Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Activities are structured, non-clinical, unmounted interactions with horses that support calm, connection, and nervous system regulation through presence, and relationship with nature and self.

Our EATA Relationship Session is a guided, unmounted experience focused on building awareness through interaction, observation, and shared presence with a horse.

Rather than teaching skills or directing outcomes, our relationship sessions draw on research from animal behavior science, interpersonal neurobiology, and trauma-informed care, which shows that regulated, attuned relationships can support nervous system settling, and emotional regulation.

Horses, as socially responsive prey animals, naturally attune to posture, breath, and movement - offering real-time, non-verbal feedback within a calm, contained environment.

Our relationship sessions emphasize choice, consent, and pacing - allowing connection to develop organically without any pressure to perform, disclose, or process.

Our EATA Community-Centered Guided Groups are non-clinical, facilitated gatherings that bring people together in shared, horse-present space to support calm, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Informed by research in social neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and group regulation - these expriences recognize that safe, attuned connection within a regulated group can support nervous system settling and reduce isolation. The presence of horses adds a grounding, nonverbal relational element that naturally encourages pacing, awareness, and co-regulation - without requiring discussion of disclosure.

Groups are gently guided to prioritize consent, individual boundaries with collective respect, and collective physical and emotional safety. Together, we practice feeling cognitively and physically present in our bodies, and in nature, with a small relatable group, in a safely secured environment. Participation is always optional for both human and horses, and sessions are not designed for processing, therapy, or crisis intervention.

No. Sharing is always optional. Many people participate quietly through observation, movement, breath work, and nonverbal connection with the horse or horses.

Research in trauma-informed care and nervous system regulation shows that safety and regulation do not depend on disclosure.

For some, talking feels supportive; for others it can feel overwhelming. At Healing Hooves, silence is respected, autonomy is always prioritized, and presence alone is considered meaningful.

Our approach is informed by research across neuroscience, animal behavior, and trauma-informed care, which shows that regulated, attuned relationships and environments can support nervous system settling and emotional regulation.

From a neurobiological perspective, calm, predictable interactions and sensory input (such as rhythm, breath, movement, and proximity to nature) can support parasympathetic nervous system activity and reduce stress responses. Social neuroscience further demonstrates that co-regulation—the process by which one regulated being helps another settle—plays a key role in feelings of safety and connection.

Horses, as highly social and perceptive prey animals, are naturally responsive to subtle changes in posture, muscle tone, and breath. Research in animal behavior shows that this sensitivity allows for real-time, nonverbal feedback within a grounded, present-moment interaction. When these interactions are unmounted, consent-based, and well-paced, they can support awareness and regulation without verbal processing or therapeutic intervention.

Together, these principles explain why calm, guided, horse-present experiences may feel stabilizing and supportive of connection for many people—without diagnosing, treating, or attempting to fix anything.

Horses are highly social, extremely perceptive animals whose nervous systems are attuned to even subtle cues hidden in posture, breathing, and body language. Research in animal behavior and social neuroscience shows that interacting with responsive, regulated beings - such as horses - in real time can support cognitive, physical, and emotional awareness and co-regulation.

Because horses respond to what is happening in the present moment — without judgment, expectation, or narrative — they offer a grounding, nonverbal relational experience. When interactions are unmounted, consent-based, and well-paced, this presence can feel stabilizing and clarifying without instruction or performance.

Our horses are never used as tools or interventions; their welfare, choice, and comfort are always foundational to each session.