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 their individual needs, your child has the privilege of choosing his or her own horse to bond with during their weekly Equine Relationship Therapy session. For the duration of their 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
