently – just like people!

Current Foundation Programs

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), a proven therapy for individuals suffering from an array of mental, physiological, behavioral and emotional conditions. For the last 16 years, the Foundation has been presenting programs to advance the invaluable benefits of EAP; holding regular demonstrations, and successful individual therapy sessions with autistic children and long-term therapy programs for veterans with PTSD. In fact, Ina was the first ever to sponsor a public EAP demo workshop in MI.

The Foundation is currently seeking funding to implement and promote a regional EAP Center to begin mainstreaming the therapy in Southeast Michigan, and work with other MI providers throughout the state and the Midwest.

Canine Search & Rescue courses have been conducted by law enforcement support groups at the farm facilities. These courses and search and rescue events are ongoing.

“Day-Trips” for Inner City Youth, especially from Flint, Saginaw and Detroit; usually planned with the lawyer-based associations with which Ina worked, as well as Detroit churches. The trips include “meeting” horses, fishing, walking or watching for birds and other animals.

The use of the spacious Foundation House, its grounds and the farm’s amenities by non-profit groups for training or “retreats”, or for holding community activities such as picnics & pot-lucks for friends, local residents or members of non-profit groups; or for regular or one-time programs of groups involved in the Foundation’s activities.

Co-housing: Co-Housing is a well-established cooperative living program where groups of individuals or families live privately, but with limited communal responsibilities keeping the cost very low. It’s the first step in ZF’s advocacy for sustainable future care for a fast-growing, aging population; focused on supporting the high “quality of life” this group expects.

Already built are three 4-bedroom ADA-accessible homes for future Co-Housing. The Foundation is also starting a Co-Housing “Country Women Living Together” program aimed at women who live with horses or just want to be around them.

Expanding & Future Plans

  1. A bee apiary begun in 2017. The land has not used pesticides for over 35 years, making it an ideal location for bees and butterflies.
  2. An organic Community Garden for Co-housing food needs and local farmer’s market sales.
  3. A Solar Aquaponic Greenhouse raising tilapia, sea bass, produce and herbs for area markets.
  4. A community meeting and workshop space that can also be used by other area nonprofits.
  5. Monthly Events: Seasonal Bonfires; Picnics; Fishing Contests; Hiking, Riding, and more.




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“Providing a place for people and animals to come together for their mutual health and growth; while preserving the pastures, ponds, wetlands, forests and farmland that enrich our lives and help heal the planet.”
Zeemering Pet and Human Therapy Foundation
a 501(c) (3) federally tax exempt organization

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