Equine-Assisted Counseling
A gentle, relational approach to healing through connection.
Why Horses Help Us Heal
Horses have a unique ability to sense and respond to human emotions, often acting as mirrors to our feelings and actions. Through these interactions, participants can gain valuable insights into their own behavior patterns, emotional responses, and relationship dynamics. This approach is beneficial for a variety of individuals, including veterans, children, teens, and adults, and can be particularly effective for those facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and developmental disabilities.
What to Expect
45 minute individual counseling session held outdoors at our facility in Ponder, TX
Hands-on interactions with horses
Led by a licensed health professional, who may be accompanied by an equine specialist for additional safety and to answer more in-depth questions about equine behaviors
All activities will be held on the ground; this is not a riding program
Benefits of Equine-Assisted Counseling
Equine-assisted counseling offers a powerful, experiential approach to personal healing and growth, leveraging the human-animal bond to help individuals overcome challenges, develop resilience, and foster a sense of peace and connection.
Emotional Regulation
Horses are sensitive to subtle changes in human emotions, which encourages participants to practice mindfulness and manage their emotions in a healthy way. This can help individuals develop stronger self-awareness and improve their ability to regulate feelings such as anxiety, anger, and frustration.
Improved Communication and Social Skills
Working with horses requires clear, calm, and intentional communication, which can help participants develop essential interpersonal skills. Through learning how to communicate effectively with a horse, individuals can gain confidence in expressing themselves and interacting with others in their daily lives.
Enhanced Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Equine-assisted activities often present challenges that require participants to think critically, adapt, and make decisions in real-time. By engaging in these problem-solving tasks, clients build resilience and learn to apply these skills to challenges outside of the therapeutic environment.
Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence
Successfully bonding with and caring for a horse fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. This can be especially meaningful for individuals who may struggle with low self-esteem, as each positive interaction reinforces their capacity for growth and connection.
Physical Activity and Stress Reduction
Being outdoors and engaged in physical activities, such as grooming or walking alongside a horse, naturally reduces stress levels and promotes overall physical wellness. The presence of horses has also been shown to have a calming effect, helping participants to relax, center themselves, and relieve stress.
Healing from Trauma
For those dealing with trauma or PTSD, the supportive presence of a horse can provide a safe environment to explore difficult emotions. Horses’ instinctive responses to emotional states create opportunities for clients to reconnect with their feelings and practice trust and vulnerability in a controlled, supportive setting.
Meet Your Counselor
Sam Garrad
LPC-A, ESMHL, Head Therapist Sam is originally from Georgia and grew up as an Army Brat. Shortly after graduating high school in Savannah, she joined the Army. Once that chapter was complete, Sam transitioned out of the field and into the classroom earning her B.A in Psychology in Naples, Florida. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her military service has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and trauma that can come with that experience, providing her with the empathy and insight to connect on a more profound level. She understands the importance of trauma-focused care, and is dedicated to helping clients heal and overcome the challenges they face. She is committed to fostering resilience and healing through innovative and experiential therapeutic approaches, including equine partnered counseling.Ready to Begin?
Your healing journey starts with connection, safety, and the gentle presence of our equine partners.
For questions, contact sam.garrad@ridingunlimited.org or director@ridingunlimited.org