“I was born to the rhythm of horseback,” fashion designer Stella McCartney tells me, waxing poetic over Zoom. “My first moments with a horse were when I was in my mom s belly and she was riding while pregnant.”
Years later, McCartney s heart still beats to the gait of a horse—see her Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear show and latest campaign starring fellow horse-lover Kendall Jenner—and she wants to share that life-changing experience with the world.
“I wasn t brought up with the idea of equine therapy because that s a new term,” she says. “But I have seen the ones I love have healing experiences with horses, including myself. When my mother passed away, I started riding her stallion and that was so intensely emotional for me.”
So when a chance email from new-wave spiritual leader, Never Alone cofounder, and mental health advocate Deepak Chopra arrived in McCartney s inbox (and she realized “it wasn t a joke”), things started to fall into place. Chopra wanted to talk to her about a new idea for a mental health initiative, one relating to horses. Soon, over tea, they discussed the positive effects that can come of spending time with animals: Studies show this not only helps with physical strength and balance, but also improves one s sense of trust, and relieves symptoms of stress and depression. A partnership between the McCartney s vegan brand and Chopra s foundation felt like a natural next step.
The partnership is named the Healing Power of Horses, and it comprises a global directory of equine therapy clinics (all vetted by the Chopra Foundation), an educational platform where people can learn how to access benefits in their community, and custom meditations. McCartney has also created a limited edition Stella McCartney Falabella bag with a handle adorned by words from poet Cleo Wade; proceeds from bag sales will benefit The Chopra Foundation.
“We have to meet people where they are in this mental health crisis,” says Gabriella Wright, who cofounded Never Alone with Chopra. “It s a universal problem, but a solo experience. But through this love story with horses, we re hoping to reach more people.”
There s a special bond between horses and humans, both Wright and McCartney note. “It s such a complex relationship focused on trust,” the designer says. “We are the fragile one out of the two. When you re riding, it s about them trusting and respecting you just as much as you trust and respect them.” Wright adds, “The experience demands you to be so present that your thinking mind is freed up from the anxiety and trauma you re focused on. You are forced to be present in the moment instead, and that separation from the difficult feelings can lead you to calmness.”
McCartney s horse Flo has helped her through many difficult experiences. “Riding and spending time with Flo has been a consistent part of my healing process, because it s always been such an integral part of my life,” she says. “I m aware of a change in the way I feel the moment my feet leave the ground. I ll realize, ‘Now I m in a good place.’ ”
