Most people associate horse therapy with physically or developmentally challenged kids. But it can be a boon to adults too, and not just for recovery from injuries. St. Louis area programs offer equine assisted therapy (as it’s properly called) for issues ranging from depression to PTSD, or as a fresh approach to team building and personal development.
It might seem odd at first, but the natural ability of horses to read body language and mirror a handler’s emotional state helps clients address issues in an emotionally safe, nonjudgmental environment. For those recovering from injuries or needing physical therapy, the similarity between a horse’s gait and the human walk helps improve muscle tone, coordination and balance.
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If you’re interested in trying equine assisted therapy but have never set foot in a barn, don’t worry – none of the programs profiled below require previous experience with horses. In fact, many of the sessions focus solely on ground skills, with no riding involved. Most of the stables are members of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, and several hold other professional accreditations and affiliations.
Find a stable with a program that might work for you.
TREE House (formerly Therapeutic Horsemanship) has offered equine-assisted therapy for 40 years. They have a program specifically for veterans and active military personnel who suffer from physical or mental health challenges, as well as programs for non-military adults dealing with behavior and emotional issues. Fees: $125 for a 60-minute session. 332 Stable Lane, Wentzville. 636-332-4940, [email protected].
Ride On St. Louis offers sessions for adults with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities. Its veterans program is a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project, which “strives to nurture the mind and body through both the physically healing movement of the horse and emotional interaction,” according to the program’s website. Special note: This stable is not yet open following flooding and cleanup. Organizers hope to open March 21st and currently have a waitlist. Fees: $85-90 per one-hour session. 6008 Windsor Harbor Lane, Imperial. 636-464-3408, [email protected].
Equine Assisted Therapy offers three programs for adults. (Its veterans program is not currently in session.) Silver Saddles is for able-bodied riders age 55+ and offers improved muscle tone, balance and coordination through riding. No prior horse experience is required, and the fee is $315 per seven-week session. Equine Assisted Activities classes bolster physical condition as well as self-esteem and are available for adults with physical, emotional and mental challenges. Sessions cost $315 for seven weeks. The AWARE program uses mostly ground skill experiences (not active riding) to help participants deal with life issues as they build a relationship with a horse. The fee is $225 for a five-week session. Primary facility: 3369 Hwy 109, Wildwood. Secondary facility: 13525 Clayton Rd, St. Louis. 314-971-0605, [email protected]
Arise uses the EAGALA model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, in which clients work with a team consisting of a horse, mental health professional and an Equine Specialist. All sessions take place on the ground in an arena, using activities that reflect the client’s issues. They also offer therapeutic recreational riding sessions, which provide general enjoyment and physical benefits. Arise did not immediately return SLM inquiries about cost for services. 1611 Highway W, Foristell. 314-799-4294, [email protected].
Shiloh Stables offers four programs that use the EAGALA model of equine-assisted therapy for adults: Equine-assisted counseling is designed to complement or replace traditional office talk therapy. Equine-assisted personal development helps clients learn and improve life skills, such as relationship building. This program is open to individuals, couples and groups. The professional development program explores personal strengths, develops leadership skills, and highlights personal goals. And the equine-assisted team building program illuminates the strengths and roles of each individual and stimulates creative thinking. Fees: $135 for individual and family sessions and $25 per person for group sessions of five people and up. Hillsboro, MO off of Hwy 21 just South of St. Louis. 314-322-3379, [email protected].
Heidi Dean is a writer and stay-at-home mom to a preschooler. You can read more of her work on her blog Mama-Come-Lately.
