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Jenny's Equine Assisted Therapy Program in action with the youth from Garfield Park Academy and located at HorseTime Inc., in New Jersey. Children working together to perform a single task and overcome fears.

Jenny's Customized Equine Therapy Program

 

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) utilizes horses for personal development, and mental/behavioral health therapy. It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship; it is experiential in nature. The focus of EAP involves setting up activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. The participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing feelings, behaviors, and patterns. 

What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Why a horse?

 

The concept that horses might be helpful or healing to people struggling with mental health issues is based on the idea that horses (as domesticated prey animals) are extremely sensitive to changes in the human being (as a predatory creature). Due to their sensitivity, horses react and respond to people differently based upon the person's emotional state. Since we know that emotional states in human beings also impact our physiology, it only makes sense that horses can smell or sense those changes. This enables the horse to provide the client and the therapist with information regarding the client's moods and changes within those moods. If a client arrives anxious the horse will act and respond one way. If the client is able to reduce or regulate his or her anxiety, the horse's behaviors will also change. This provides a vast amount of information and skill building opportunities for both the client and the therapist.

 

Who can benefit?

 

EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, famlies, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including:

 

  • Behavioral Issues 

  • Attention Deficit Disorder

  • PTSD

  • Substance Abuse

  • Eating Disorders

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Relationship Problems and Communication Needs 

 

EAP is a perfect workshop for companies who want to build team and leadership skills with their employees. Examples of skills that can be utilized and developed in a single EAP session are:
 

  • Non-verbal Communication

  • Assertiveness

  • Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving

  • Leadership

  • Work Product

  • Assuming Responsibility

  • Teamwork and Relationships

  • Confidence

  • Attitude 

 

Locations

 

Working with Kelso, a troubled horse rescued from the world of horseracing. Thirty years of horse riding and training experience gives Jenny the tools necessary to employ advanced techniques in EAP. 

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