Equine Assisted Activities

What are Equine-Assisted Activities?

Equine-assisted activities is a form of experiential learning guided by a non-licensed professional that utilizes the inherent therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses in a non-clinical setting. Equine-assisted activities are not psychotherapy, and Willow Grove Retreats does not offer any form of clinical therapy or counseling. We offer coaching services including life skills, leadership, wellness, physical fitness, relationship, professional, and spiritual.

Therapy deals with past traumas with the help of a licensed psychotherapist. Equine assisted coaching, using equine assisted activities, focuses on the here and now to teach new techniques for success in our guests' personal and professional lives. Horses help guide guests through fun games and activities that challenge them to think outside the box, discover more about themselves, and learn how to incorporate these new found skills into every day life. Equine-assisted coaching is about the present and future, not the past.

Equine-assisted activities are any activity that involves a horse for self-improvement in a coach-facilitated setting. Guests can interact with our small herd of horses peacefully, simply by sitting and observing from afar. They might journal or draw during their observations. Guests might also take a more hands-on approach with activities such as haltering, grooming, leading, or playing games with their horse and other guests. Yoga, meditation, and drumming in the presence of horses are other activities that might be incorporated into a guest's retreat.

Utilizing equine assisted activities is an evidence based approach to self-improvement through a partnership with horses. Guests learn skills for improved confidence, stress management, leadership, team-building, mindfulness and many, many other life skills. All equine-assisted activities are overseen by a certified equine-assisted life coach, certified fitness and wellness trainer, and accredited or experienced horse specialists.

Why Horses?

Healing Powers

Long ago, when Native Americans first encountered horses, they found an ally, a friend, and a spiritual being they called a relative. Horses were considered a powerful source of healing and were revered. Modernly, there is an emerging body of scientific evidence indicating that horses really do improve health and well-being from lowering blood pressure to easing pain, stress, and anxiety.

Mindfulness

The horse is instinctively mindful, being in the moment and knowing the world around it as well as its place in the world. Humans have to work at mindful behaviors while horses do it naturally. When we partner with horses, the horse is 100% focused and involved. They are excellent listeners and gentle guides, forcing us to practice mindfulness and stay in the moment.

Perception and Honesty

In the wild, or even in a fenced pasture, mindfulness allows horses to hear the quietest noise, smell the lightest scent, or feel or sense the slightest movement and determine if any of those things present danger. This allows them to read the intent and behavior of those around them and gives them their amazing ability to mirror or reflect our energy and emotions back to us. This honest response is not masked behind social expectation; what they see is what they reflect back to us, allowing us to see ourselves more clearly.

Nonjudgmental

The horse listens and makes no judgements, seeing us for who we are and accepting us when we approach in non-threatening ways. This approach translates to how we interact with our neighbors, friends, family, coworkers, or classmates.

What To Expect

Retreats are a combination of holistic wellness practices and equine-assisted activities. During a retreat, guests will walk through short-cut grassy paddocks and taller grassy pastures. The ground can be uneven from the horses' hooves so watch your step! Guests can rest under the weeping willows or towering oaks, visit the frog pond or find shade under the towering pines ringing the pond. Journaling, sketching, or drawing may be offered depending on the guests' goals. The horses are always present during these passive activities and may approach you, or they may hold space for you from a distance.

While actively partnering with the horses, the hands-on activities are all-on-the ground, meaning no riding. These activities occur in the barn, the paddock, the pastures and round pen.