SAGE's Equine Program employs the practices of Equine Asisted Mental Health (EAMH). EAMH is collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. Participants learn about themselves and others by engaging in activities with the horses, then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns.

Who is it For?
EAMH is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on:
•Individuals
•Couples
•Groups
•Youth
•Families
•Military Personnel
•Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
 
What Does it Address? EAMH addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including:
•Life Transitions
•Behavioral Issues
•Transitional Career Planning
•P.T.S.D.
•Abuse Issues
•Depression
•Anxiety
•Relational Challenges
•Communication Needs


 
Why Horses?
Interacting with a horse can help create confidence and can be rich metaphors in dealing with relationships and other areas of life.

As prey animals, horses are keenly aware of their environment and non verbal aspects of communication. Interacting with the horses encourages the participants to look more closely at their own non verbal aspects of communication and how this impacts relationships and movement towards attaining goals.

Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.

Horses are herd animals and like humans are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse, does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant.

They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.
 

Meet the horses.

   
Meet the Trainers