Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Program
"In some cases, a horse is the first thing a resident feels they can form a bond with and begin opening up to. Our horse program offers equine therapy in a non-threatening environment. This allows clients an opportunity to take the reins of their own life, if only for a few hours a day."
— Katharine Baringer, Equine Science Teacher
horses & healing
Hope after trauma requires extensive support and the skills to process and build forward. We utilize research-based, trauma-informed, therapeutic practices to view health needs holistically and enhance the quality of care for those we serve.
Incorporating experiential opportunities into treatment like recreation and equine therapy leads to improved communication skills, self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and work ethic that benefit youth throughout their lives.
helmets & hay
Cathedral Home’s Horse Therapy Program currently has 19 horses and one pony. This special herd needs annual vaccinations, routine shoeing, grain, hay, and veterinary services to be able to provide therapeutic programs for youth.
Philanthropic partnerships promote and sustain the healing benefits to youth through this program.
safety
With safety being our number one priority, we require that everyone who rides at Cathedral Home wears a helmet. We replace all helmets every five years to ensure that they are new and in good condition to protect youth participating in this program. Each year, donations to the horse program help to replace those that are expired or damaged.
healing
Horse therapy offers a unique opportunity for youth to learn new skills while building confidence. With a herd of almost twenty horses, we regularly seek support to help feed and care for them. While we have pasture for the horses to graze, we frequently purchase hay and feed to ensure that each horse has plenty of hay & grain year-round.
Bonding with a trusted partner.
Long-term solutions are the cornerstone of compassionate care. Horses offer opportunities for youth to experience trust in safe relationships through responsibility and loyalty. Through therapy groups, equine science classes, and time spent on care and riding, horses become trusted partners in pursuing hope.
Equine therapy leads to life-long tenacity, coping skills, and empathy. Your partnership helps youth gain confidence in their ability to care for another living being and feel supported by the horses’ loyal nature.
Hard work, compassion, responsibility, and positive self-esteem help youth far beyond the horse arena.
The success of this program is due to our generous supporters. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support to purchase tack, equestrian riding helmets, hay, and veterinary care.
Thank you for caring about this program and the positive impact it provides to youth.