Free Consultation

When you first contact us at Equestrian Arts Foundation, we are happy to answer any questions you may have whether it be casual interest or you are planning to schedule a session in one of our programs. If you do decide that we are able to help in any way with our services, we offer a free face-to-face consultation prior to the sessions. You are invited to meet the staff, including the horses, and tour our facility.

This is when we would discuss the needs of the individual or group who would be participating in the program. The information that we gather at this time is what allows us to tailor the sessions to the client. The nature of the service needed, history of the client, any special strengths or limitations, and especially the goals of the client are all major factors in our planning. We want each individual or group to enter the programs informed and confident.

Upon Arrival

As you enter the EAF facility, you will be greeted by our friendly staff and volunteers. After introductions, we like to give a brief description of what we'll be doing that day and provide some key safety information for everyone in attendance. We strive to provide the safest working environment and equine partners as possible, and we take your safety very seriously. Our helpful, knowledgeable staff is happy to answer any questions at this time about the facility, the planned activities, or our horses.

The Equine Assisted Development Activities

There are a few different services provided under our Equine Assisted Development Program.  Adult Team Building & Leadership Training, Youth Team Building & Leadership Training and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy will each consist of various exercises that are not only specific to the service, but the client. Our team of facilitators will review the information gathered during the consultation and choose activities designed to work toward the personal goals of each client. They will also choose horses for the activities whose personalities will best compliment or mirror the client during the sessions and provide a fun, safe experience. 

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions will be offered as a "tool" for a client's current therapist, and will only be conducted under the supervision of that therapist.  If a client and their therapist decide to take advantage of our EAP services, the free consultation prior to the sessions will be used to set goals and answer any questions.

Because the sessions are often so profound and full of opportunities to learn "in the moment", digest information and reapply better decision making, we like to offer processing discussions throughout the workshops.  It's an amazing thing to experience self-realization, new effective ways to communicate, and be able to gain incredible new insight into challenges and relationships. It's even better when you get a chance to put those skills to use right away to build confidence, set new goals and set the positive patterns a little deeper.

The last portion of the workshops is a favorite for those reasons. We find that individuals who were anxious, unfocused, frustrated or withdrawn participate with new found self-confidence, attention to detail and a little more smiling.

Final Processing

After the activities with the horses have concluded, we all settle in for an open discussion. Everyone is encouraged to recount the moments in the activities which were most meaningful and reveling to them. There are no tests or wrong answers, and certainly no pressure to perform. The day was designed to create new awareness and self-improvement in a mentally, physically and emotionally safe environment. 

At this point in the day, confidence is high, minds are open and ideas are flying.  One of the most important things that we can do for a client is to now help focus this flow of inspiration.  At this point we usually ask everyone to write down some key points and ideas that are going through their heads and to make a list of some very specific attainable goals.  This is important to future productivity and improvement.  We've found that the processing usually doesn't stop for quite some time after the clients exit our doors. Our equine partners almost always leave a lasting impression that promotes open dialogue and flow of ideas for days to come.

If you would like to set up a free consultation with our staff, please contact us! There is no commitment to participate in our services at that time.

Contact Maria Lee at: (937) 554-4116  or  Email Here