Healing Through Connection: Erin Cain’s Journey with Grace Reins Equine Therapy
Follow Erin on the Gram | @gracereins_stories
For Erin Cain, the rugged beauty of the Western Slope offers more than just scenic views—it’s the setting for profound healing. As the founder of Grace Reins Equine Therapy in Placerville, Colorado, Erin has spent years building a sanctuary where rescued Mustangs and people in need of emotional support come together. Through her work, she has created a space of trust, connection, and transformation.
A Deep Connection to the Land and Its Animals
Erin’s journey began with a lifelong love of horses and a deep desire to help others. After discovering equine-assisted therapy in her 20s, she was inspired by the unique bond between humans and animals. “Horses have an extraordinary intuition,” Erin explains. “They don’t judge. They meet you where you are, and that’s incredibly powerful.”
In 2018, Erin relocated to San Miquel County, where she established Grace Reins. The program focuses on pairing rescued Mustangs with clients, using the horses’ gentle yet instinctive nature to foster healing. “San Miguel County is the perfect place for this work,” she says. “The natural beauty here provides a calming backdrop, and the community has been incredibly supportive.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Building Grace Reins wasn’t without its challenges. Rescuing Mustangs and integrating them into therapy work requires patience, resources, and trust. “Many of the horses come to us after experiencing trauma,” Erin shares. “It’s a long process to rehabilitate them and teach them to trust humans again.”
Similarly, many of Erin’s clients arrive carrying their own emotional burdens, from trauma and PTSD to everyday stressors. “The beauty of this work is that the horses and the clients heal together,” she says. “It’s a reciprocal process that’s amazing to witness.”
Funding and outreach remain ongoing challenges. “As a nonprofit, we’re constantly looking for ways to sustain the program,” Erin explains. “But every time I see a client leave with a lighter heart or a Mustang take a step closer to trust, it reminds me why this work is so important.”
A Place of Healing for All
Grace Reins serves a diverse range of clients, including children, veterans, and individuals overcoming trauma. The program has become a beacon for those seeking a break from life’s challenges. “People often tell me they feel a sense of peace the moment they step onto the property,” Erin says. “It’s not just about the therapy sessions—it’s the entire environment.”
The Mustangs, in particular, play a key role. Their journey from rescue to rehabilitation mirrors the emotional work many clients undergo. “Seeing these horses learn to trust again inspires clients to believe in their own capacity for healing,” Erin explains.
Community Ties
Erin is deeply connected to the San Miguel community. Grace Reins collaborates with local schools, veterans’ organizations, and mental health professionals to expand its reach. “This work isn’t done in isolation,” Erin says. “It takes a village to support the people and the animals.”
One of her proudest partnerships is with local youth programs. “We’ve worked with kids as young as three years old, helping them build confidence and empathy,” she shares. The program also offers volunteer opportunities, allowing community members to get involved and experience the transformative power of working with horses.
Looking to the Future
Erin’s vision for Grace Reins extends beyond its current success. She hopes to expand the facility, bring in more Mustangs, and offer additional programs tailored to specific populations, such as first responders or those coping with grief. “The need for this kind of work is growing,” she says. “And we’re committed to meeting that need.”
Despite the challenges, Erin remains optimistic. “Every day is different, and every day has its rewards,” she says. “Whether it’s a child’s first connection with a horse or a veteran finding a moment of peace, those moments make it all worth it.”
The Heart of Grace Reins
For Erin Cain, Grace Reins is more than a therapy program—it’s a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and hope. “When people and animals work together, incredible things happen,” she says. “It’s a privilege to be part of that journey.”
Additional Highlight:
What Makes Grace Reins Special?
Community Involvement: Collaborations with schools and local nonprofits.
Most Memorable Moment: Watching a once-shy child lead a Mustang with confidence after weeks of therapy.