State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families - Credentialed Therapeutic Staff Providers and Support Staff Providers

SELF EXPLORATION                                

Not every child or youth is going through a crisis. Not every young person is having emotional or have diagnosed psychological difficulties , but almost all children and youth experience some disruptions navigating through adolescence and puberty, especially today. And, whether there are emotional, behavioral, psychological or simply growing up problems, Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning  (EAGLT) programs can help.

Equine Assisted Therapy or  Equine Assisted Growth and Learning incorporate  horses in a setting for personal growth and learning. It is a collaboration between trained and certified professionals working with the youth and with horses to achieve specific goals. Sessions are intense and effective, often resulting in breakthroughs much more rapidly then other therapies or learning situations. Youth learn about themselves and by participating in activities with the horses, and then discussing feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This processing component, assisted by a License Clinical Therapist allows youth to truly integrate their experiences with their lives. Though many experiential learning programs are effective, EAT and EAL bring a new dimension by using horses, which           bring their own unique energy to each working session.

         HEALING and AHIEVEMENT

             OUR PROGRAMS

 For 25 years, we have used Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT)and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning (EAGLT)in our Youth Development Programs.  As a result of  the therapy provided    by our clinical staff and our 14-legged therapists, hundreds of youth have developed self-esteem, confidence, stress reduction, anger management and a host of emotional conditions.  Our youth, parents and other community agencies we served over the years understand the benefits of our EAT or EAGL Programs.

                                     OUR CLINICAL STAFF

 Our clinical staff is dedicated and caring individuals who have years of experience   work with youth.   Staff includes: Licensed Clinical Therapist- with over 30 years of professional experience, and certified in Equine Assisted Growth and Learning,two Certified Riding Instructors - with over 65 combined years of experience and certified in Equine Assisted Growth and Learning and 14 trained 4-legged equine therapist.

WHY HORSES? 

Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds and prefer to be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods.  Further, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling. This gives our staff the immediate feedback to what youth are communicating non-verbally.  Also, horses do not respond positively to the faulty forms of communication (such as manipulation, bullying, or passive/aggressive behavior) that youth are accustomed to using. Youth learn that if they want to change the horse's behavior, they have to change their own behaviors, thoughts, feelings body language, forcing them to be aware of their methods of communication and to be able to problem solve when these methods aren't producing the desired response.  It is powerful process because it is more than just talk therapy, it is doing!  Horses are non-judgmental and have to ability to be excellent listeners, which is what many youth need - just to be heard.

Additionally, we have seen horses help children diagnosed with ADD and  ADHD, to focus, concentration, multi-task, and sequencing. Further, riding horses not only provides body movement which helps to create wellness, but riding also reduces stress.

Children with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities can be very effectively served through equine-facilitated activities resulting in improved balance, range of motion, and muscle control; more efficient motor planning while strengthening muscles, joints, and tendons; and improvements in respiration, circulation, appetite and digestion, concentration, patience, self-discipline, motivation, interpersonal skills, self-esteem, and self-confidence.  Equine-assisted activities also help to provide a stronger foundation upon which traditional therapies can be more effectively implemented.