Where horses become partners in healing, learning, and growth.
Ivey Ranch offers two equine-assisted pathways — Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC) — both grounded in the belief that horses are uniquely powerful partners in human growth and healing.
Two Ways to Work with Horses
Not sure which program is right for you? Here’s a quick overview:
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
EAL is a recreational, enriching, and experiential program facilitated by equine experts. It’s ideal for individuals, families, schools, and organizations looking to build skills, strengthen communication, and promote personal growth — without a clinical therapy component.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
At Ivey Ranch, EAL is open to participants with or without physical, developmental, cognitive, or behavioral challenges — no prior horse experience required.
What Is EAL?
EAL clients team up with horses and equine experts who guide them through tailored, hands-on activities designed to spark both knowledge-based and experiential learning. Sessions encourage creative thinking, effective communication, and practical problem-solving — all in a recreational, enriching environment.
How EAL Helps
Our equine-assisted learning services provide new ways to navigate challenges, improve communication, and practice critical thinking and problem-solving. Each session seeks to spark creative and multifaceted thinking. Ultimately, the Ivey Ranch EAL experience is geared to promote physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strength and well-being.
EAL Frequently Asked Questions
People who want to strengthen their wellbeing:
- Physical wellness
- Emotional or mental-health wellness
- Relational wellness
- Intellectual, developmental, or behavioral wellness
Those looking for innovative ways to learn, grow, and contribute:
- Learn about horses and working in the equine environment
- Learn ways to increase cooperation and effective communication
- Learn about community service, citizenship, and social responsibility
- Learn how to be stronger leaders and teammates
- Veterans and military families
- Survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
- Individuals facing issues related to substance abuse
- Individuals who are coping with PTSD or TBI
- At-risk youth and populations
- Individuals suffering from depression or anxiety disorders
- Individuals who face intellectual, developmental, or behavioral challenges
- Scouts and similar organizations
- Senior-citizen groups
- Home-schools
- Public, charter, and private schools
- Businesses and corporate organizations
EAL in personal development: Clients work through wellness activities that focus more on new ways to face life challenges. Coaching may address problem-solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, and effective verbal and non-verbal communication.
EAL in education: Clients of all ages work through learning activities that focus more on academic growth and inspire knowledge building, critical thinking, problem-solving, character development, and life skills.
EAL in organizations: Clients from businesses, corporations, or organizations work in groups through activities that address and strengthen work dynamics and performance such as team building and leadership.
EAL for personal development (group) – $50/session (Minimum 4, 50-minutes sessions)
EAL for personal development (private 1:1) – $75/session (Minimum 4, 50 minute sessions)
EAL in education – $40/session (Minimum 4 participants; 4, 50-minute sessions)
EAL in organizations– $100/person (Minimum 4 participants; 2-hour session)
Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC)
Equine Assisted Counseling at Ivey Ranch is a professional therapy service that pairs the healing presence of horses with the expertise of licensed mental health professionals. Sessions are tailored to the goals of individuals, couples, families, or small groups — making EAC a fit for almost anyone seeking clinical support.
What Is EAC?
In an EAC session, a licensed therapist and an equine specialist work together alongside the horses to guide clients through structured therapeutic activities. Rather than a traditional office setting, the arena becomes the therapy room — and the horse’s honest, responsive nature becomes a catalyst for insight and change.
How EAC Helps
Horses are naturally attuned to human emotion and respond honestly to the energy around them — making them powerful mirrors in a therapeutic setting. EAC sessions help clients build self-awareness, process trauma, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier relationship patterns, all within a structured, professionally guided experience.
Types of Therapy Services
At Ivey Ranch, EAC is provided by a multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals. Depending on your needs and goals, services may include:
- Counseling — provided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)
- Psychotherapy — provided by a licensed Psychologist or Psychotherapist
EAC Frequently Asked Questions
Sessions are tailored to meet goals of individuals, couples, families, or small groups—so almost anyone who is seeking professional therapy can benefit from EAC. Counselors have found equine-assisted therapy beneficial for those who are managing mental health issues, physical challenges, developmental challenges, relationship issues, and trauma.
- Veterans and military families
- Survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
- People facing issues related to substance abuse
- People who are coping with PTSD or TBI
- At-risk youth and populations
- Those suffering from depression or anxiety disorders
- People who are working to improve relationships
EAC for an individual – $150/session (50-minutes)
EAC for a couple or family – $175/session (50-minute sessions)
EAC for a group – $100/person (Minimum 4 participants; 2-hour session)
Meet Our Counseling Team
Our Equine Assisted Counseling program is facilitated by licensed mental health professionals who bring clinical expertise into the arena.
Schedule a Session
Ready to get started? Complete the inquiry form below and our team will follow up with scheduling availability.
Have Questions Before You Begin?
We’re happy to help you find the right program. Reach out and our team will guide you through your options.
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