​Will I get to ride a horse?
No, all sessions are ground-based.

Can I have someone with me?
Yes if you want your worker/support person with you that’s fine, though we do recommend you carry out the activities on your own.

What will I be asked to do?
The Mental Health Professional and Equine Specialist facilitate the session, along with the horses to reflect real life issues.
For example:

• “Create a representation of a Strength/Obstacle in your life…”
• “Create a representation of the life you want...” – Include triggers that lead you from it and the steps that would bring you back

When we ask the client to “create a ……” we would use obstacles, traffic cones, hula hoops, poles etc.  Equine Assisted Therapy (EAP) is about creating an experience, in so much that the client learns about him/herself and others by participating in activities with horses.  The activities are created to attend to the client’s goals but still remain open to interpretation. It is based on what the client makes of the activity and as well as the horses' behaviour that tells the story of the client.

What if I'm not sure how to do it?
There are no rights or wrongs, this can’t be stressed enough.  The activities we give you to do are to help you learn about yourself.

Who else will be there?
There is an Equine Specialist focusing on the horses and is mindful of client and horses’ physical safety. A Mental Health Professional mainly focuses on the client.

What is it supposed to feel like?
We cannot answer this question.  How it “feels” will be entirely related to what’s happening with you and the horses.  But often what it does is allow feelings to come to the surface that are there already and the horses will gently respond to these.

How many horses will be there?
Between one and 4.

What if I am a bit scared of horses? Or not comfortable around them.
That isn’t a problem usually.  Our horses are assessed as safe for this type of work.  If you are feeling uncomfortable around them, we would likely explore this with you as it may relate to the things you are finding difficult in your life.