Equuvation’s Programs At-A-Glance
For a PDF of our Program Catalog, click here (or on the thumbnail image to the left). Details below also include a link directly to the program’s individual page.
To be considered for enrollment, please complete our Program Inquiry + Eligibility Form here.
If you are looking to learn more about our credentials, click here.
For specific questions, please contact us!
Equine-facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP)
EFP is a form of experiential therapy that includes horses and donkeys (equines), and provides clients with opportunities to enhance self-awareness and re-pattern maladaptive behaviors and feelings. EFP has proven beneficial for those impacted by trauma and abuse; experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism; or managing a chronic illness or pain. EFP is offered by licensed and/or certified professionals, in partnership with Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), and available to individuals ages 8+, couples, sibling groups, and/or families on a weekly or bi- weekly basis. Client goals are tracked and reviewed in partnership with other clinical professionals (psychologists, pediatricians, etc).
We also offer a nature-based talk therapy program for those clients who are not yet comfortable working directly with the horses, but would like to be around them. Very often, these clients will then transition to full EFP sessions.
Equine-assisted Learning (EAL)
EAL is an experiential approach that includes horses and donkeys (equines), and provides clients with opportunities to build muscle memory around essential life skills and qualities of healthy relationships such as effective communication, empathy, boundaries, problem-solving, self-regulation, self-advocacy and more by way of connecting with equines. In an EAL setting, the experiential “laboratory” integrates equine-human interaction that is guided by a planned learning experience to meet the identified goals or desires of the participant(s). EAL sessions may be individual or group based, but the stated goals are not clinically driven. EAL is offered by credentialed educators and PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialists (ESMHL). Our core EAL programs include:
Individual or Family EAL Sessions
EAL individual sessions are provided to individuals, couples, sibling groups and/or families on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Goals are discussed on an individual basis and EAL horsemanship activities are curated to help clients reach those goals.
Group EAL Retreats and Workshops
Group EAL retreats and workshops are personalized to the organization, corporation or community group where dynamics around communication, leadership, team-building and self-care practices can be explored by completing activities with horses. Goals involve group dynamics rather than the mental health needs of the individual participants, and workshops are scheduled at the request of the client or as needed.
Reading-at-the-Ranch (R-A-R)
Open to students of all ages, R-A-R aims to encourage reading and communication skills, public speaking and community literacy, as well as foster a connection with animals. Participants may bring a book of their own, select one from our library, or even bring schoolwork that they might need help with and read to one of our therapy horses or donkeys! Volunteers and educators assist with this program by introducing participants to the animals, reading to or with participants, and leading group reading circles. Reading-at-the-Ranch takes place monthly or bi-monthly (depending on the season) for 8 months of the calendar year.
JR.EQ. EAL Programs
JR.EQ. EAL programs are for tweens and teens, ages 10-17, who already have experience with horses and equestrian sports. These programs are centered around creating inclusive, educational experiences built on the foundation of the horse-human connection and aimed to meet the individual emotional, social, psychological and physical needs of all participants. Clients in this program are pursuing horseback riding lessons and/or equestrian competition goals while concurrently navigating family situations (i.e. divorce, illness of a parent), trauma (i.e. loss of a friend to suicide, school shooting), mental health diagnosis, or learning disabilities.
LEARN. Our mindful and non-traditional approach to an otherwise traditional equestrian setting, allows for the development of innovative riding, vaulting and driving curricula within a supportive environment for participants to LEARN and grow into strong, balanced, intuitive and thoughtful partners for their horses and each other.
CONNECT. For those riders looking for more time with horses, our CONNECT program allows participants to be matched with a therapy horse, selected specifically for their goals and have more independent learning time, ultimately developing a deeper connection.
BELONG. For those participants who have entered into a long-term relationship with horses through ownership or adoption, we develop educational opportunities that equip those families with tools they need to fully BELONG to and understand the Lifecycle of the Horse.
REACH. A variety of educational clinics, workshops, summer programs and other experiences throughout the calendar year that allow participants to REACH and focus on their growth and development as compassionate equestrians.
EXPLORE. For older teen participants, EXPLORE provides vocational opportunities to get involved on a bigger scale through internships, working student roles and part-time employment opportunities within the organization.
GIVE BACK. Hands-on opportunities to engage young participants in philanthropic endeavors and to GIVE BACK through gifts of service (volunteering) and fundraising.
Therapeutic Horsemanship (TH) + RhythmicRiding (RR)
A holistic approach to developing a relationship with horses, our Therapeutic Horsemanship program combines elements of Equine-assisted Learning (EAL – groundwork) and Therapeutic Riding (TR - mounted). Participants benefit from an innovative curriculum which includes development and practice of communication skills, daily horse care, grooming, tacking and foundational vaulting and riding skills. TH is offered by credentialed educators and PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRI). Sessions may be private or semi-private and are tailored to the individual needs, age and goals of the participants. The TH program is the most similar to traditional therapeutic riding models, but with a specific, personalized goal-oriented approach for each client and their family. The client profile for our Therapeutic Horsemanship program is youth, ages 3-17, with a disability, mental health diagnosis or impact of trauma.
MIND/FULL Workshops
Our MIND/FULL workshops are nature-based and equine-facilitated experiences intentionally designed to hold space for full minds in trying times. Promoting self-care, self-discovery, self-awareness and more, MIND/FULL workshops offer unique, safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental opportunities for individuals to find the support they need and want. Activities may include, but are not limited to:
Hands-on equine-assisted learning (EAL) activities with our horses and donkeys
Nature-immersion activities
Mindfulness opportunities like yoga with donkeys, journaling prompts and skills development
Creative projects and crafts
We have MIND/FULL workshops for both tweens and teens and parents and caregivers.
