Equine-Assisted Therapy

Penny: The Horse That Taught Me Everything

Before certifications, trainings, or therapy sessions, there was Penny—a chestnut mare with a quiet strength and knowing eyes. She didn’t just carry riders in her youth; she carried wisdom. Penny was my first real teacher in equine-assisted therapy, long before I had the words to explain what this work truly is.

She taught me patience by refusing to be rushed. She taught me presence by reacting not to my words, but to my energy. She showed me how trust is built step by step, breath by breath, and that healing often comes in silence and stillness.

Through her, I learned that connection with a horse isn’t about control—it’s about relationship. Penny had an uncanny way of reflecting people’s emotions, gently guiding them toward their own self-awareness and grounding. Watching her interact with clients was like witnessing unspoken conversations of the heart.

Penny’s legacy runs deep in every session I hold, every person who finds peace beside a horse, and every quiet breakthrough that happens in the field or barn.

Everything I know about equine-assisted therapy started with her. I am so grateful for everything she taught me!

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is a therapeutic approach that involves interactions between individuals and horses to promote emotional growth, mental health, and physical well-being. It is often used as a complementary treatment for a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and trauma.

Benefits of combining Psychotherapy and Equine Therapy:

Holistic Approach: Integrating psychotherapy with equine therapy offers a holistic approach to mental health treatment, addressing both cognitive and emotional aspects of well-being.
Experiential Learning: Equine-assisted activities provide experiential learning opportunities that complement traditional talk therapy, enhancing the therapeutic process.
Accelerated Healing: The unique bond formed between individuals and horses can accelerate the healing process, leading to faster and more profound therapeutic outcomes.
Diverse Perspectives: Combining psychotherapy with equine therapy allows individuals to gain insights from different therapeutic modalities, enriching their therapeutic experience.

Horses are especially effective in therapy because they are sensitive to human emotions and respond to non-verbal cues, which can help individuals better understand their own behavior and emotions.

Overall, the benefits of combining psychotherapy and equine therapy can lead to profound personal growth, emotional healing, and improved overall well-being.

Programs

(must be 12 years of age or older)

Self-Discovery Program (Well-being)

Heart and Hoof Healing (Grief)

Forms

Equine Waiver Under Age of Majority (PDF)

Equine Waiver - Over Age of Majority (PDF)