Thoughtful Counseling Group
Equine Therapy
Coming soon to Thoughtful Counseling!
Equine Therapy
In order to provide you with the best possible care, the following policies have been outlined for you. Read them carefully, and feel free to make a copy for yourself. By agreeing to the policies below, you indicate your acknowledgment of the information and acceptance of the terms for treatment.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy includes a combination of experiences and activities with horses as well as talking about what those experiences mean to you. Horses are sentient beings, and are interested in relationships, provide feedback, and present opportunities to learn about yourself. Sometimes these activities are restricted to “on the ground”. This therapy takes place in an outdoor setting at a barn. It is important to wear shoes that will protect your feet and appropriate clothing. As there is no formal waiting room, please remain in your car or away from the entrance to the barn and ground arena in order to provide privacy to other clients. There is additional paperwork specific to this process that you will need to include:
Medical History and Participation, Release Emergency Contact Information, and Emergency Medical Preferences.
Why Equine Therapy?
Builds Trust and Confidence
Working with horses requires trust and communication, which can help individuals develop these qualities in their relationships with others.
Emotional Regulation
Interacting with horses can help individuals regulate their emotions, manage stress, and cope with anxiety or depression.
Improving Coordination and Balance
Riding a horse requires balance and coordination, enhancing motor skills and core strength.
Communication Skills
Interacting with horses provides an opportunity to develop non-verbal communication skills, as horses respond to body language and cues.
Teamwork and Cooperation
Working with others in a horse-related activity fosters teamwork and cooperation.
Sensory Integration
The movement of the horse provides sensory input, aiding in sensory integration for individuals with sensory processing disorders.
A Feeling Of Balance
Riding a horse stimulates the vestibular system, which contributes to a sense of balance and spatial orientation.
Non-judgmental Environment
Horses are non-judgmental and respond to individuals without bias, providing a safe and accepting environment for therapy.
Unconditional Positive Regard
Horses offer unconditional positive regard, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may have experienced challenges in interpersonal relationships.
Goal Setting and Achievement
Setting and achieving goals in horse-related activities can boost confidence and self-esteem.
Problem-Solving Skills
Working with horses often involves solving problems, promoting cognitive skills and critical thinking.
Focus and Attention
Interacting with a horse requires focus and attention, which can be helpful for individuals with attention-related challenges.
Meet Our Horses!
Mireille (Mira)
Mireille (Meer-eye), or Mira for short, is an adult mustang mare from a herd of wild horses in Challis, Idaho. At seven months old, Mira was rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and was orphaned after being separated from her family. She lived with a group of young horses in a BLM corral in Idaho for six months before being transferred to Sunnyside, Washington, where she was scheduled to be killed for slaughter. After seven long months of waiting, Mira was rescued by a kind woman from Puyallup, Washington, who helped her to gain weight and learn simple groundwork skills so she could be handled safely by humans. Mira came to us in June of 2023, She is a curious, free spirit with the biggest personality and a wild streak that will never fail to put a smile on your face.
Miss Bee (Bee)
Miss Bee, who we lovingly call "Bee," is 17-hand, 1700lb. senior Belgian mare originally from the Oregon Coast. Bee has lived a long, busy life and has worked very hard for several different owners. Ridden by adults and children on the beach, in parades, in riding lessons, or on the trails, Bee has nearly done it all. She came to us in September of 2023, and has been an incredible addition to our little herd. She is kind, patient, gentle, and willing, and her zest for life is contagious. Miss Bee has a calming presence, the softest brown eyes, and a way of making everything feel ok.
Essence Of Fire (Essie)
Essence of Fire, nicknamed Essie, is a senior Arabian/Saddlebred mix, born, raised, and trained by a friend from Enumclaw, Washington. Beautifully bred with champion bloodlines, Essie won award after award as an Arabian In-Hand show competitor, and was eventually sold to a family outside of the state where she remained for several years. In 2023, a tragic event took the life of her owner and required that she be rehomed. Essie came to us in May of 2023, seemingly disoriented and anxious after the abrupt separation from her owner. She has since bonded closely and found safety and family with her new owner and herd, and loves treats, hugs, and dinner time! She is one of the most consistent and steady equines we know, with a sensitivity, grace, and gentleness that is evident to everyone.
Amazing Grace (Grace)
Amazing Grace, shortened to Grace, is a senior thoroughbred-mix mare who was rescued at a young age after she was found malnourished, abused, afraid, and alone, relinquished by her owner free of charge. Grace has been with us for 16 years and has lived a busy, fulfilling life being ridden on the trails, at the beach, running barrels and other gaming events, and providing first time horse experiences to dozens of young children. After losing her long time friend and pasture mate of 15 years in May of 2023, Grace experienced a deep depression and struggled to readjust to life without her friend. She has since rebounded and Grace continues to be the fiery, zesty mare who, despite her age, continues to kick up her heels with joy when being turned out to pasture with her friends.