Nature-based Occupational Therapy (NBOT)
Nature-based Occupational Therapy (NBOT) helps children develop skills for everyday living. Clients who are navigating physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges benefit from nature-based OT to regain and/or maintain independence in all areas of their lives while immersed in the natural “office” of the farm. NBOT is appropriate for any child who has been recommended for or prescribed OT. NBOT sessions are designed to meet a client’s needs and goals in the following areas:
Fine and gross motor skills like handwriting, tying shoes, cutting with scissors that require smaller movements.
Visual motor skills: improve eye–hand coordination.
Sensory integration and processing with textures, sounds, temperatures and other stimulus.
Basic life skills and self-care such as bathing, getting dressed, grooming, brushing teeth, food preparation, self-feeding, and aversion to tastes or textures while eating.
Positive behaviors and social skills – how to interact with others, adapt to change, navigate emotions, understand risk, and develop problem solving skills.
Play! The farm environment (especially through The Discovery Trail) creates opportunity for developmentally appropriate play through activities that support individual needs and skill level.
Exploring nature offers rich therapeutic opportunities to develop and support the whole scope of fine motor and gross motor skills, and is staged for age-appropriate risk-taking and exploration. During NBOT sessions, natural obstacles provide opportunities to work on problem solving, self-reflection, perseverance, emotional awareness, and mindfulness. Our nature-based occupational therapy (NBOT) program will utilize The Discovery Trail and therapy herd in activities designed to reach client goals.
The Discovery Trail (DT)
The Discovery Trail is an equine-accessible, multi-dimensional outdoor sensory experience intended for therapeutic and educational use; with the mission to create an environment for guests of all ages and abilities to:
Experience the outdoors in a safe and delightful way
Reach for and achieve therapeutic and educational goals; and
Have an opportunity to learn from, and develop a relationship with horses.
The Discovery Trail is a tool that may be incorporated into other programs, for example: EFP, EAL, Therapeutic Horsemanship and Wellness Retreats.
Equuvation offers the "Adopt-a-Trail-Station" program which is a great way for families, groups and businesses to get involved in the trail; and mutually beneficial for our programs!
Nature-based Retreats for Leadership, Team-building, Self-care, and Wellness
Nature-based and equine-assisted retreats are a proven and highly effective way to experience and discover self-care practices and mindfulness-based skills. The sensory-filled “laboratory” that nature offers, combined with horse-human interactions, provides the perfect opportunity for experiential learning. Every retreat is personalized for the team, group, or business we are working with. Examples of retreat objectives may include:
Leadership
Team-building
Overall wellness
Confidence building
Holding space—both on the receiving end and how to hold space for oneself
Mindfulness skills
Stress management
Communication and problem-solving
Service
For a copy of our Retreat Information Packet, please contact us.
Lifecycle of the Horse (LOTH)
This innovative program is an ongoing educational experience that fully explores the Lifecycle of the Horse (LOTH) – from breeding to birth, weaning to handling, early training, “first job,” competitive careers, daily care, change in ownership, injuries, retirement and death. Through workshop opportunities, thoughtful curriculums, and other resources, those who engage can discover how our human interaction with horses has changed the timeline and cycle of these animals, for better and for worse; and how we can do a better job of caring for their natural needs – physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. LOTH programs and resources include:
Open-source Curriculum and Educational Resources
Visual Learning Tools
Mini Workshops
Educational Clinics
Conferences + Education Work Days
Certifications
Horse Ownership Mentor and Learning Opportunities
EquuFile
EquuFile is a library of resources for anyone interested in learning about, developing and sustaining the field of equestrian sports and business (non-profit and for-profit). A sharing platform, EquuFile includes, but is not limited to, program forms, legal templates, marketing plans, special event recipes, fundraising resources, sensory trail plans, learning tools, visual aids, curriculums and more.
EquuFile will also include the unique product line of Visi-Horse, interactive tools and technology for youth and adults; and The RideGuide, a category of resources designed for parents of horse-crazy kids as they navigate the world of lessons, leasing, ownership, competition, school, careers and having horses at home.
Materials are available to individuals, non-profit organizations, and other businesses. EquuFile will be available via Patreon in 2024.
Spark*
Spark* Scholarships are for young riders (age 18 and under; any equestrian discipline) who exemplify sportsmanship, horsemanship, a desire to learn, work hard, and show stewardship in our equestrian communities. Annual clinic, lesson and competition mini-grants are awarded based on an application, audition and review process. We are looking for individuals who:
Are known as kind, dedicated and passionate “role models” by their peers, family and teachers/trainers
Exhibit quality horsemanship and sportsmanship in the equestrian field
Represent a financial need in order to pursue his/her goals
Will allow his/her representation in photos and words to be shared via social media, web sites and print media as a way to *spark* awareness for Equuvation and its programs in any field leveraging the horse-human connection.
Spark* Scholarships are funded through grants and private donations. Equuvation awards Spark* Scholarships based on an application process, review board and depending on the funds available for any given year.
EquuSpecialist
EquuSpecialist is Equuvation’s exclusive training program for those interested in pursuing certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). The EquuSpecialist Training Program was born from a need to find qualified equine specialists in our region and a dedication to continuing education in our field. By way of this program, we aim to provide training at our center, help individuals achieve further credentialing in the field, and grow our programs by partnering with thoughtful emerging equine specialists. Additionally, this program was designed to support candidates for the PATH Intl. ESMHL program so they may receive the mentoring and education necessary to be successful through certification. Components include:
Self-paced Curriculum through Google Classroom
Experiential Workshops for Hands-on Training
Comprehensive Reading Lists
Reflection Activities
Session Observation Hours
Exclusive ES Guides created by Equuvation
Visual Stable Resources
Community and Mentorship
Click here to learn more about our EquuSpecialist training program.