Type of service: Interventions and therapies

We offer an equine assisted psychotherapy service. Our facilitators are trained in the approach developed during the late 1990s by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). This way of working, which is ground based and centred on a team (that includes the horses) has an ethical code that ensures the well-being of all participants. Our Lead Equine Specialist has many years experience with horses and we use some horsemanship skills to help clients who feel stuck. There is, however, no riding at any time. The horses we work with are not specially trained for this work. They are selected because of their temperaments and because we know that all of them are used to being in the company of humans and handled by them. When not working with us the horses enjoy life in their herd, going out for rides and taking part in a number of equestrian events. Central to the way we work is the team approach. At the heart of the team are the horses (sometimes called the 4-leggers), with the work being facilitated by a mental health professional and a horse specialist (sometimes called the 2-leggers). As in a herd, team members have their own roles that contribute equally to the overall experience and learning. The professional bodies they belong to are the General Medical Council (GMC), Royal College of Psychiatrists and the EAGALA. The service provides independent expert reports.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult , Child , Young person

Referral Sources: Private Only

Specialisms: Generic, Staff and volunteers get autism awareness training

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour