EQUINE — A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT FOR COMMUNICATION
We are pleased to offer an equine (animal-assisted therapy) program that is specially designed for the growth and development of adolescent trials and adversities. The equine program is structured around a fully operating on-site facility with safety and responsibility as core aspects. Non-verbal communication is a valuable tool that equines provide in recognizing various forms of communication, utilizing resources for positive and productive results, and temper management.
Equine therapy is offered in dual aspects within Resolution Ranch through programs such as Equine Assisted Growth and Learning (EAGALA) and Basic Equitation. EAGALA is a proven international program that is specially designed for the developmental needs of individuals with recognition of emotions and treatment goals. Basic horsemanship is offered to each individual as part of a non-verbal communicative effort to recognize personal struggles, individual growth, and responsibility. Each resident will be introduced to the equine learning experience with a similar approach to their individual-level programs. Such introduction and growth will be as follows:
Level One: Safety rules and horsemanship policies, anatomy, and equipment recognition.
Level Two: Haltering, grooming, saddling, bridling, and basic equitation within the enclosed arena.
Level Three: Increased horsemanship and equitation skills with arena and trail rides, process groups, and increased responsibilities.
Level Four: advancing horsemanship and equitation skills with arena activities, trail rides, process groups, and educational opportunities involving lower levels.
The equine therapy program has provided individual therapeutic progress by allowing individuals to recognize attitudes and demeanor around adverse and developmental experiences. These opportunities recognize personal needs, desires, personalities, and abilities in a positive growth and developmental environment.
Structured around a fully operating on-site facility with safety as a first-priority, Equine therapy at Resolution Ranch Academy was specifically designed to address the various adversities of teenagers. Our Equine Therapy program is made up of two components: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL).
EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (EAP): EMOTIONAL GROWTH THROUGH HORSE THERAPY
In Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) involves a team that includes a mental health professional and a horse professional. Student’s interaction with the horses are designed to reflect and illuminate deeper real-life issues. Horses are extremely perceptive and pick up on a student’s attitude, energy, enthusiasm (or lack of), allowing a therapist to recognize areas of unhealthy behaviors and their root causes. Because EAP focuses on being active in the present moment, it creates an engaging environment where participants can openly discuss their feelings and behaviors with their therapist.
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING (EAL) APPLIED LEARNING THROUGH HORSE CARE
EAP, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) requires the student to apply certain learned skills and set educational goals. Although EAL involves specific Equine tasks, the focus of this is not on a student’s riding abilities or horsemanship. What’s most important is how a student responds to adverse and developmental experiences. These realizations often help a student address their own challenges and build skills like having patience, working with authority figures, and being more honest along the way.
FINDING LOCAL SUPPORT
Often times, students find they’d like to continue regular therapy as they continue on their journeys. At Resolution Ranch, we are happy to make recommendations to help you find the right therapist for your child. Our goal is always to empower them to make good choices and create a brighter future.
