Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT) is a therapeutic approach that incorporates interactions with horses on a ground level to promote independence in an individual’s everyday life. This experiential form of therapy is designed to address a wide range of physical and cognitive needs from stroke, traumatic brain injury to autism, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, and many other cognitive and musculoskeletal needs. EAOT is facilitated by a licensed registered occupational therapist and equine specialists, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for participants.

Who Can Benefit?

EAOT is suitable for:

• Individuals of all ages
• Those having trouble performing daily tasks like self-care, productivity or leisure activities due to trauma, injury, chronic condition or disability with cognitive, psychological, physical impacts

Pricing

• $160 for 60-minute sessions
• $80 for 30-minute sessions

Therapeutic Goals

The primary goals of EAOT vary based on the physical, psychological, cognitive and social goals of the client but can range from the following:

• Improving fine motor skills for purpose of dressing, writing, engaging in school and home environment
• Improving balance and gross motor skills to improve mobility and safety in home environment
• Improving memory, planning or execution of tasks
• Working on budgeting and independent living/ life skills for young adults in transition for independent living
• Maintaining function and navigating chronic pain
• Enhancing communication and social skills
• Building trust and empathy
• Improving strength and endurance to complete functional tasks

Therapeutic Approach

EAOT leverages the intuitive nature of horses, the barn environment and connection with nature to allow individuals to engage in a unique approach to OT services. Key therapeutic approaches used in EAOT include:

• Experiential Learning: Participants learn through direct experience and reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of their emotional and behavioral responses.
• Unique environment: Participants can engage with many different environments with a variety of footing textures and lighting such as in the barn, outdoors or on the tails or in the arena which can simulate changes in community environment.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Horses respond primarily to non-verbal cues, helping participants become more aware of their body language and emotional states.
• Reflection and Transferability: After interacting with the horses, individuals and family engage in discussions with the therapist regarding strategies and transferability of skills and are provided with home exercises as needed.
• Interactive Sessions: Each session involves structured activities with the horses, such as grooming, leading, and groundwork exercises. These activities are designed to reflect and address the participant’s occupational therapy goals

Key Benefits

• Emotional Insight: Working with horses helps participants gain insight into their emotions and behaviors, promoting self-discovery and emotional healing.
• Immediate Feedback: Horses provide immediate, honest feedback based on the participant’s actions.
• Sensory Exploration: Participants have an abundance of sensory options and input can be built and modulated based on client needs and goals.
• Physical benefits: Participants have opportunity to engage different motor groups to improve balance, postural control, fine motor and gross motor in a creative and low stress environment.
• Safe and Supportive Environment: The non-judgmental and accepting nature of horses creates a safe space for participants.