Equine Counselling for Children and Youth: What It Looks Like and Why It Works

At Sunnyridge Equestrian, we’re proud to offer more than riding lessons—we offer opportunities for emotional growth and mental wellness through equine-assisted counselling. For children and youth ages 5 to 16, equine counselling provides a gentle, experiential way to build emotional regulation, confidence, social skills, and self-awareness—often when traditional talk therapy feels overwhelming or inaccessible.

Rooted in the principles of Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) and supported by research, this approach uses the horse as a partner in therapeutic work. Children interact with horses on the ground (no riding required), guided by a qualified mental health professional with equine training. The presence of the horse helps create a safe, non-judgmental space, ideal for children who may struggle to open up in a conventional setting.

🐴 What Happens During a 50-Minute Session?

Each session is designed to meet the child where they are emotionally and developmentally, while gently guiding them toward insight, confidence, and growth.

1. Grounding & Check-In (5–10 minutes):Sessions begin with a calm transition into the space—through breathing, movement, or light conversation. This helps settle the nervous system and prepares the child to engage.

2. Horse Interaction (15–25 minutes):Children build relationships with a horse through activities like grooming, leading, or navigating obstacles. These moments are rich with opportunities to explore non-verbal communication, boundaries, trust, and co-regulation.

3. Therapeutic Focus (10–15 minutes):The therapist may introduce targeted strategies or discussion based on the child’s goals—whether related to managing anxiety, building assertiveness, or processing a difficult life event. The horse’s behavior often mirrors the child’s internal state, helping them recognize and adjust their emotions in real time.

4. Reflection & Closing (5–10 minutes):Sessions close with time to reflect—verbally, through journaling, or quiet observation. The goal is for the child to leave feeling seen, grounded, and connected.

📚 What the Research Says

Equine-assisted therapy is gaining recognition for its positive impact on mental health, particularly with children and adolescents:

• A 2014 study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies found that equine-assisted interventions significantly improved emotional regulation and self-efficacy in children with behavioral challenges.

• Research by Pendry & Roeter (2013) showed that children engaging in equine-assisted learning experienced reduced cortisol levels (a biological marker of stress) and improved social competence.

• Studies also support equine therapy’s effectiveness in helping youth with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), trauma, and anxiety, offering a sensory-rich, movement-based alternative to seated therapy.

🌱 Why It Works

Horses are highly attuned to human emotion and respond honestly and non-judgmentally. For children, this provides a real-time reflection of their emotional state, helping them become more aware of their feelings, actions, and impact on others.

Unlike traditional therapy settings, the barn is interactive, dynamic, and physically engaging—which can be especially helpful for younger clients or those with neurodivergent needs. The child builds trust, learns to set boundaries, and develops relational skills in a natural, outdoor setting—often without even realizing they’re doing “therapy.”

At Sunnyridge, we’ve seen firsthand how these experiences can transform confidence, improve emotional regulation, and foster meaningful connections in children who may otherwise struggle with traditional approaches.

If you're interested in learning more about our equine counselling services or how it could support your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

With care and connection,

The Sunnyridge Team