What an amazing place! I've visited twice to learn about the special type of therapy used here--equine therapy (i.e., therapy using horses)--and both times I've been blown away by the impact of their programs on patients. Located about 40 minutes away from San Antonio in Pipe Creek, TX (about 10 miles away from Helotes), this establishment is volunteer-based and very organized! All of the instructors and volunteers are very nice, and the horses are friendly and well cared for!
Although I saw several different groups out and about, the program I directly observed is called "Equine Assisted Group Psychotherapy for Active Duty Military and Veterans," which is completely donation-based and free for veterans at the VA. This course provides a unique take on group therapy: it focuses on relationally-centered horse riding and builds on important self-reflective topics covered over an 8 week period. During the lessons, there is individualized attention and emphasis on how to overcome fear, develop trust, overcome resistance, and build a healthy relationship with their assigned horse. Each person learns how to care for and groom the horses, interact with and read the horses' emotions, and ultimately saddle and ride the horses with supervision by certified instructors. The instructors have certificates in counseling, instructing, and therapeutic horsemanship.
I'd definitely recommend checking out this place if you're looking for equine therapy and/or would like to volunteer with their programs focused on therapeutic horsemanship!! read more