The long way home
Watching people transform in the presence of horses — witnessing fear turn into wonder and quiet confidence bloom — reminds me what real healing looks like.
Hi, I’m Polly Macomber.
Founder of WildHeart Equine — Creative Director turned horsewoman, space-holder, and lifelong meaning-seeker.
I believe in the quiet medicine of horses, the power of presence, and the kind of transformation that begins when we finally exhale.
“I didn’t find horses again
While I don’t practice Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, my training deeply informs the way I facilitate emotional safety and somatic learning.
trail horses in the Poconos
I got my first job at 10 years old, mucking stalls and tacking up trail horses in the Poconos. I’d ride my banana-seat bike down Moseywood Road, earning time in the saddle with every chore. It was joy, freedom, connection — everything I didn’t yet have words for.
Life takes me far away
Then life took me far away — across the country, through a long and fulfilling creative career, and eventually into caregiving.
A Paint mare named Marley
In 2016, after my mom suffered a serious fall, I moved across the country to be with her. That’s when horses came back into my life — first through a chance meeting with a Paint mare named Marley, then through equine therapy that opened a door I didn’t know I needed.
Returning to the Herd
That session changed me. I left behind a 30-year career in branding and creative direction and followed the call of the horses.
I relocated to Upstate New York and began volunteering at a nonprofit equine therapy and rescue farm. There, I:
- Rebuilt my childhood horse skills
- Became the Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator
- Taught newcomers how to connect with horses safely and confidently
- Led one-on-one horse experiences for the public
- Helped deepen community engagement through storytelling and design
Watching people transform in the presence of horses — witnessing fear turn into wonder and quiet confidence bloom — reminded me what real healing looks like.
I’m currently seeking a new farm to collaborate with — whether through part-time employment or by bringing my Volunteer Training Program to your facility.
Over the past five years, I’ve built my equine skills, taught others what I know works, and welcomed people who feel called to the horses. My approach is grounded in agency, consent, and emotional intelligence.
I work with small herds at liberty because horses are most authentic when they live with friends in a natural setting. This environment encourages congruency — where actions reflect true feelings — allowing horses to give honest feedback to each other and to the humans who join them. In turn, both horses and people can choose, consent, and connect in authentic ways.
Congruency means actions match true feelings — and horses always give honest feedback.
I also bring equine care skills that support horses’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Before beginning any programming, I learn each farm’s rhythms so I can teach humans to be safe, effective, and respectful with your horses
My teaching blends practical skill-building with an emphasis on self-regulation, curiosity, and listening to the body’s wisdom.
Whether training volunteers or introducing newcomers to the herd, I emphasize slowing down, listening, and approaching every moment with a beginner’s mindset.
I’d love to connect with farms that value both equine welfare and human growth, and to explore how we might work together.
Watching people transform in the presence of horses reminded me what real healing looks like.
What I Offer Now
These programs are relational, trauma-sensitive, and rooted in consent, curiosity, and co-regulation.
Volunteer Training
Comprehensive, empowering, and farm-tested for over 4 years. I partner with nonprofit equine facilities to train volunteers who are attuned, kind, and confident with horses.
Volunteer Training
Comprehensive, empowering, and farm-tested for over 4 years. I partner with nonprofit equine facilities to train volunteers who are attuned, kind, and confident with horses.
WildHeart Journeys
A 4-hour private retreat for those seeking insight, healing, and grounded transformation in the presence of horses. Your journey is unique to you — let’s see what unfolds together.
WildHeart Journeys
A 4-hour private retreat for those seeking insight, healing, and grounded transformation in the presence of horses. Your journey is unique to you — let’s see what unfolds together.
The Unbridled Hour
A 1-hour experience for anyone curious about horse-human connection. Learn how to interact with horses while honoring their sentience, your own nervous system, and the relational space between you.
The Unbridled Hour
A 1-hour experience for anyone curious about horse-human connection. Learn how to interact with horses while honoring their sentience, your own nervous system, and the relational space between you.
“She was as patient, empathetic, and conscientious a teacher as our equine partners. I knew about horses, but ”
— Heidi S.
Volunteer hired as Staff