EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

In general, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills, including academic achievement, classroom behavior, personal growth and exploration or professional pursuits such as leadership development, team building and executive coaching.

Pine Knoll Founder Gillian Vallis created an extraordinary EAL program she calls Horsempowerment that has been improving and transforming lives since 2004.

Equine-Assisted Trauma Therapy is a deeply transformative approach to healing that prioritizes compassion, connection, and holistic wellbeing. Through guided interactions with horses, individuals navigate their trauma responses and emotional wounds in a supportive, nonjudgmental space. Horses, with their innate sensitivity, serve as powerful allies in the therapeutic process, offering immediate feedback and fostering authentic connections that facilitate healing.

This therapy modality emphasizes the cultivation of self-compassion, resilience, and relational skills, empowering individuals to navigate their life journey with greater ease and understanding. As participants engage in activities such as grooming, leading, and observing the horses’ responses, they develop a deeper sense of trust, empathy, and emotional regulation. By fostering meaningful connections with both the equine partners and the therapist, individuals embark on a journey of profound healing, reclaiming their sense of agency and restoring balance to mind, body, and spirit.

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or have never set foot near a horse, this equine therapy can be a healing path in life’s journey.