My name is Anna Sochocky. I am writing a book about the relationship between female equestrians, both recreational and competitive, living with autoimmune disease, who may or may not have a history of childhood trauma or adverse experiences, and how hippotherapy plays a role in their lives.
The book will be published in 2026 by Trafalgar Press.
Fourteen years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 46. My father suffered from acute PTSD, which affected my health. Horses have been integral to all aspects of my health throughout my life.
In the book, I combine scientific research, personal memoir, and interviews with researchers, practitioners, medical professionals, and equestrians. The book will benefit communities beyond the horse community. I have also made a connection between autoimmune disease and adverse childhood experiences or trauma. Scientific research has established that women diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in adulthood are more likely to have experienced trauma during childhood.
If you are a rider willing to be interviewed, please email me at asochocky@equi-libris.com. My website is equi-libris.com.
I am particularly interested in interviewing women living with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and thyroid disease. My intention is to highlight both competitive and recreational riders.
I provide a release form to people I interview, and change the person’s name in the text if requested. I conduct interviews by Zoom, email, or phone. I record the interviews for transcription but do not share the audio, video, or transcript.
Stay well.
Anna
