About
Working with horses can provide a safe space for healing and vulnerability, helping you to build self-compassion, become fully present with your inner self, and improve your emotional intelligence. Watch the interview below to understand the benefits of Equine Facilitated Wellness.
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About Martin Gendron, CCC, MACP, RSW, BSW
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy near Medicine Hat, Alberta
Hi, I’m Martin Gendron, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). I offer something different—something more grounded, more connected, and more human—through equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Before I came to this work, I spent ten years serving as a Medical Technician in the Canadian Forces. Like many who carry invisible wounds, I struggled after my service. Traditional therapy didn’t always fit. But something shifted when I began working with horses. In their presence, I found calm. I found clarity. I began to feel safe in my own body again.
That experience changed me—and now, it’s my mission to offer that same possibility to others.
A Space to Heal—Without Judgment, Without Pressure
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected, you're not alone. Maybe you've tried talking through it all but still feel like something's missing. That’s where this work comes in.
I offer one-on-one equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions designed around your unique story, needs, and goals. I work with people navigating:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety, depression, and burnout
ADHD, ADD, and autism spectrum
Addiction and recovery
Anger, aggression, and emotional regulation
Low self-esteem and confidence
Indigenous healing and cultural reconnection
Life transitions, grief, and identity loss
These sessions don’t take place in a clinical office—they happen in nature, alongside horses who mirror, respond, and connect in honest, non-judgmental ways. Whether we're in the open field, a quiet indoor arena, or a simple barn, you’ll be in a space that feels peaceful, private, and safe.
You won’t be expected to ride or “perform.” You don’t need any experience with horses. In fact, we can begin gently—sometimes just standing near a miniature horse or observing from a distance can be the first powerful step.
More Than Talk—A Different Kind of Healing
These sessions are not about fixing or analyzing. They are about slowing down, tuning in, and discovering what your body and emotions are already trying to tell you. Together, we integrate grounding techniques, reflection, and moments of connection—allowing healing to happen in a way that feels natural and empowering.
You’ll also gain tools through gentle psychoeducation: understanding how your brain and body respond to stress, how to recognize your personal “window of tolerance,” and how to regulate your nervous system more effectively. This knowledge, combined with experience, helps you become an active participant in your healing—not just a passenger in your pain.
If you’re curious but unsure, that’s okay.
You don’t have to commit to anything today. I invite you to reach out and schedule a free 60-minute introductory session. Come meet the horses, ask questions, and see how it feels—for you.
Please note: My services are covered by most extended health insurance plans.
Sometimes, the first step isn’t fixing anything. It’s simply being seen, heard, and welcomed just as you are.
Martin Gendron, CCC, MACP, RSW, BSW
“I meet my clients where they are at emotionally and always respect client boundaries and limitations”
More About Me
I live and work at Gendron Stables, home to five well-trained horses I’ve personally cared for and partnered with for nearly a decade. My background includes training in horsemanship, equine-assisted wellness, equine activities for children, and the operation of equine boarding facilities. Beyond the work, horses are a meaningful part of my daily life. When I’m not facilitating sessions, I enjoy time outdoors with my wife and two children, finding balance and peace in nature.
Before this chapter of my life, I served as a Medical Technician in the Canadian Forces, where I spent most of my time working in clinics—supporting the physical and mental health needs of soldiers alongside physicians and mental health professionals. My career took a profound turn after experiencing a traumatic incident during service. The aftermath left me struggling with trauma, anxiety, anger, and depression.
It was in the presence of horses that I began to feel grounded again. Their honesty, stillness, and sensitivity offered something traditional treatment hadn’t. Through personal experience and self-directed exploration, I witnessed the healing potential of equine-assisted approaches—not only emotionally, but physically and spiritually as well. That transformation became the foundation of my work today.
Now, my mission is to walk beside others who are seeking a more natural, embodied, and holistic path to healing—especially those who haven’t felt fully seen or helped in more conventional settings.
Bilingual Services Available
I offer sessions in both English and French, to support clients in the language they’re most comfortable expressing themselves in.