What exactly is this Equine-Assisted
stuff?
How is EAL & EAMH different from convential talk therapy?
What if I don't know anything about horses?
What happens
in a session?
How much does it cost?
How can I pay?
What exactly is this Equine-Assisted Stuff?
Here at 4STEP we serve
the people in Mifflin and surrounding counties who struggle with many different life situations, whether this is in relationships,
group or team dynamics, difficulties do to a diagnosis or physical handicap. We provide programs for individuals, families
and groups. Our goal is to help our clients discover and identify the obstacles that are in their lives and how to overcome
them. To do this we use horses in a non-traditional way to assist in developing the necessary life skills to overcome
those obstacles. This is done by providing a safe environment for participants to practice and apply newly learned skills.
How
is EAL and EAMH different from convential talk therapy?
EAL (Equine-Assisted Learning) and EAMH (Equine-Assisted Mental
Health) are experiential forms of learning and therapy (which means you are practicing new skills as you learn them!) which
engages participants phsyically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Because of its intensity and
effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or "brief" approach. EAL and EAMH are effective either as a
primary therapy or as an adjunt to traditional talk therapy. EAL is not considered to bea form of therapy. It
is used as a learning tool to develop specific life skills.
What if I don't know anything about horses?
THAT'S OK!
Whether you know horses or you don't, your interaction with horses will be unique and beneficial. The focus of EAL
and EAMH is not riding or horsemanship. All work with the participant and horse is done on the ground, with a focus
on human skills, not horse skills. All sessions are facilitated by a certified Equine Specialist, to ensure physical
safety and a licensed mental health professional to ensure emotional, mental and spiritual safety. For our Therapeutic
riding participants, you will be taught and highly supervised accordigto your need and level. You will start from the
ground up, building a relationship with your horse and strengthening yourself!
What happens in a session?
THERAPEUTIC RIDING
Participants are instructed in ground horsemanship and will ride the majority of the sessions - working on flexibility,
coordination, balance, range of motion and more. Therapeutic Riding is a collaborative effort between a licensed Physical
Therapist, Equine Specialist, the horse, you, and several volunteers. Each member of the team will help you to achieve
your goals through different exercises and movements as you ride.
EAL & EAMH
A typical session involves
ground activities with the horses which provide opportunities for problem solving, personal growth, and learning. 98%
of the work is done on the ground. Very little riding is involved due to the focus not being on horsemanship, physical
strength and authority, but with a focus on relationship and developing interpersonal skills. Each session is set up with
different activities for you to work through, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses you identified at the first session.
Sessions are a collaborative effort between a licensed mental health profession, an Equine Specialist,the horse and you.
Sessions may take place in any open space on the farm depending on the activity: the barn, the indoor arena, the outdoor arena
or the in the field. Learning starts as soon as you step onto the property and interact with the horses.
How much does
it cost?
