What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential therapy. EAP does not involve riding the horse. The entire session will take place doing activities and tasks side by side with the horse and therapist and on the occassion a horse handler. Talk therapy will be utilized during activities and tasks.

Why use horses in psychotherapy?

Since horses have similar behaviors as humans, such as social and responsive behaviors, it is easy for a person to create a connection with the horse. Horses are non-judgmental and unbiased. Horses react only to the person’s behavior and emotions and are not biased by the person’s physical appearance or past mistakes. This is crucial to therapy. Horses nature as a prey and herd animal makes them hyper vigilant and sensitive, thus making them keen observers. This means that their feedback is provided earlier and more consistently than with just a human therapist.

Equine Psychotherapy

Who would benefit from EAP?

Research has confirmed EAP treats a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, Autism, ADHD, PTSD, substance use disorders, eating disorders, grief and loss, anger issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems and communication needs.

Ask about our specialized DDD Equine Psychotherapy Program.

Benefits of EAP

Many people struggle with learning how to cope with their feelings. They may use drugs in an attempt to numb sadness, anger, fear or even joy. For therapy to be successful, one of the first steps is learning to identify, experience, and cope with their emotions. EAP is a powerful way to get in touch with thoughts and feelings. During EAP, you do not use your mind to address problems. Relying on your mind often leads to denial, blaming others or intellectualizing your way around the problem. During EAP, you must use your body and heart to feel and react in the moment. Horses have a unique ability to sense emotions and react accordingly. Many people need assistance in emotional development. They may have diffculty relating or getting close to other people, yet they manage to establish close bonds with horses. Learning to understand horse behavior can help people learn the way their behavior impacts others.

Many people have a hard time setting boundaries. Working with a horse can expose a person’s maladaptive thought and behavior patterns. EAP creates opportunity to address issues like enmeshment and detachment issues. Lessons may be as simple as how much physical space the horse needs to feel comfortable. Without any words at all, horses make clear when someone has crossed their boundaries.

Horses are large animals. Their strength and size can bring up unmet needs, fears, past trauma and feelings of inadequacy or lack of control. Horses allow people to bring all kinds of issues into the horse’s world and accept them as they are. Many people feel intimidated and nervous at first. Later, they discover how quickly they process those feelings and comfort in their relationship with the horse. Empowered by the experience, people may develop the confidence to address other fears. Horses allow people to develop trust and feel the power of kindness. Horses are soothing, gentle animals. They are straightforward in their interactions without lying or manipulating. They do not judge or blame. A horses presence alone can be healing and promote growth. When people open themselves up, they grow in their ability to build relationships and to ask for help.

Meet the Horses

Bossman

Name: Bossman
Breed: American Quarter Horse
Color: Bay
Born: May 15, 1999

Bossman lives up to his name. He is confident and smart and doesn’t mind taking lead. Although the oldest horse on the farm, he has the sassiest personality and seems to be a barn favorite among the younger generation. Although quite sassy at times, he is also very gentle and kind and seems to really enjoy working as a therapy horse and getting attention.

Bossman is the big brother to Chance. They both have been with me their entire lives. Their dam (mommy) was my childhood show horse named Jemni Touch of Class (Classy) From the time of his birth this little colt had the personality of a boss and couldn’t be named anything else. Bossman may be smaller than Chance but he is definitely the big brother. He is protective and “bossy” but you can definitely tell they are family.

American Quarter Horses are friendly and gentle and also highly intelligent. They are easily trained, handled, and kept which make them an ideal breed for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Bossman exemplifies all of these characteristics, especially the intelligence of the Quarter Horse. He may be one of the most intelligent horses I have ever worked with. He remembers all his training and is very receptive to voice commands and cues. His intuitive nature makes him a perfect horse for psychotherapy. Bossman also enjoys riding Western and English. He is especially fond of children and adolescents and he can be quite the babysitter at times.

Chance

Breed: American Quarter Horse
Color: Bay
Born: May 20, 2003

Chance is a big love. Don’t let his size intimidate you. He is a gentle giant. His strength and sensitivity are sure to warm your heart. Chance sometimes lacks confidence and looks for reassurance. He is a horse who feeds off of your feelings and gives a lot of love in return, making him an ideal psychotherapy horse. Chance is definitely the barn favorite among the therapy clients. He is just too sweet not to love.

Chance is the baby brother to Bossman and has also been with me his entire life. Chance may be larger than Boss but he has the characteristic of the annoying baby brother and still bows down to his older brother.

American Quarter Horses are generally calm and docile. Because of their gentle and steady demeanor, the breed is an ideal family horse and well suited for use in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Chance exemplifies all of these characteristics. Quarter Horses are also known for their versatility and Chance is no exception. He also enjoys riding English and jumping.

