What to Expect in an Equine Assisted Therapy or Learning individual Session

A Safe, Structured and Therapeutic Process

Equine-assisted sessions are designed to feel predictable, calm, and emotionally safe. Each session follows a clear structure while remaining flexible to meet the individual needs of the child.

Sessions are ground-based, trauma-informed, and facilitated by a qualified counsellor, with safeguarding and emotional wellbeing prioritised at all times.

Children are never forced to participate, and all engagement takes place with consent, choice, and respect.

Session Structure

While every child is different, sessions generally follow the structure outlined below.

Arrival and Settling

Children are welcomed into the space and given time to settle and orient themselves. This may include observing the horses, walking the environment, or engaging in calming activities.

This time supports:

  • Emotional regulation

  • Reducing anxiety

  • Building a sense of safety and predictability

Safety and Boundaries

Before working with the horses, clear guidance is given around:

  • Moving safely around horses

  • Respecting personal and animal boundaries

  • Understanding expectations and routines

Boundaries are explained calmly and consistently, supporting both physical safety and emotional containment.

Ground-Based Equine-Assisted Activities

All activities take place on the ground. Children are never required to ride.

Activities may include:

  • Leading or walking alongside a horse

  • Grooming or caring tasks

  • Observing behaviour and responses

  • Simple problem-solving or relational activities

Activities are selected and adapted based on the child’s needs, emotional state, and comfort level. Participation is always by choice.

Therapeutic Reflection and Regulation

Throughout the session, space is created for reflection and emotional awareness. This may be:

  • Verbal or non-verbal

  • Play-based or observational

  • Supported through the counsellor’s therapeutic input

The focus is on helping children:

  • Notice and name emotions

  • Understand body sensations and responses

  • Develop regulation strategies

  • Build confidence and self-awareness

Closing the Session

Sessions end calmly and intentionally, helping children prepare for transition back to their day.

This may include:

  • Checking in emotionally

  • Grounding or regulation activities

  • Clear and predictable endings

Consistent endings support emotional safety and help children leave feeling settled.

Choice, Consent and Emotional Safety

A core principle of our work is choice.

  • Children are not forced to interact with horses

  • They can step back or observe at any time

  • Emotional safety is prioritised over tasks or outcomes

This approach is particularly important for children who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or loss of control.

Safeguarding and Professional Practice

All sessions are delivered by a qualified counsellor and are underpinned by:

  • Safeguarding policies and procedures

  • Risk assessments

  • Professional ethical standards

  • Clinical supervision

Clear boundaries and professional oversight ensure a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.

Adapting Sessions to Individual Needs

Sessions are tailored to each child and may be adapted to support:

  • SEND and SEMH needs

  • Sensory sensitivities

  • Communication differences

  • Emotional regulation capacity

Pacing, activities, and expectations are adjusted to ensure the child feels supported and respected.

Working With Parents and Professionals

Where appropriate, we work alongside:

  • Parents and carers

  • Schools and SENCOs

  • Local authorities and professional services

This may include sharing observations, reviewing progress, and supporting agreed outcomes, always within ethical and confidentiality boundaries.

Next Steps

If you would like to find out whether equine-assisted therapy or learning is suitable for a child, please visit our Contact or Referrals page to arrange an initial conversation.