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Stella McCartney, in partnership with the Chopra Foundation and Never Alone, has embarked on a mission to support the mental well-being of the next generation through equine-assisted therapy.
This transformative campaign, rooted in personal experiences and scientific evidence, aims to raise awareness, funds, and hope for those facing mental health challenges.
Stella’s Personal Connection
Stella McCartney shares her lifelong connection with horses, a bond that has provided solace and perspective throughout her life. Whether riding in the Scottish countryside as a child or seeking moments of reflection today, Stella emphasizes the profound impact horses have had on her mental well-being. In times of distress, she turns to her equine companions for a sense of calm and connection, a sentiment many individuals resonate with.
“Since as early as I can remember, I’ve felt incredibly safe with horses – whether riding as a child in Scotland with my family or on my own today,” says McCartney. “The connections I’ve made with these creatures have been among the most important of my entire life. As with all of us, there have been times when I have felt down, alone, stressed or afraid. Being on my horse always offers a moment of pause, calm and reflection – allowing me to put things into perspective.”
“So often, I just need to be with my horse… Breathing together and feeling so connected. When I met Deepak Chopra and learned about his work with Never Alone, I knew we had to collaborate and tell the story of the healing power of horses,” explains McCartney. “Exploring how equine therapy can support mental health and so much more, particularly for the next generation – who are truly suffering right now. It has been a gift to have learned an incredible amount through this process. Here at Stella, we always want to say and do more with fashion.”
“We began by celebrating horses in our Winter 2023 collection, which evolved into how they can heal and help people, and continues with supporting Never Alone and equine therapy centres everywhere. This has been one of the most meaningful and exciting pieces of work we’ve done and I hope the healing power of horses can help others as it has me, time after time.”
The Collaborative Initiative
The Healing Power of Horses campaign is not just a fashion statement; it’s a movement that transcends the runway. The initiative encompasses the world’s most extensive equine-assisted therapy directory, an educational platform, and real-life stories of individuals who have found healing through their interactions with horses.
The campaign also introduces a bespoke guided meditation and a limited-edition Falabella bag. Crafted in Italy from matte vegan Shaggy Deer fabric, it boasts tonal black recycled brass details and a diamond-cut chain. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Chopra Foundation.
Partnership with Operation Centaur
Key to the campaign is the partnership with Operation Centaur, an equine therapy center in Richmond Park, London. Founder Andreas Liefooghe emphasizes the unique communication style of horses, which operates beyond language. Horses, he notes, help individuals reconnect with disavowed parts of themselves.
Operation Centaur’s involvement highlights the tangible impact equine therapy can have on mental health, offering an alternative form of therapy that extends beyond traditional methods.
Equine Therapy’s Effectiveness
Equine therapy involves various activities, from caring for and riding horses to training, observing, and interacting with them. Scientific studies have shown its effectiveness in addressing a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Adolescents participating in a 12-week program experienced a 60% improvement in symptoms, while 80% of veterans with PTSD reported a significant reduction in symptoms after engaging with equine therapy.
A Chance Connection and Future Prospects
The collaboration between Stella McCartney and Deepak Chopra arose from a chance meeting, driven by their shared commitment to supporting adolescent mental health. Deepak Chopra, a pioneer in well-being, sees equine therapy as a potent modality that leverages limbic resonance, epigenetic modulation, and neuroplasticity to positively reshape the brain’s neural landscape for self-regulation, homeostasis, and healing.
All images in this article are courtesy of Stella McCartney.
