SpringHaven Equine Program

Initially, the Equine Program conducted sessions in the small aisle of a three-stall barn, and when weather permitted, outdoors. Sessions utilized the Equine Assisted Guided and Learning Association (EAGALA) therapy model. The effectiveness of EAP became readily apparent and by June of 2011 EAP sessions became a weekly part of our intensive group therapy program. In fall of 2012, the Natural Lifemanship (NL) Trauma Focused-EAP therapy model was introduced and integrated into sessions. An outdoor sand arena was constructed thanks to the generosity of community members. A continued need for additional facilities led to plans of constructing a new heated indoor arena. A heated indoor arena would enable sessions to take place with minimal weather interference and provide space for program growth. With the help and support of the community, the indoor arena was completed in the fall of 2015. Additional staff, horses, and pastures were added. In June of 2019 we offered our first summer horse camp. Later that year, therapeutic riding and driving were offered as an EAP treatment option. The Homeschool Program was introduced in March of 2020 and a second camp, beginner riding camp, was offered in July of 2021. After the completion of additional specialized training by equine and clinical staff, Equine Connected Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EC-EMDR) was offered beginning June of 2022. Currently the Equine Program has four staff members and seven horses. Equine sessions are held in our outdoor spaces and indoor arena.