We do not teach horseback riding or engage in mounted work. Our therapeutic interventions involve setting up ground activities that utilizes horses in efforts to require the individual, family or group to apply certain skills; such as non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, taking responsibility and relationship skills. A variety of mental health and human development needs are addressed with equine-assisted physchotherapy (EAP). These include, but are not limited to, relationship problems, depression, anger, abuse issues, self-esteem, and behavior issues.
Therapists in private practice are encouraged to partner with our staff and co-facilitate sessions with their clients. Previous experience with horses is not required. School personnel are also encouraged to contact us regarding programming that can help improve such issues as student attendance, building healthier relationships, and effective communication to name a few.
Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is another area Opening Gates feels very strongly about. This methodology effectively and objectively allows individuals to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Imagine, as a group, your goal is to move a 1200-pound animal, with a mind of its own, over a jump without knocking it over. Sounds simple until the rules are stated: no touching the animal whatsoever, you cannot use any tools, you cannot bribe the horse in any way, and there will be a consequence for every rule broken. Clear individual roles will begin to develop within the group as they attempt to accomplish their goal. We offer half-day or full-day workshops that focus on relationship issues within an organizational setting. Such issues include boundaries, communication, cooperation versus competition, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Other areas addressed often include teamwork, setting goals, and personal versus professional issues.
What We Do
And why it works...
Why horses?
Horses have the unique ability to connect with people. Each horse has a distinct personality and reacts to our feelings and emotions. If we become agitated, horses become anxious and distant. If we are sad, they move close as if to reassure us.Horses are honest; they do not judge us or have pre-conceived ideas about us. The lessons horses can teach us about ourselves are limitless.
Videos Related to Equine Therapy
If you want to learn more about what equine-assisted pyschotherapy and leadership training is about, check out Opening Gates' own YouTube Channel by clicking on the button above.