Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Healing through the powerful connection between kids and horses at Buddy's Place.
This Isn't Horseback Riding. It's Therapy.
Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a specialized form of therapy that uses the relationship between a child and a horse as the foundation for emotional healing. It's not riding lessons. It's real, relational therapeutic work guided by a licensed therapist alongside trained horses.
Horses are remarkably intuitive. They respond to body language, emotional energy, and nonverbal cues in ways that create powerful moments of awareness and connection. For children and teens who struggle to open up in a traditional therapy room, the barn and the field can feel like a completely different world, one where healing happens naturally.
At Resilient Kids, we offer equine-assisted psychotherapy in partnership with Buddy's Place Therapeutic Farm, a dedicated therapeutic setting where children and families experience the healing power of horses in a safe, supported environment.
Who Benefits from
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy can be especially powerful for children and teens who haven't connected with traditional talk therapy, who learn best through hands-on, experiential work, who struggle with trust, attachment, or forming safe relationships, or who need a sensory-rich, outdoor environment to feel comfortable and present.
It's also a meaningful option for kids who simply come alive around animals and nature. Sometimes the most transformative therapy happens outside four walls.
Attachment Concerns
Anxiety
Social Difficulties
Behavioral Challenges
Trust & Relationship Issues
Grief & Loss
Trauma & PTSD
Low Self-Esteem
Emotional Regulation
What a Session Looks Like
Sessions at Buddy's Place Therapeutic Farm involve activities with horses that are designed to meet your child's therapeutic goals.
That might include grooming, leading, observing, or simply being present with the horse.
Through these interactions, children practice emotional awareness, build trust, develop confidence, and learn to regulate their emotions in real time. The horse provides honest, nonjudgmental feedback that children respond to in ways they often can't in a traditional setting.
Sessions are structured around your child's individual treatment plan, and your therapist will guide every interaction with care and intention. No prior horse experience is needed.
Some of the Deepest Healing Happens in the Most Unexpected Places
Discover what equine-assisted therapy could mean for your child.
What Families Are Saying
Parent
"Our son has always been shy and struggled with expressing his feelings. Since starting equine-assisted therapy at Resilient Kids, we've seen a remarkable change. He's more open, confident, and has developed a special bond with the horses. It's heartwarming to see him light up during each session. This unique therapy approach has opened doors for him that we never thought possible. We're deeply thankful for this program and the compassionate staff."
Teen
"I was dealing with a lot of anxiety and felt disconnected from everything. When I first heard about therapy with horses, I was skeptical. But it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. The horses seem to understand me in a way people can't. They're calming and being with them has taught me how to stay present and manage my anxiety. I've learned so much about myself through this experience."
Child
"I love going to see the horses! They're my friends and they help me feel better when I'm sad or mad. My therapist helps me talk about my feelings and the horses listen. It's fun to brush them and learn how to take care of them. I used to be really scared and now I feel braver. Thank you for letting me play and learn with the horses!"
Why It Works
Equine-assisted psychotherapy is grounded in evidence and increasingly recognized in the mental health field.
Research shows that working with horses can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in children and teens.
The sensory experience of being outdoors with animals promotes grounding, emotional regulation, and mindfulness. The horse-human relationship builds trust, empathy, and nonverbal communication skills. For children who resist traditional therapy settings, equine work often creates a breakthrough.
This isn't alternative therapy. It's evidence-informed, clinician-led work that happens to take place at a farm instead of an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. No prior horse experience is needed. Your child's therapist will guide every interaction and ensure they feel safe and supported the entire time.
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No. Equine-assisted psychotherapy is led by a licensed mental health professional and focuses on emotional and psychological goals. It's therapy that uses the horse-human relationship as a tool, not a riding program.
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Sessions are held at Buddy's Place Therapeutic Farm, our dedicated therapeutic partner. The farm provides a safe, welcoming environment designed specifically for this kind of work.
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We've found that children do best with a consistent format, so we offer equine-assisted psychotherapy, eco-therapy, and office-based therapy as separate services rather than combining them. If the weather isn't cooperating, equine and eco-therapy sessions move indoors for that day.
Curious About Equine Therapy? We'd Love to Tell You More.
Reach out, and we'll walk you through what it could look like for your child.
Servicios disponibles en español. | Sliding scale options available →
