About

What are Equine Assisted Services

Equine Assisted Services are dynamic, powerful tools when used in partnership with mental health and physical therapy professionals. It is a treatment and healing approach centered around the connection between humans and horses.

It is beneficial for many people with physical or mental health conditions. Participants groom, feed, lead, and ride horses under the supervision of an equine therapist or mental health professional to form a strong bond.

How Equine Assisted Services Works

Equine Assisted Services help participants learn about themselves and others by taking part in activities with the horses, and then processing or discussing feelings, behaviors, and patterns with mental health professionals. This approach has been compared to the ‘ropes courses’ used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world. Equine Assisted Services has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings.

According to the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association as we all know, horses are large and powerful. Their size alone creates a natural opportunity to overcome fear and develop confidence. Working alongside a horse, despite any trepidation a participant may have, creates confidence and provides wonderful tools when dealing with other intimidating, scary and challenging situations in life.

Horses have a sensitivity to human feelings, so when a person communicates to them through nonverbal cues, they can provide them with feedback that promotes a sense of acceptance and comfort, along with aiding in emotion regulation and insight into themselves and others.

At Summit Equestrian we address the whole person – as they are ready to work on it. Life can be hard. Our horses can help.

Take a minute to meet the team and learn more about who we are. We look forward to meeting you!