Client Stories + Testimonials
“
THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP
Equuvation’s therapeutic horsemanship program is outstanding in every way. It has made a tremendous impact on my 6 year old son’s life. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and after years of treatment, he suffers from emotional challenges such as rage, aggression, OCD, lack of self esteem, and long periods of crying daily.
He was traumatized by the side effects that his treatment caused.
As a family, his younger sister included, we felt broken in this pattern of daily life.
Since he has begun the horsemanship program, he has so much joy!
He feels so important in helping with ranch needs and loves connecting with the horses. The beautiful property allows him to be free, and helps him release all he battles with every day in his mind and body due to the medication and chemotherapy. It has been a light in his life and has truly instilled a confidence in him that has made him a much happier child.
T.I. / Client Testimonial
“
EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING / THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP
At last, an environment where learning comes naturally for my child. The programs are a godsend for my daughter who struggles with ADHD and sensory integration challenges. Facilitated with deep insight and skill by Equuvation’s team, my daughter’s continually growing relationship with her therapy horse is awe-inspiring and has significantly increased her executive functioning skills, self confidence and joy.
R.M. / Client Testimonial
“
EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS / VOLUNTEER / SERVICE RETREATS
The Office of Disability Services at Villanova University, along with our able-ism awareness student group LEVEL, were honored to work with Equuvation [and Triple Play Farm] in 2018 to create, imagine, and execute a fully accessible Service Break Trip Experience for over 20 current ‘Nova students of all abilities… the first of its kind for the university!
After traveling several hundred miles, our students and adult leaders were greeted by a dedicated, friendly staff who clearly embrace our same vision to change the way people understand ability. The passion and dedication that Equuvation has, while enacting their mission through a variety of programs in a unique way, was something our group was excited to explore. Our trip set out to allow our team to grow, and to change the landscape for the better; but it was the landscape and the people we met who changed us. We look forward to our continued partnership.
GREGORY HANNAH / Assistant Director, Office of Disability Services
Villanova University
“
EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING / VOLUNTEER / SERVICE RETREATS
Cardinal II Pony Club {Waxhaw} had the opportunity to participate in a summer retreat at Rocky Creek Ranch. The balance of education, enrichment, service and leisure left all with experiences that will overflow into aspects of their lives beyond their time with horses.
Being immersed in the pastoral location, strengthened the bonds between the kids as a group, and as rider/horse pairs. And as with all equine endeavors, many riders experienced challenges that they were able to overcome with the support and guidance of the staff and each other. The unique setting fostered both independence and adventure. Everyone left fulfilled and inspired by what they learned about Equuvation’s work.
A.B. / Parent of rider in Cardinal II Pony Club
“
EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING / TEAM-BUILDING / LEADERSHIP / RETREATS
We just dropped a note in the mail – the retreat was AMAZING! Hands-down, this was the most impactful experience in my four years with the agency. I am still overhearing the team talk about their time with the horses. The way you designed the [EAL] activity to tie in to our core values was so above and beyond. We really cannot thank you enough!
AMANDA LEE / Human Resources Coordinator
Florence Crittenton Services
“
EQUINE-FACILITATED PSYCHOTHERAPY / EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING
Put quite simply, equine therapy is profound. In the capable hands of an equine specialist, you are linked with magnificent equine creatures whose intuition is so astute that through their reactions to you, you observe your own actions through a whole new lens.
Each time I have witnessed or experienced equine therapy, I walk away not just profoundly moved but also wiser and inspired with greater growth achieved in those simple moments with a horse in nature, than I might have been able to squeeze out in hours using other modalities.
ROSIE MOLINARY / Author, Beautiful You: A Daily Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance
Founder and Board Chair, Circle de Luz
“
EQUINE-FACILITATED PSYCHOTHERAPY / EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING
Sometimes, we as humans feel we need to say something to help someone feel better; but oftentimes we just need someone to listen and not judge. We need to feel safe when we are at our most vulnerable. Horses give me that. I know I can tell them [horses] anything and they will listen. I know I can completely break down and they will not judge me. Knowing that I have a horse to talk to gets me through the day, because even for a brief moment, I will feel a glimmer of hope, and that hope gives me the strength to continue on. When I was younger I would do anything to be around a horse, but I never truly understood the impact they had on me until I started dealing with things in adulthood. As the saying goes, horses aren’t my whole life, but they certainly make my life whole.
P.R. / Client Testimonial
“
THE DISCOVERY TRAIL / EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS / NATURE-BASED
Our high school group visits the Discovery Trail every month. We’re a diverse group of students, some with disabilities and some not. Our goal for our visits is to collectively provide volunteer service, however, we always leave with accomplishing much more.
Some of our students have a range of ability levels (socially, emotionally, physically) and spending time in nature with a group of non-disabled peers provide for meaningful, genuine and authentic moments that simply cannot be created in a school setting. Collaboration, healthy risk-taking, communication, problem-solving and a sense of achievement are some of the natural experiences generated during our time along the Discovery Trail.
GREG CAIN / Lead Teacher
Community School of Davidson
“
EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING / TEAM-BUILDING / LEADERSHIP / RETREATS
As someone with a deep fear of horses due to two frightening personal experiences with horses years ago, I had a life changing encounter with a horse during one of the [retreat] exercises. The ES sensed my fear, and with no pressure to do so, she guided me to literally lead the horse - using my energy and body cues - without a halter around the entire ring. It left me so emotionally moved, that I could overcome such an obstacle by being so vulnerable yet brave to accomplish such a personal feat! It was an experience I will never forget.
Client Testimonial