
Episode #26
Cowboy Up / Basecamp for Veterans Ep. 26 - Sierra Ohrel
Healing Outside Four Walls: Equine-Assisted Therapy for Veterans & First Responders In this episode of The Cowboy Up Podcast , hosts Russell True and Steven Clauson sit down with Sierra, therapist and founder of the mental health program at Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT). Raised in a multi-generational ranching family, Sierra blends deep clinical expertise with raw ranch wisdom to help veterans and first responders process trauma beyond conventional talk therapy. In this episode, we cover: Horse-Sense as Healing: How 1,100-pound biofeedback monitors teach humans to slow down, regulate their nervous system, and come into "horse time." Bypassing the Tactical Armor: Why horses bypass hyperarousal and moral injury, shifting dynamics from "power over" to "power with." Post-Traumatic Growth: Integrating EMDR, somatic movement, and groundwork to cultivate real growth, connection, and joy. Overcoming Isolation: Moving past duty-bound emotional suppression and recognizing that accepting help is an act of strength.

