EQUINE-ASSISTED
PSYCHOTHERAPY/LEARNING

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Equine Assisted Therapy

​Equine Assisted Therapy is a powerful way to get in touch with thoughts and feelings. Instead of trying to think your way out of a problem, you use your bodies and hearts to feel and react in the moment. It is an experiential journey taken by both horse and human that reaches far beyond simply talking about your challenges.  You practice new approaches and learn new skills. Strengths and struggles are recognized faster and shifts and changes come easier than with traditional therapy.
Most of our work in done on the ground; shoulder to shoulder, nose to nose, because that’s where the relationship lives. Horses are perfectionists at reading our body language and even our intentions. Fortunately, they don’t judge or criticize. They simply respond to our actions and reactions, honestly. This is where the magic begins and the progress soars.

What to Expect

All our sessions take place with a WI licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist and one or more of our hand-picked horses. Most sessions take place on the ground, so no horse experience is necessary. Sessions are scheduled weekly for 50 minutes and generally continue for 12 – 24 weeks, depending on the individual’s goals. We offer private, family and group sessions.​

​ EAP/L Addresses:

• ADD & ADHD
• Behavioral Disorders
• Boundaries Issues
• Absent/Divorced Partners
• Depression
• Abuse/Bullying
• Neglect
• Impulsiveness
• Poor Coping Skills
• Post Traumatic Stress
• Asperger Syndrome
• Grief & Loss Issues
• Drug & Alcohol Use
• Poor Decision-Making
• Issues with Authority
• Stress Management
• Anxiety Disorders​

Proud Members of:

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Why Horse Therapy is so Successful

There are striking similarities between horses and humans.  Like us, horses are social beings whose herd (family) make-up is very similar to our families.  Horses don't speak, but they are excellent communicators. Working with horses and learning to understand horse behavior helps us learn about ourselves and helps us recognize how we see ourselves, our world and how that impacts us and others.  In equine therapy, we talk about what we see and feel. With the horse’s responses and the team's guidance, we work on: communication, triggers and coping, setting boundaries, overcoming fear and creating trust.  With these as a foundation, hope and healing follows.

How does a horse participate in therapy?

Horses offer several advantages. Obviously, their size offers a perfect opportunity to overcome fear and develop confidence and trust. Just like us, horses experience a variety of emotions and are intuitive and social animals with distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. They have defined roles within their herds comparable to human dynamics. Most importantly, horses mirror what human body language is telling them. If you're impatient, the horse becomes impatient. It is this connection that provides us with metaphors and lessons about ourselves and leads us to change. Horses can teach us self-awareness, healthy boundaries, honest communication, leadership, patience, assertiveness, affection, and more.

​benefits of HORSE THARAPY

• ​Enjoyable and non-threatening
• Not based on the talk-therapy model
• Gets to the heart of the matter quickly and effectively
• Helps identify patterns and determine if they are useful or not
• Allows you to practice new approaches and get instant feedback
• Creates positive change and measurable results in just a few sessions

Interested in Equine Therapy? 
Call Elizabeth Todd 
(715) 835-4530
Elizabeth@trinity-ec.com

Elizabeth Todd's Bio

Elizabeth Todd joined the Trinity team from her hometown of Griffin GA. She spent almost ten years in the classroom as a high school Business Education teacher with a Special Education endorsement. Receiving her Therapeutic Riding Instructor certification and Equine Specialist for Mental Health and Learning for PATH International thru the High Hopes training program in CT. Elizabeth has an extensive background in multiple disciplines, english, western, gaming and therapy. Elizabeth is a long time member of AQHA. She brings with her over 40 years of practical horse experience as well as formal training in TR and EAP. She is the mother of 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Proverbs 21:31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

Elizabeth Todd
ESMHL / PATH TRI Certified Equine Specialist
Elizabeth's Bio

Testimonials

​"I've always loved horses, but had no idea how much they could help my teen daughter. She
has struggled with depression and anxiety for years and I was afraid for her future. We’ve
searched for a therapy that she liked, would actually go to and one that would make a
difference. At Trinity, her time with the horses and her treatment team has made an enormous
difference. They’ve helped her find her voice and regain her confidence. She talks about her
feelings now and confides in me. She’s a new girl and I’m so thankful to Trinity and of course
Sterling.”

-- R. A. Rinehardt

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“I never felt like I was worth anything. I got that from my ex-husband because he said it all the
time. I guess I coped by eating and drinking more than I should have. I knew I had to change
things, but didn’t know how. After a few weeks at Trinity and spending time with Miss Lilly,
things started to change for me. Miss Lilly was so eager to see me week after week and I
LOVED seeing her. She really cared about me and I learned so much from her about me and
how I see myself. She helped me realized that I am not worthless and I am worthy of being
loved and respected. Wow, what a change for me! I think I’m who I am today because of Trinity
and Miss Lilly.”

-- S. Elkhorn​