EAP (Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy)

Our EAP (Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy) Groups and Support/Grief Groups provide programming through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Activities) using EAP. This form of therapy utilizes horses in on-ground activities promoting communication, problem-solving, frustration tolerance, anger management and other vital coping skills.

Groups must work together and at times on their own in order to accomplish certain tasks involving the horse. They are then asked to reflect on the process that has occurred within themselves throughout the group activity. Qualified training has been given through EAGALA to certify the instructors. EAGALA and this line of equine therapy demand a horse professional and a licensed clinical therapist to run a qualified group safely for client, horse and facility.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is utilized by a physical, occupational or speech therapist as a treatment tool to achieve functional outcomes for clients of various diagnoses. The unique component is the horse of course.

In Hippotherapy, clients participate in activities on the horse that are fun and challenging, creating a therapeutic environment unparalleled to the typical clinical setting. The movement created by the horse in a variable, rhythmic and repetitive, producing motions similar to the human gait. Incorporating the modality in partnership with the traditional therapy creates individualized treatment for each client.

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic Riding is a recreational activity, where the client learns horsemanship and riding skills. Client in Therapeutic Riding may engage in a variety of equine activities including grooming, tacking, riding and stable management skills. Therapeutic Riding is taught by a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) instructor. NARHA instructors are trained to incorportate traditional riding and horse management skills into appropriate lesson plans for individuals with special needs.