Overcoming
challenges with the help
of horses
Mental health treatment has never been more needed — or important
Equine-assisted therapy creates lasting outcomes
Amazing things can happen when a person interacts with a horse. Individuals who may be reluctant to begin mental health treatment or those who have shunned professional support often find healing and growth through equine-assisted programming. The bond between horse and human through real-time, dynamic feedback supports internal and external reflection necessary for meaningful change to take place.
What to expect when you start equine-assisted mental health treatment
No prior horse experience is required to participate to the fullest in individual or group sessions. The clinical team, which includes the horse, licensed mental health professional, and equine specialist will guide the session and help you work towards goals including:
- Improve self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-acceptance
- Improve communication and interpersonal skills
- Increase ability to manage emotions and stress
- Build connection and trust with others
- Increase resiliency
- Gain a new perspective
- Learn boundaries and impulse control
- Depression & anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Academic struggles
- Behavior problems
- Anger management
- Grief and loss
- Family or relationship issues
- Trauma
- Poor self-esteem
- Addiction
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Eating disorders
Available equine-assisted mental health treatment
This type of experiential therapy addresses a variety of treatment goals. A range of psychotherapy and therapeutic programming options are available and the Unbridled Hope team will direct individuals to what would be most beneficial.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is designed to reflect on things happening. This ground-based therapy enables individuals to create, explore, problem-solve, discover, and gain insight to apply in real life.
Equine Assisted Learning is an experiential and hands on approach that promotes the development of life skills obtained through the equine/human bond, including leadership skills, coping strategies, and social skills.
Therapeutic Horsemanship helps individuals learn equine care, behavior, and fitness/conditioning while completing daily barn tasks to engage with horses and create a trusting and respectful relationship.
Ready to start healing with horses?
Get in touch today for more information
or to schedule an initial assessment.
Horses and animal-assisted
therapy: why it works
Many people ask, “What do horses have to do with therapy?” and “How do horses translate to a clinical setting?” The answer is simple. As prey animals, horses follow the fight, flight, freeze mentality, just like people. Because they must watch their surroundings, horses are acutely aware of an individual’s behavior and attitude brought to the session. In fact, horses are so acutely aware that they can mimic a person’s heartbeat rhythm and even mimic behavior — which is a great way to help individuals reflect on themselves.
Horses are also naturally vulnerable and open. They don’t judge based on look, history, past trauma, or socioeconomic status. Building relationships in a judgement-free environment only further supports the goals of mental health treatment.
the horses that started it all
Thank you to Ralph B Lilly, MD and his wife Joyce Lilly for donating their horses to Unbridled Hope.
Bella is the mom of this dynamic duo. A 17-year-old Andalusian Friesian Cross, Bella is very confident and trusting. She loves to be groomed and warm water baths. Since she can’t get enough attention, you’ll hear her nicker as soon as she sees you! Her favorite treat? German muffin horse treats.
Penny is also an Andalusian Friesian Cross. At 13 years old she is very curious and likes to follow people around the pasture. At the mention of treats, Penny becomes very food motivated, enjoying Nutrigood apple flavored low sugar snax the best. She likes attention but will make you work for it. As soon as you have her trust, Penny will be the first at the gate to greet you!