Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Spielman.
Hi Laura, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Laura Spielman, and I am the founder of The Rosie Project and The Rosie Project Foundation. Our mission is to provide hope and healing for military members, veterans and families in need, and offers equine-assisted services that foster resilience, emotional well-being and personal growth.
Laughing Pony Rescue and Sanctuary is home base for me. Located in Rancho Santa Fe, we house 15 horses, 4 donkeys, 3 goats, and 3 roosters. I am a PATH Certified Equine Specialist for Mental Health and Learning (completed their protocol for working with Veterans with PTSD), a Masterson Method Equine Specialist, an Equine Academy for Learning Facilitator, and an Equine Assisted Coach (Mindfulness and Learning). In addition to working with the military, I am an official US Federal vendor for Equine Assisted Services, a vendor for the San Diego Regional Center, and hold monthly get-togethers for Mindfulness and Sound Healing.
I am fortunate enough to work both sides of the horse world. Both horses healing humans, but also humans healing horses in that I am also an Equine Bodyworker. I am certified Equine Sports Massage, PEMF, and Masterson Method Fieldwork Student.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life always has its challenges and it is a road that has no straight path. I was going through a difficult time in my life when I found my way into the horse world and horses helped me find myself. Being with and around horses has allowed me to find my own peace and mindfulness and I am blessed to be able to give that to others.
I feel beyond fortunate to witness these horses working their magic on people, as well as being able to give back to the horses on my own with bodywork. All of the horses that I work with have their own history and trauma to deal with and being able to help humans has given them more meaning and a journey in their own lives.
Each horse and each human has their own story, and getting to know each and every one of them is truly a blessing.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run both The Rosie Project LLC and Rosie Project Foundation (501C3). We provide equine-assisted services which harness the unique bond between humans and horses to promote healing and personal growth. Whether used in therapy (in conjunction with a licensed therapist) or personal development, equine-assisted services highlight the transformative power of the human-animal relationship. Through activities such as learning to care for horses, groundwork, and mindfulness (either 1:1 or in a group), participants can experience improved emotional well-being, enhanced communication skills, and greater self-confidence. These interactions provide a safe and supportive environment to learn valuable life skills, overcome personal challenges, and foster a deeper connection with ourselves as well as with others. I am proud to work with the Military, First Responders, and people of all ages. We offer Mindfulness sessions that are open to the public as well as one to one sessions.
In addition, The Rosie Project LLC provides Integrated Equine Bodywork. Integrated Equine Bodywork offers a range of benefits for horses and helps to improve their overall well-being. Integrative bodywork can reduce muscle tension, enhance flexibility, and promote circulation. This can alleviate discomfort, prevent injuries, and speed up recovery from strenuous activity. Regular bodywork, PEMF, and redlight treatments also help to maintain proper posture and alignment, improving the horse’s movement and behavior, while fostering a deeper bond between the horse and handler. Ultimately, it supports the horse in staying healthy, comfortable, and ready to live at its best.
Our newest resident at Laughing Pony was adopted through the San Diego County Department of Animal Services. I was called to help this mare feel better as her previous situation was heartbreaking and she was in dire need of assistance. After a few sessions of body and energy work, she was able to come to Laughing Pony to live the rest of her life with the love and care that she deserves.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I moved to San Diego from New York post 9/11 in 2001 and have loved every minute of being here. The community, the beauty, and the environment are the best that our amazing country has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.therosieproject.org
- Instagram: therosieprojectsd
- Facebook: The Rosie Project
- Other: TikTok: therosieprojectsd
