Welcome. Healing Hooves offers equine-assisted therapeutic activities [EATA]. We are a purposefully small, non-clinical, relational space for people living with the impacts of chronic stress, medical trauma, domestic or interpersonal harm, grief, or life-altering transitions - as well as their support persons. Survivorship at HH was born from one survivor’s wish to share something quiet, steady & accessible to others on their own paths of recovery.
• Those rebuilding trust in their own body, instincts & choices
• Those who often feel the need to explain or justify their experiences
• Caregivers, partners, friends, or professionals carrying others’ stories & needing space for their own nervous systems
• Those drawn to horses & nature wishing to build a bond beyond traditional horseback riding lessons
& Support Persons
For Survivors
This May Be Right For:
What follows is a specially created Survivorship Membership & a closer look at how our work is held.
Our Approach
Healing Hooves provides Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Activities [EATA] grounded in current neuroscience, animal behavior education, trauma-informed care & lived experience. We center around the concept of adaptive consent: the nuanced, ongoing art of reevaluating & realigning personal boundaries with personal goals as one evolves.
All experiences begin unmounted & are gently paced in response to each participant’s needs as they emerge. Sessions proceed as series of choices unfold: to observe, groom, lead, or play with our horses. As the human-horse connections deepen, participants often share growing feelings of self-confidence, self-trust & senses of agency.
For those who wish • when & if appropriate • clients have the opportunity to transition into mounted therapeutic riding experiences through our special collaboration with our host farm, a well-established PATH International certified riding program.
No experience required. Just come as you are. Our horses will meet you there.
What Feels Different
Silence is welcome. There is never any requirement, dependency, or expectation to share your story, process aloud, or meet any timelines. At all moments, participants are free to • move closer or further from our horses • participate fully, partially, or just observe & breathe • pause & restart their session [within their 60 minutes] at will.
We do not aim to “fix” or process any personal experiences. Our horses are specially selected & educated to softly, naturally respond to human emotional & physical states - both conscious & subconscious - nonconfrontationally & in real time.
Our EAT Facilitator & Survivor Advocate Kate, will interpret & explain the horses’ behaviors, needs & responses as they present & teach the participant how to read such communications as well - creating the opportunity to observe our own personal patterns & recalibrate our expressions, objectively & without judgment.
The unique connection that can develop between human & horse is powerfully nonverbal & deeply reflective.
Our Survivorship & Support Memberships are designed especially for survivors & their support persons [family, partners, or any individuals living with a survivor]. They are offered to reduce barriers that complicate access to support & allow all of our beautiful community a space for thoughtful reflection.
As a potential Survivor or Support Member • a gift from one survivor to others • the first [30-minute Introductory] Session is complimentary - offering the participant time to experience the work & decide whether it feels right, with no obligation to continue. If the participant wishes to continue, all subsequent sessions are offered at • 50% reduced rate for the remainder of the current calendar year.
Memberships
Survivorship
We value the opportunity to support individuals, families & community partners across Sussex & Warren Counties, including healthcare providers & survivor-centered organizations as adjunct support. These Guided Relationship Sessions & Guided Community Groups are non-clinical, professionally guided experiences & are not group therapy, counseling, or crisis services.
If you are reaching out regarding immediate safety or emotional crisis: contact your licensed mental health provider, contact your local emergency services, visit your nearest ER, or call or text 988 for immediate crisis support.