Nike

Breed: Pony of Americas
Color: Red Roan
Born: April 16, 2001

Nike has been with us since 2020. Don’t let his size fool you. He may be the smallest horse on the farm but he is definitely the toughest and a bit of a bully in the field which is why he is in a field by himself. Other horses may annoy him at times but he loves human interactions. Nike came to live with us specifically to become a therapy horse. Nike was the horse who taught my youngest daughter how to ride. He gave her the confidence and passion for horses and riding that she has today. Nike was a lesson horse whose lesson days were over. He was generously donated by Nicole McKinley from Serenity at Last Farm. She was more than happy to give him a good place to retire where he could still have a job but not have to give riding lessons anymore.

The Pony of the Americas is an ideal horse for children or those intimidated by the larger horse. They are smaller in stature, and have gentle personalities. For young equestrian riders, who are too big for the smaller ponies yet not quite ready for a full-sized horse, the Pony of the Americas are very athletic and are a perfect match. These diminutive horses love people and are full of patience and kindness. Nike exemplifies all of these characteristics which makes him very well suited for use in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Dallas

Breed: Spotted Draft Horse
Color: chestnut and white
Born: 7/1/2004

Dallas is a rescue horse who joined our program in 2023. He appears to have had a rougher life then the other horses in the program. He has definitely been handled harshly in his past and is always wanting to please. Because of his past he is a perfect horse to teach empathy and make people aware of their mannerisms and how their behaviors affect others.

The spotted Draft Horse is known as the gentle giant with a muscular wide build and patterned coat. Spotted Draft Horses have an endearing temperament that blends gentle docility with an eagerness to please. These horses exhibit a peaceful demeanor balanced by an inviting sense of companionship and dependability that make them delightful companions. They are generously tolerant and accommodating of varied roles, including trail riding or participation in therapeutic programs. Spotted Draft Horses have an ideal temperament to ensure they make both visual and heartwarming companions for anyone they meet, creating deep connections. Dallas meets everyone of these characteristics and more. He also comes with a sense of appreciation for the love and care he receives being a therapy horse. He enjoys going on trail rides and absorbs all new adventures with ease

Princess

Breed: Paint
Color: chestnut and white
Born: 7/23/2011

Princess is a rescue horse who joined the program in 2023. Princess came to us with little experience, not many manners and very little training. However she has a very good mind and learned manners and took to her training with ease. She is quiet and kind and oh so pretty. She loves attention and being brushed and pampered. I call her “Pretty Pretty Princess” She is the youngest of the bunch and the only girl horse. She does love her brothers but at times needs her space. You will find her in her stall in the barn at times when she needs some “me time”.

The Paint Horse is a distinct breed, a mixture of Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. Paint Horses have a multicolored coat, which gives them a vibrant appearance that’s hard to forget. The Paint Horse is a versatile breed with a multitude of uses that extend well beyond their aesthetically pleasing exterior. Their gentle nature and easy-going temperament make them excellent for pleasure riding and suitable for families looking for a pet with a large heart and a friendly disposition. Paint Horses also have a therapeutic role. Their kind nature and intuitive intelligence make them excellent therapy animals. Princess has all of these characteristics and more. She is slightly smaller then the others which makes her a lot less intimidating. She is very sweet and enjoys interacting with people. She is a fantastic trail horse and also very athletic. She loves trail rides and and when asked she can race around barrels with ease. Princess is an all-around fun horse who has gotten a second chance in life and seems to be fitting right in as a therapy horse.

Bluey, the Therapy Dog

Breed: Bull Terrier
Color: white and gray
Born: 2010

A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people and are trained to interact with all kinds of people.

Bluey has been part of Elena Boyle Counseling Services since the start up. Bluey is a little old lady now but she loves getting up every morning and "going to work". She loves people and has exemplified what a therapy dog should be. She is a true natural and born to do this.

Marvel, the Service Dog

Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog/Lab Mix
Color: black with white chest
Born: 1/21/23

Marvel is a trained and certified Psychiatric service dog . He is trained to assist people with mental health challenges or disabilities. Like a therapy dog he also provides comfort, affection and support to people . A service dog should be calm, especially in unfamiliar settings, be alert, but not reactive, have a willingness to please, be able to learn and retain information, be capable of being socialized to many different situations and environments and be reliable. Marvel exemplifies all the characteristics of a service dog. however he loves eveyone he meets and is young and sometimes gets excited when his "friends "come to see him for a session and occassionally has to be reminded of his training. Marvel has a natural instinct for therapeutic intervention. He has a great big personality and has not met a person that didn't feel better after spending time with him.

We are part of therapy also...

Stefan the cat likes to join in on the occassional therapy session and we have an array of farm animals that love attention andlike to bring joy to whoever they meet.