A Six-Session Equine Experience for Those Navigating Serious Illness, Grief, and Life Transition

Where the spirit connects, the heart softens, and the path becomes lighter.

Created and facilitated by Dr. Kathryn Dundas, MD, CCFP, this compassionate equine-assisted psychotherapy program offers individuals a safe and grounded space to process the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of serious illness, caregiving, grief, and end-of-life transition.

Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Dundas’s father, Dr. Brock Dundas, a founder of palliative home care and hospice in Calgary, this program honors the healing power of presence, connection, and gentle reflection.

Program Overview

Horses live entirely in the present moment. Their calm, intuitive presence helps us reconnect with ourselves, access emotions we may not have words for, and discover a deeper sense of peace.

Unbridled Grace is offered as a series of six private equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions. Sessions are scheduled according to each participant’s needs, energy level, and pace.

There is no requirement to complete the program on a fixed schedule. Some individuals may choose:

• Two sessions in one week
• One session every few weeks
• Monthly sessions
• A single stand-alone session

Each experience is individualized and tailored to the participant.

Who This Program Is For

This offering may be meaningful for individuals who are:

• Living with serious or life-limiting illness
• Receiving palliative care
• Facing major health decisions
• Processing grief or anticipatory grief
• Supporting a loved one through illness
• Seeking emotional, spiritual, or somatic support during a significant life transition

No prior horse experience is required.

Program Format

• Six private sessions
• 60–90 minutes each
• Conducted outdoors in a peaceful ranch setting
• Includes guided reflection and gentle interaction with horses
• Family members or caregivers are welcome to enjoy the peacefulness of the ranch during the participant’s session

The Six Sessions

Session 1 — Grounded Presence

Reconnecting with Yourself

The journey begins by slowing down and arriving fully in the present moment.

Participants are invited to notice how they are feeling physically, emotionally, and spiritually while experiencing the steady, calming presence of the horse.

Focus:

• Settling the nervous system
• Establishing trust and safety
• Becoming aware of what is present

Session 2 — The Weight We Carry

Acknowledging What Has Been Held

Many people facing illness or caregiving have spent years being strong for others.

This session creates space to recognize the burdens, roles, and emotions that may no longer need to be carried alone.

Focus:

• Recognizing emotional weight
• Naming hidden stressors
• Allowing support

Session 3 — Honoring What Is True

Listening to the Wisdom Within

Horses respond to authenticity.

This session supports participants in identifying what feels most true and meaningful in this season of life.

Focus:

• Clarifying values
• Identifying priorities
• Connecting with inner wisdom

Session 4 — Voicing the Unspoken

Expressing What Matters Most

Participants are invited to explore conversations, wishes, and feelings that may be difficult to share.

This may include legacy reflections, end-of-life wishes, or words that have remained unsaid.

Focus:

• Courageous communication
• Legacy and meaning
• Emotional expression

Session 5 — Releasing and Renewing

Softening What No Longer Serves

Within a safe and supportive setting, participants are gently invited to move through emotions such as grief, fear, sadness, and uncertainty.

The horses often help individuals process these experiences in a way that feels grounded and deeply healing.

Focus:

• Emotional processing
• Somatic release
• Reconnection to resilience and hope

Session 6 — The Gentle Goodbye

Integration, Meaning, and Peace

The final session honors the journey and invites participants to reflect on what they wish to carry forward.

Together, we acknowledge the strength, wisdom, and grace that emerged along the way.

Focus:

• Integration
• Gratitude
• Acceptance and peace

Additional Offerings

Individual Equine Sessions

For those who prefer a single session rather than the full six-session journey.

Ideal for:

• Immediate emotional support
• Caregivers
• Introductory experiences

Half-Day Renewal Experience

A private half-day retreat combining equine experiential work, guided reflection, and restorative time in nature.

Small Group Experiences

Customized programs are available for:

• Families
• Caregiver groups
• Palliative care teams
• Grief support circles

Potential Benefits

Participants may experience:

• Reduced anxiety and emotional overwhelm
• Greater clarity about what matters most
• Improved communication with loved ones
• A sense of being seen and supported
• Renewed connection to self, meaning, and peace

Investment

Unbridled Grace is offered as a six-session private equine-assisted psychotherapy journey.

Six-Session Journey

$2,400 CAD

Sessions are booked at your own pace and tailored to your individual needs.

Receipts are issued by Dr. Kathryn Dundas, MD, CCFP. Reimbursement may be available through extended health benefits under psychotherapy services, depending on your plan.

A limited number of reduced-fee spaces may be available.

Closing Reflection

In the presence of horses, many people discover that healing is not about fixing what is broken.

It is about feeling supported enough to soften, reconnect with what matters most, and move forward with greater peace, strength, and grace.