Equine-assisted therapy offers opportunities to explore meaningful activities, build connections and support wellbeing through interactions with horses and the natural environment. Informed by occupational therapy principles, our approach considers the whole person, including their strengths, interests, sensory preferences, daily occupations and individual goals.
 Equine-Assisted Therapy
How Can It Support Occupational Therapy Goals?
Equine-assisted therapy addresses physical, emotional, and cognitive goals. By interacting with horses, clients develop core strength, motor coordination, and sensory processing skills, while building emotional resilience in a natural setting.
A Person-Centred Approach
Our occupational therapy approach considers how each person engages with the world and what matters most to them. We take account of individual strengths, needs, preferences and goals, exploring how experiences and strategies may support everyday activities, routines, relationships and independence.
Respect, Choice & Autonomy
At the heart of our approach is respect, for both our horses and the individuals who we support. Our horses are autonomous beings, which means they always have a choice. We never force them to take part in activities. Just like us, they have the right to decide how they want to engage, and we listen closely to their communication and body language.
​
We extend the same respect to all individuals who attend our service, meaning nobody is ever expected to take part in anything they are not comfortable with.Â
Connection, Nature & Meaningful Activity
We recognise that wellbeing and participation look different for everyone. Whether spending time observing the horses, grooming, exploring sensory experiences, practising a familiar activity or simply enjoying being outdoors, each experience is guided by the individual's interests, needs and goals.
​
Through a flexible, neuroaffirming and person-centred approach, we aim to create an environment where people feel respected and supported to explore meaningful occupations, develop confidence and experience connection in their own way.