Equine Therapy, as practiced at Big Heart Ranch in Malibu, California, is an experiential, evidence-based therapy involving horses. The client works with the horses and a certified horse specialist and therapist to help achieve the client’s goals. EAP is appropriate for individuals of all ages as well as groups, families and couples.
The facility specializes in healing youth and adults struggling with mental health and everyday issues through the use of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning (EAGL).
Through a series of activities, participants identify with the horses and learn how to better communicate with others.
Families with children struggling with autism, eating disorders, learning disabilities and other issues are helped by participating in problem-solving games, learning to trust their thought processes, and learning to think and act outside their comfort zones.
Clients participate in grooming activities and in caring for the horses. The program director is a Certified Equine Specialist and the co-[no-glossary[founder is certified in Equine Assistance Therapy.