BRIDLE PATHS

EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (EAP) is an experiential therapeutic approach that addresses treatment goals using collaborative efforts among a horse professional, licensed therapist, the horse, and the client. Each client-driven session includes hands-on activities with the horses, as well as processing (discussion) of feelings, behaviors, and patterns designed to enable clients to learn about themselves and others. Clients interact with the horses on the ground and use nonverbal communication, problem solving, and creative thinking to address a variety of mental health and developmental issues. The EAP process is solution-focused and is considered a short-term or "brief" approach designed to activate the client's own healing resources. EAP sessions with private clients are scheduled primarily on Wednesday of each week; precise schedules are determined by client needs and availability and the schedules of referring mental health providers.

EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING offers opportunities for clients to engage in hands-on learning opportunities with our horses, and to explore the connections that can be made between horses and humans. Among the areas addressed in these groups are: cognitive and physical development, executive functioning skills, and emotional and social development. In these groups, we explore topics such as mindfulness, communication, boundaries, safety and flexibility, belonging and fit, collaboration, and integration. These groups are targeted to the specific needs of particular populations, including survivors of traumatic brain injury, individuals with social and communication challenges, and veterans and service members, and are scheduled according to the needs and availability of participants and facilitators.

MILITARY SERVICES are provided to veterans, service members and their families at no cost to them. Bridle Paths offers weekly riding sessions and one-time visits for individuals and families, as well equine-assisted learning groups focused on the cultivation of relationships, communication, and connection. Our sessions address physical, cognitive, social, and recreational goals. We also offer equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions staffed by an equine specialist and a licensed mental health provider.

Bridle Paths received a grant through the VA Adaptive Sports Grant program to offer equine therapy groups. These groups are designed around the concept of the horse's reflective behavior, and are appropriate for participants with many social, emotional, and psychological needs, and for those working toward post-deployment transition and reintegration. These groups address themes such as communication, boundaries, safety, belonging and fit, collaboration, and post-traumatic growth.