Equine Assisted Therapy for Children and Teens 

We are excited to expand our services by providing Equine Assisted Therapy for children and teens.
​We offer both individual and group sessions. 

About the Modality
Equine assisted therapy harnesses the unique therapeutic power of the horse-human connection. This modality takes a treatment team approach, including a fully licensed mental health therapist, a skilled equine specialist and, of course our equine partners- THE HORSES and our DONKEY!  This modality guides our client through an exploratory experience addressing their defined goals. This process enables your child/teen to gather insights about themselves by exploring their feelings, behaviors and patterns while connecting and engaging in activities with our equine partners.  


These interventions are tailored for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. This approach does not require prior experience with horses or animal experience and can be adapted to accommodate various physical needs. This treatment is ground focused and does not require physically riding horses. Through the power of mindfulness and connection, individuals are able to embark on the path of growth, change and healing.  
Watch to learn more about the EAGALA Model 

Equine Assisted Therapy for Children and  Teens Watch a part of a session here! ​

Why Horses?

Horses offer honest, immediate feedback and connect with kids without judgment. Their sensitivity, size, and steady presence make them ideal partners in therapeutic growth—helping children and teens feel grounded, capable, and understood.

​INTELLIGENT
To evade predators, horses have evolved to be extremely sensitive to their environment. They instinctively analyze and react to our body language and other nonverbal cues, providing valuable feedback and insights for other areas of our lives.


​LARGE & POWERFUL
It’s hard to ignore a horse with their size and presence. We can’t just control a powerful horse. Approaching horses helps us reflect on how we approach our relationships and how we can face other big or overwhelming things in our lives.


PERSONALITIES
Horses are social animals with defined roles within a herd. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. They could be stubborn or they could be playful. In other words, horses are a lot like us.

​Learn more about the EAGALA Model 
Weblink: https://www.eagala.org/

The Benefits

Emotional & Mental Well-Being• Builds Confidence & Self-Esteem
Working with a large, sensitive animal helps kids feel capable, brave, and proud of themselves.
• Reduces Anxiety & Stress
The presence of horses is naturally calming. Grooming, leading, and riding promote relaxation and emotional balance.
• Supports Emotional Regulation
Because horses mirror human emotions, kids learn to manage feelings in real time to create a calm, safe interaction.
• Gentle Trauma Support
A horse’s steady, non-judgmental nature provides comfort and safety for youth processing trauma or difficult experiences.

Social & Behavioral Growth• Improves Communication Skills
Children learn to use clear body language, tone, and boundaries—skills that carry over into home, school, and friendships.
• Teaches Empathy & Compassion
Caring for a horse helps kids understand others’ needs and develop nurturing, respectful behavior.
• Encourages Responsibility & Healthy Routines
Stable tasks and structured sessions support accountability, follow-through, and problem-solving.
• Improves Focus & Self-Control
Working safely around horses requires attention and self-management, helping boost positive behavior patterns.

Physical & Cognitive Development• Strengthens Motor Skills & Coordination
Barn activities engage balance, strength, and fine motor skills.
• Enhances Sensory Integration
For children with sensory challenges hands-on tasks promote regulation.
• Supports Executive Functioning
Kids practice planning, sequencing, and decision-making in a real-world setting.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit. 
​240-529-2817
Mental Health Provider Team
We are grateful to Tiffany Shaw and Rebekah Gildersleeve at Shire Counseling and Coaching for joining our team in this work. 

To learn more visit their website
​https://shirecounselingandcoaching.com/equine-services