Horse Therapy for Troubled Teenagers

What is Equine Program Therapy?

Shepherds Hill Academy uses Equine Relationship Therapy or ERT, also known as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy or EAP, as one of its many therapeutic methods. ERT/EAP is a therapeutic approach that focuses on relationships and utilizes horses as a tool to enhance behavioral, relational, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Upon enrollment and based on his or her individual needs, your child has the privilege of choosing his or her own horse to bond with during a weekly Equine Relationship Therapy session. For the duration of his or her stay, your child participates in ERT activities facilitated by Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning O.K. Corral Series certified instructors and counselors. The proven benefits of ERT/EAP include:

Problem Solving Skills
Anger Management
Setting and Reaching Goals
Developing Communication Skills
Personal Responsibility
Fosters Companionship and Friendship
Learning Safe and Natural Horsemanship

Typical ERT/EAP Activities

All equine program activities are facilitated by O.K. Corral Series certified counselors and instructors to provide mental, physical, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual healing to individuals by harnessing the powerful connection between horses and people.

The following equine program activities are designed to help each troubled teen with their therapeutic needs in dealing with addictions, disorders, other behavioral and relational issues:

Ropes Courses
Obstacle Courses
Maintenance, Care, and Grooming Horses
Team Building Challenges
Self-Expression by Utilizing Paint
Family Restoration Activities
Specialized Activities that Address Personal Needs