What Is Equine Therapy?

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a counseling session facilitated by a team consisting of the horse, a mental health professional and an equine professional. EAP is done on the ground or while riding the horse, depending on the client’s needs.

At Cross Keys Equine Therapy (CKET), we believe that the relationship between the horse and client is at the forefront of the healing process. We utilize a trauma-informed approach as developed by Natural Lifemanship (NL). Through this experiential work, our clients learn to develop healthy relationship skills, boundaries, self-awareness, and self-regulation.

WHY HORSES?

Horses are seen as unique and equal partners in the therapeutic process.  They are prey animals, which means that there are profound parallels between the brain functioning of horses and that of humans who have experienced trauma, and may live in a state of alarm. Thus, horses force us to be in the present moment with them, and offer immediate observable and non-judgmental feedback based on one’s interaction with them. Our horses are equal partners in all programs at Cross Keys Equine Therapy. Much like humans, horses are herd animals and are seeking connection with others. We believe the horse provides us with exactly what we need at any given time and clients are better able to receive a message through the interaction with the horse.