Questions

What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that incorporates horses into the counselling process to support emotional awareness, regulation, communication, and personal growth. Sessions are facilitated by a trained mental health professional and are always ground-based.

How is EAP different from riding lessons or equine therapy?
EAP is not riding and is not focused on horsemanship skills. The horse serves as a therapeutic partner rather than an animal to be trained or ridden. The focus is on the client’s emotional and relational experience, not on learning to ride or handle horses.

Why is riding not offered?
EAP is a ground-based therapeutic model. Riding shifts the practitioner’s role from therapist to riding coach, which is not clinically appropriate in most cases.

Do we get to ride the horses?
No. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a ground-based program only. Requests to ride will be addressed on a case-by-case basis based on clinical need; however, riding is not encouraged as part of this program.

Do I need prior horse experience?
No prior horse experience is required. Many participants have never worked with horses before.

How old does my child need to be?
The recommended minimum age for equine-assisted psychotherapy is 8 years. Children under 4 years of age are not eligible to participate.

Is EAP appropriate for anxiety, trauma, ADHD, ASD, or behavioral challenges?
EAP may be beneficial for a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns. Suitability will be discussed during consultation to ensure the program is an appropriate fit.

Can siblings or caregivers attend sessions?
Yes, when therapeutically appropriate. Sessions are private and limited to the client and their identified support people.

How many people are in each session?
Sessions are private and personal in nature. Attendance is limited to the client and their designated support persons. Group sessions outside of a family unit are offered on a case-by-case basis and discussed during consultation.

What happens during a session?
Sessions may include observation, interaction, reflection, and discussion. There is no expectation to touch or engage with the horse unless the participant chooses to do so.

Will I interact with the horse the entire time?
Not necessarily. Interaction is guided by therapeutic goals and participant readiness.

What if my child doesn’t want to engage with the horse?
That is completely acceptable. Observation and non-interaction can be just as therapeutically meaningful.

How long does each session last?
Session length varies by participant. Sessions are typically about one hour, though some may be shorter or slightly longer depending on engagement and therapeutic needs.

Is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy safe?
Working around horses carries inherent risk. Safety protocols, professional supervision, and clear boundaries are in place to minimize risk while maintaining therapeutic integrity.

What safety measures are in place?
Safety measures include structured session flow, clear expectations, constant professional oversight, and respect for both participant and horse regulation.

Do I need to wear a helmet?
Participants under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. Helmets are not provided and must be brought by the participant.
Recognizing sensory sensitivities or behavioral challenges, helmet use is addressed with clinical discretion. Helmet use is always encouraged.

Are waivers required?
Yes. All participants and/or caregivers must sign waivers acknowledging the inherent risks of working around horses, including the potential risk of head injury.

What happens if a participant becomes dysregulated?
Sessions are paced to support emotional regulation. Activities may pause, shift, or end early as needed. Participant well-being always comes first.

What if a horse becomes unsafe or overstimulated?
The session will be adjusted or ended immediately. Horse welfare is always prioritized.

How are the horses selected for this work?
Horses are carefully chosen based on temperament, experience, and suitability for therapeutic environments.

Do horses get breaks?
Yes. Horses have structured workloads, regular rest periods, and an off-season.

What happens if a horse is having an “off day”?
Sessions may be adapted, rescheduled, or reassigned as needed.

Why is the program seasonal?
Programming runs April 1–November 1 due to weather, safety considerations, and to allow horses time to rest, recharge, and decompress during the winter months.

Can participants bring treats or feed the horses?
No. Feeding and treats are strictly controlled for horse health and safety.

Do you run sessions year-round?
No. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy services are available April 1–November 1. Programming is paused December–March.

What if I can’t make my session?
Clients must call or text a minimum of 12 hours in advance regarding session changes. Sessions are not rescheduled without prior discussion.

What happens if we are late?
Late arrival may result in a shortened session.

Are missed sessions refunded?
Missed sessions are not refunded unless otherwise discussed in advance.

What happens if it rains or weather changes?
Sessions proceed unless weather conditions make travel or outdoor work unsafe.

Are sessions canceled for extreme weather?
Yes. Weather-related changes are discussed at least 24 hours in advance when possible.

Can I bring my dog with me?
No. Due to the farm environment and for the safety of clients, horses, and livestock, no outside animals are permitted on the property.

Can friends or extended family observe sessions?
No. Sessions are private unless discussed and approved in advance.

Can we take photos or videos?
Photography and recording are not permitted without prior consent.

What behaviors are not permitted around the horses?
Running, yelling, chasing, feeding, or disrespectful behavior toward horses is not allowed.

What happens if boundaries are repeatedly challenged?
Continued boundary violations may result in modification or termination of services.

How do I know if EAP is right for me or my child?
Appropriateness is determined through consultation and ongoing clinical assessment.

How many sessions are recommended?
Sessions are typically offered in 8–12 session blocks, after which goals and needs are reassessed.

Is this a replacement for traditional therapy?
EAP may complement traditional therapy or stand alone, depending on the client’s situation.

How are goals set?
Goals are collaboratively developed and reviewed throughout the therapeutic process.

How is progress measured?
Progress is assessed through observation, reflection, and therapeutic outcomes rather than performance-based metrics.

Are accommodations available for sensory needs?
Yes. Sessions are adapted to support sensory and emotional regulation whenever possible.

Can sessions be adapted for physical or cognitive differences?
Yes, within the scope of safety and therapeutic appropriateness.

What if my client is in a wheelchair or uses crutches?
Not a problem. We are committed to accessibility and will tailor each session to meet your individual needs and abilities. 

What if my child is afraid of horses?
Fear is respected. Participation may begin with observation or non-interaction.

Can sessions be observation-only at first?
Yes. Observation-only participation is always an option.