Frequently Asked Questions

 Equine-facilitated services are programs that involve interactions with horses to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth or learning. These services are experiential, meaning clients learn by doing and then processing their experiences with a team of specialists.  

• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) / Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP): Focuses on mental health and behavioral issues (e.g., anxiety, trauma, relationship issues). Sessions are conducted by a team that includes a licensed mental health professional and a certified equine specialist.
• Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL): Focuses on personal growth, skill-building, socio-emotional development, and education. These programs are led by an experienced certified equine-facilitated practitioner and do not require a licensed therapist.
• Therapeutic Riding/Adaptive Horsemanship: Focuses on teaching horsemanship skills and riding to individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities, providing physical and social benefits. Sessions are led by certified instructors.
• Hippotherapy: Involves licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapists using the horse's movement as a treatment tool to achieve therapeutic goals. 

 No, prior horse experience is not necessary for most programs, especially EAP and EAL, where the focus is not on horsemanship or riding skills. The session team will guide you through all interactions safely.  

 In most equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning sessions, all work is done on the ground, not in the saddle. This unmounted work enables natural interaction and observation of behavioral patterns.  

 Equine-facilitated services are available for individuals, families, and groups, including children (typically aged 5 or 6 and above) and adults and Veterans alike. They can help with a wide range of issues, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, ASD, and developing social skills.

 Yes, we do. Our Veteran program aims to improve the quality of life by providing a non-judgmental, hands-on approach to address trauma, which can lead to improved emotional regulation, trust, and confidence. Through interactions like grooming and leading, veterans learn to manage stress, build resilience, and develop healthier communication and relationship skills. This experiential method can reduce symptoms of PTSD and depression and increase the likelihood of treatment completion compared to traditional talk therapy.    

 Horses are social animals and natural communicators who provide honest, immediate, and non-judgmental feedback to human emotions and body language. Their large and powerful nature also offers an opportunity to overcome fear and build confidence, which provides valuable insight for dealing with other life challenges.  

 Dress for the weather in comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Closed-toe shoes (boots are recommended) that fully enclose your feet are required for safety.  

 Session lengths vary depending on the type of program and individual needs, typically ranging from 45 to 90 minutes.  

 The number of sessions depends on your goals, but weekly sessions for a minimum of 6-15 weeks are often recommended to see changes.  

 The horses are not trained to react in specific ways; their natural behaviors and responses provide the opportunities for insight and learning. They are, however, trained for basic ground skills and are monitored for their comfort and safety during sessions by an equine specialist.  

 Many providers do not directly bill insurance companies, as coverage for these specific services can vary by plan and state. Currently, we receive referrals from Texas Tropical Behavioral Health and Driscoll Health. You can often receive the necessary paperwork to submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement or use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).