Knowing Horse is an independently owned business committed to providing experiential Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) that encourage a deeper self-awareness of the mind-body connection, interactions with others, and our innermost feelings and assumptions.  We create a nurturing environment for self-discovery and growth, fostering a sense of mastery, and an overall improved sense of well-being.
 
Our Equine-Assisted sessions consist of a team of horses, a Licensed and Certified Mental Health Specialist, and a Certified Equine Specialist. The setting is a psychologically safe space, either in a covered arena or in one of several grassy pastures, surrounded by trees, birds, and clouds. No prior horse experience is necessary, and no riding is involved in any of the sessions.

"I gained awareness of my own and others’ reactions to the introduction of a “foreign” element in team dynamic and problem-solving”

- KnowingHorse Participant

Meet The Team

Noreen Esposito Ed.D., PMHNP

Noreen Esposito is the founder and coordinator of Knowing Horse. She’s a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), a fellow in the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the co-author of “How Change Happens in Equine Assisted Interventions: A Theory of Horses, Humans and Psychotherapy,” sharing authorship with Angela Fournier.

Along with owning a private practice, she’s served in in-patient, outpatient, ambulatory, and critical care settings for over four decades, giving her an in-depth understanding of the many challenges surrounding healthcare. As well as a former educator, teaching nurse practitioners, and other healthcare-related students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing, she is a published researcher and frequent speaker at national conferences. 
 
In addition to Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Noreen’s private practice offers other mindfulness-based behavioral therapies. Her passion for quality mental health services and years of horse experience led her to become a founding member of Arenas for Change and also acquire an advanced EAGALA certification. For more information on Noreen Esposito, visit www.noreenesposito.net.​

Micky Purcell​

Micky Purcell is the owner of Folly Farms, the primary venue for Knowing Horse sessions. Additionally, she’s an EAGALA-Certified Equine Specialist, Equine Massage Therapist, and Licensed Horse Trainer with the British Horse Society. Micky has worked with horses for over 30 years, including several years in Dubai, U.A.E. as an Equine Specialist. She is currently living her lifelong dream of owning an equine facility that offers a safe space for horses and humans to peacefully coexist. For more information on Micky Purcell, visit www.follyfarmnc.com. 

Learn about our services

Research

Why Horses?

Horses are highly intuitive, with an exceptional ability to pick up non-verbal messages, as their survival has depended on it. As prey animals, they’re always aware of their surroundings, picking up on all subtle shifts and changes, and reflecting the energy of their environment and those in it. Their continuous instant feedback teaches us about ourselves and the impression we’re making on the world, allowing us to increase the quality of our interactions. 
 
The peaceful, non-judgmental nature of horses makes them excellent partners for personal development and growth. They can, however, be unpredictable since they have their own unique personalities, moods, and feelings, which presents the potential for improving problem-solving skills. We can honestly learn so much from them that will make a lasting impact on our lives.
 
*Additional research and resources coming soon.

Where: Folly Farm

"Established in 2012, Folly Farm is a happy, relaxed horse farm tucked away on 60 acres just minutes outside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina."

1326 White Cross Road
Chapel Hill NC 27516

By appointment only. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FARM

Preparing for Your Session

Once your appointment is confirmed, we will provide you with additional information. However, it could be useful to consider the following when planning for your first session:
 
1.  ATTIRE:  All activities take place on the ground, where you’ll be standing and walking around horses. We’ll either be in an arena with sandy footing or a grassy field.  
 
Please dress appropriately for the weather.
        a. If it is cold outside: The wind in an open space like an arena can make it feel even colder than it is.  Be sure to bundle up in layers, as if you’re going on a hike. Wear warm socks, gloves, and maybe even a hat. 
        b. Wear sunscreen.
        c. No open-toed shoes or sandals. Wear shoes that are comfortable, protective, and will allow you to move around easily, such as sturdy sneakers, or hiking boots.
 
2. PRIVACY:  To maintain privacy for all clients, there are no visitors allowed. 
Please plan to arrive at least 5-10 minutes before your session starts. As we prepare your session, we ask that you wait in or near your car and a team member will come and get you.