Despite the nonstop hustle and bustle of the last three months, the women of the Lowell Police Department still remember their experience like it was yesterday. The two Equine Encounters they attended at Ironstone Farm created memories they will never forget.
“It was such a strong connection and bond that I have never gained in any other training or seminar throughout my 27-plus year career, other than the actual police academy. It is a fantastic program,” said Dawn Beauchesne. As a police sergeant, Beauchesne attended both days of the program, each hosting different groups of women in her department.
Ironstone Farm’s Equine Encounters help participants, such as first responders, process emotional responses, increase confidence, and gain a renewed sense of self through the human and horse connection.
The two-day program was made possible by a $10,000 grant from the Women Working Wonders Fund, a component fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation that empowers women to impact their communities through strength and leadership development. The grant was specifically designated to help female first responders dealing with trauma due to COVID.
Program facilitators Margot Frost and Pam McPhee connected with Beauchesne, who helped develop and recruit officers for the program. Frost was delighted to hear how quickly the other female officers jumped on board.
“It was absolutely amazing because everyone was completely excited to be there,” said Frost. “People stepped forward to say, ‘yes, we need this, and we want this.’”
“It was such a strong connection and bond that I have never gained in any other training or seminar throughout my 27-plus year career, other than the actual police academy. It is a fantastic program” – Sgt. Dawn Beauchesne
What made this particular program so special was the connection the women made with one another. Due to their varying shifts, many of the officers barely knew each other before coming to the farm. The day offered a unique opportunity to get to know their coworkers outside the work environment.
Throughout the day, the officers participated in equine-assisted activities that focused on teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and, most importantly, healing.
“There was a lot of work based around trauma; what they’ve seen, how it feels, and how it affects them individually, and they were brought together and able to share the experience,” said Frost. “There were tears; there was laughter; there were all kinds of stuff going on and coming out.”
For Dawn, she hopes to make this a yearly tradition. The bonds they created through this program were unique and something her department would love to experience again.
“I enjoyed the laughter that we all shared while chatting and the camaraderie,” said Beauchesne. “It was a pleasure to be around these beautiful animals, and it is a beautiful, calm facility.”