Our Services
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
Groups of up to 5 students
HorsePower is a hands-on learning program that uses equine facilitation to provide therapeutic support for at-risk youth. Weekly sessions incorporate educational activities that promote development and growth, with each session building on the previous. HorsePower’s EAL classes are typically one 90-minute session for 7-weeks. Each student is paired with a Mentor, a HorseHandler, and a Horse; This makes a 10-legged team! The session is facilitated by a trained HorsePower Instructor.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
1:1 sessions
Equine-assisted therapy is a specialized form of equine-assisted therapy that utilizes a method of experiential psychotherapy addressing mental health challenges by means of a therapist and equine partnering as co-facilitators. This is what makes EAP programs unique:
- Proven effective for patients who are otherwise resistant to traditional treatment, demonstrating an increase in motivation and adherence to therapeutic processes
- Creates a relaxed and open environment for healing that allows patients to feel less pathologized than in an office setting
- Horses are social herd animals who desire connection, give and accept affection, and set boundaries, which further enriches this program and facilitates emotional growth.
HorsePower is NOT a Riding Program
The difference between a Riding Program and EAP/EAL is based on the goals of each focus. In a nutshell: Riding lessons teach you how to ride a horse; equine therapy uses the horse to help you heal or grow.
Riding Program
- Goal: To teach a person how to ride and handle a horse for recreational, competitive, or professional purposes.
- Focus: Developing horseback riding skills (e.g., balance, posture, control, jumping, dressage); Horse care and management; Rider’s physical technique and equestrian knowledge
- Instructor: A trained riding instructor or coach (may be certified by equestrian organizations)
- For Who: Anyone interested in learning to ride, from beginners to advanced riders
Equine Therapy
- Goal: To support mental, emotional, physical, or developmental health through interactions with horses.
- Focus: Building emotional regulation, confidence, and social skills; Improving physical coordination and motor skills (especially in physical or occupational therapy); Supporting therapy goals for individuals with conditions such as autism, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Instructor or Therapist: An Instructor (EAL) or licensed therapist (EAP) with training in equine-assisted therapy; May also involve a certified equine specialist
- For Who: Individuals with specific therapeutic needs—physical, cognitive, behavioral, or emotional