Introducing,
What is it?
Most have heard about equine therapy, but what about equine-assisted learning?
Can Sarah do EAP? YES! BUT…. EAL is fairly less common of a service offered in our area, and we collaborate with other programs and professionals in the community!
What is equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)?
A clinical treatment approach involving licensed mental health or healthcare professionals.
Used to address diagnosed mental health, behavioral, emotional, or physical conditions.
Goals are therapeutic: reduce symptoms, support healing, build emotional regulation, improve physical or cognitive functioning.
Activities with horses are part of a structured treatment plan.
Sessions are documented as healthcare services and may be eligible for insurance coverage.
Safety and treatment protocols follow medical or psychological standards of practice
And what is equine-assisted learning (EAL)?
A non-clinical educational or personal development approach.
Focuses on teaching life skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving.
Facilitated by educators, coaches, or trained equine specialists—not necessarily clinicians.
Not intended to diagnose or treat mental health or medical conditions.
Activities are experiential, often used in schools, corporate programs, or personal growth settings.
Sessions are not considered healthcare services and typically aren’t covered by insurance.
Who Should Do EAL?
Anyone’s welcome to participate in EAL! The skills and sessions can be rewarding to any and everyone.
But specifically, those who have experienced trauma, have a PTSD diagnosis, are first responders, veterans, and anyone else with a traumatic history would particularly benefit from EAL. It is preferred if the client has engaged or are currently engaging in trauma-focused psychotherapy prior to their first EAL session.
Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Learning Program
Our Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program offers a safe, empowering, and relationship-centered environment where individuals can gently rebuild trust, confidence, and nervous-system regulation through guided interactions with horses. All activities take place on the ground—no riding required—and are designed to support healing at the participant’s own pace.
Horses are naturally attuned to human emotion and intention. Their honest, moment-to-moment feedback helps participants reconnect with their bodies, develop healthy boundaries, and experience co-regulation in a calm, nonjudgmental setting. Each session integrates trauma-informed principles of choice, safety, empowerment, and attunement.
Through activities such as mindful horse observation, rhythmic grooming, energy and boundary awareness, and guiding a horse through obstacle-based challenges, participants gain practical skills for grounding, emotional regulation, communication, and resilience. By working alongside horses, clients learn to identify internal cues, practice relational pacing, and rediscover a felt sense of safety—skills they can carry into daily life. You will learn about the neurobiology similarities horses have with humans, you might hear the terms “bottom up regulation,” “re-regulate,” and “connection,” often throughout the sessions.
This program is ideal for individuals seeking a gentle, experiential approach to trauma recovery and personal growth. Whether you are healing from past experiences or simply looking to build emotional strength, our EAL sessions offer a supportive path toward strength, clarity, and connection.
Offerings
All sessions will be held in New Smyrna Beach. Ormond Beach location coming soon!
Single Person Sessions
Work one-on-one with Sarah and the horse to build skills such as confidence, patience, and communication.
$100/45 minutes
Pair Sessions
Work in a pair or possibly trio with Sarah and 2 horses to work on communication, patience, confidence-building, and team-building skills.
$150/45 minutes
Grooming and Bonding Sessions
This is a service beneficial for those who need a gentle introduction to equines. One-on-one time with the horse with Sarah there to supervise, guide and answer questions as they arise. Could be a great introductory session or an add on to any other session.
$50/ 30minutes
*Please note that all sessions are done on the ground. If riding is desired, those separate activities can be booked through our sponsor. Meet the Team
Jewels is my personal horse, and likely one you will meet in a session! However, we have two other amazing fur-babies who will be seen often. Lil’ Mama, and Whiskey will be two of the main horses and more to join in the near future!
Reins of Wellness is VERY PROUDLY Sponsored by The Rusty Spur of New Smyrna Beach! Couldn’t do it without you!
Sarah has been trained through Natural Lifemanship, an NBCC Approved Training Provider. Future Services may be provided and Sarah continues to walk with Natural Lifemanship down more paths of Equine Provider Education.
