Our Services
Equine-assisted services (EAS) provide a unique opportunity to incorporate horses (and other equines) to benefit a variety of people. Current equine-assisted services (EAS) at Happy Trails include: Therapeutic Horsemanship (TR), Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP), and Equine Services for Heroes (ESH).
Each of our services is taught by a PATH International-certified instructor. A potential participant is evaluated and placed in one of our services based on their individual needs.
Our participants range in age from six to 50+, with the majority (90%) under the age of 18. Our participants experience a variety of diagnoses, including ADHD, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and post-traumatic stress.
Therapeutic Horsemanship
Therapeutic Horsemanship (TR) group classes consist of 2-4 participants in which horsemanship skills are the focus. Therapeutic horsemanship teaches a person with a diagnosed disability how to work safely around and as a partner with a horse. Participants may experience physical, cognitive, and psychosocial benefits.
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy
*This service is offered in partnership with Hope Horizon. Enrollment in this service requires a referral from a mental health professional at Hope Horizon.
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a transformative therapy that involves the relationship between a therapist, a client, and an equine. It is a hands-on mental health treatment that is based on the dynamic relationship with an animal. These classes are co-facilitated by both a PATH Intl. certified professional as well as a mental health professional.
Equine Services for Heroes
Happy Trails works closely with a variety of veterans’ organizations to provide therapeutic horsemanship to warriors who are dealing with everything from physical injuries to post-traumatic stress (PTS). Therapeutic horsemanship may help warriors strengthen physically, mentally, and emotionally in a positive and welcoming environment.
