Equine therapy for children and adolescents (5-12)
Being in nature and connecting to animals is the most natural and healing way to calm the mind, soothe the body, and reset the nervous system.
Children and young people naturally connect to animals. There is a shared knowing and acceptance that is validating – being seen and accepted by another without judgement. Horses are naturally inquisitive, give us immediate feedback without filters, and are unconditionally forgiving.
In our sessions participants will:
- Experience safety and acceptance
- Develop greater self awareness
- Learn to set and respect boundaries
- Develop relationships with others based on mutual respect
- Build self confidence
- Learn how to honour and express emotions constructively
- Experience empowerment and a sense of agency
- Engage with the horses – to the degree that they feel safe
The focus of our therapy is on safety and respect. 
Our horses are not ridden or asked to do anything against their will. They engage with us when they feel safe, and trust that we respect them. Force is never used. For people recovering from trauma, violence or abuse, transferring control and dominance over to the horses does not aid in the healing process.
Parents might also like to book a few sessions for themselves to support and enhance their child’s experience. Sessions for adults have a different format, and are focused on developing their own nervous system regulation and resilience. (Children cannot regulate their underdeveloped nervous systems and rely on their parents’ nervous systems.) Parents also learn techniques to support their children’s stress levels and guide them to express their emotions constructively.