Horses, Autism, and the Healing Power of Nature | Dana Spett of Pony Power Therapies

What happens when autism support moves beyond four walls and into nature? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Dr. Dana Spett, founder of Pony Power Therapies, to explore autism, sensory regulation, equine-assisted services, and why connection, movement, and nature can create powerful opportunities for growth.

Dana’s journey began as a mother searching for support for her own daughter. What started with one horse and four riders has grown into Pony Power Therapies, a community-centered organization helping children and adults with disabilities connect with horses, farming, nature, and themselves.

Together, Sarah and Dana discuss autism parenting, sensory regulation, maternal intuition, nature-based learning, disability inclusion, and the importance of creating environments where autistic individuals can thrive without pressure to conform. Dana shares why traditional approaches are not always enough and how horses offer a unique opportunity for regulation, confidence, connection, and belonging.

The conversation explores:

* autism and sensory regulation
* equine-assisted services
* nature-based support for autistic children
* maternal intuition and advocacy
* disability inclusion and community belonging
* farming, purpose, and meaningful work
* autism and nervous system regulation
* creating supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals

Dana also shares how Pony Power supports families across the lifespan, from young children with autism to adults navigating life after age 21, when many formal support systems begin to disappear.

This episode is for autism moms, caregivers, educators, therapists, and anyone interested in nature-based approaches to autism support, sensory regulation, disability advocacy, and helping neurodivergent individuals build meaningful lives and connections.

In This Episode

00:00 – The mission behind Pony Power Therapies
01:00 – Dana’s journey as a social worker and autism mom
02:30 – Following maternal intuition instead of rushing to medication
04:00 – Why trusting your gut matters in autism parenting
05:30 – Equine-assisted services and empowering families
06:30 – How autistic children respond to horses and nature
08:00 – Sensory regulation through movement and rhythm
09:30 – Why horses provide unique nervous system support
11:00 – Nature, regulation, and the family system
13:00 – Beyond traditional talk therapy approaches
14:30 – The role of nature in mental health and autism support
16:00 – Nonverbal communication and connection beyond words
17:30 – Why leaving the house feels impossible for some families
19:00 – Supporting dysregulated autistic children without judgment
21:00 – Creating safe spaces for neurodivergent families
23:30 – The autism service cliff after age 21
25:00 – Farming, employment, and meaningful purpose for autistic adults
27:00 – Disability inclusion and reimagining community support

Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, profound autism perspectives, neurodivergent parenting, and conversations that challenge us to build more inclusive communities.

Click here to discover more about Pony Power Therapies