Equine Assisted Therapy

Equine Assisted Therapy at AGAPE Reins

We are pleased to offer Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) for adults, teens, or children. Sessions are facilitated by Emily Bowers, owner of AGAPE Reins LLC, here at our peaceful family horse farm in the highlands area of Virginia.

Healing…growth…connection…can be yours. Learn how we can be part of your journey, or the journey of someone you care for. Yes, more than you realize, a different kind of therapy exists. It is a therapy with kind and gentle horses.

At AGAPE Reins, we understand that everyone is their own unique person, with individual emotions, challenges, thoughts and needs. That is why we distinctly personalize our client sessions, beginning with the simplest interactions with our horses. For example, an activity such as grooming, or just observing herd behavior, can even be a key to begin the process of building trust, or better understanding a challenge in your life.

If you’d like to understand how horses are for healing, through equine assisted therapy, read on below.

Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) – Horses for Healing

Historically, Equine Assisted Therapy has been around since 460 BCE with Hippocrates. At that time, it was used for balance and coordination. It started gaining momentum here in the United States around 1960. By around 1999, people began noticing something special about the relationship between equine and humans. During this time, they were noticing that the gentle beasts gave people mental health and emotional benefits.

Changing Hurting Hearts

Today, we know that Equine Assisted Therapy can be beneficial in so many ways. With these sessions involving horses, we utilize the animals to serve as graceful healing helpers to a child or adult with a hurting heart. Since the horses have an amazing ability to sense emotions, they are very helpful in experiential learning. For example, watching the way a horse responds so quickly to body language can help us learn to practice patience, communication, and empathy.

Children with autism, ADHD, PTSD or developmental challenges can thrive in EAT programs. Fun and structured sessions with horses can often bring increased confidence and reduced fears.The grooming, leading, and interacting with horses can promote mindfulness, confidence, and emotional balance.

Equine therapy has been proven to be of great benefit for those dealing with anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, addictions or compulsions. The grounding presence of a horse can bring comfort, foster resilience and decrease stress. The rhythm of simply brushing a horse or walking alongside them can provide emotional calmness and a sense of safety. Many managing depression, burnout or stress can find equine therapy to be a peaceful reset. Connecting with a horse and being outdoors provides a safe space to slow down, refocus, and regain strength.

Equine Assisted Therapy Points to Note

• For those experiencing anxiety, trauma, stress, or depression, horses are ideal partners in therapy.
• Equine have a natural ability to sense body language and emotions.
• For many, this therapy opens the door to breakthroughs.
• The programs are beneficial for those struggling with trauma or post-traumatic stress.
• Children with autism or developmental challenges also thrive with this therapy.
• Helpful for those struggling with trust.
• Children with autism, ADHD or other challenges gain social interaction skills, empathy, and confidence.
• When families interact in these together, the family bond can be strengthened.
• We believe in the power of horses to bring hope, healing, and positive change—one heart at a time.

Communing with Nature

The natural beauty of our farm enhances each visit. With mountain views, wide pastures, and fresh mountain air, participants feel immersed in a calming environment that supports their healing journey. Family participation is welcome and often encouraged. Many parents, spouses, or loved ones choose to join sessions, fostering deeper understanding and stronger bonds within the family unit.

Above all, our equine therapy program is rooted in compassion. AGAPE means a rare and unconditional love. We believe in the power of Christ and the process of equine-assisted therapies to bring hope, healing, and positive change for you, or a loved one in need.

Would you like to know more about Emily or AGAPE Reins? You can read more about Emily and her journey, including her life-long love for horses (and her vision for AGAPE) when you visit our About Us page.

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