Triple H Equitherapy Center

Triple H Equitherapy Center offers a variety of equine-assisted activities and therapy, including (1) therapeutic horseback riding, (2) equine-assisted learning for life skills/special education students, and (3) horse-facilitated mental health programs for at-risk youth and veterans. The primary purpose of all programs is to help clients achieve individual therapeutic goals that improve their physical, behavioral, and mental health outcomes. To do this, clients learn and practice horse-handling and/or horseback riding skills that empower them to become healthier as well as more self-sufficient. Holistic benefits strengthen mind, body, and spirit, resulting in improved quality of life for program participants as well as their families and caregivers. Stronger individuals become more successful at home, at school, and at work. Consequently, the fabric of our communities grow stronger and becomes a healthier place for all of us.

Horse-powered programs at Triple H offer distinctive experiences that traditional therapy does not. As a result, clients often respond more quickly to equitherapy than to traditional methods of treatment. Frequently, intractable cases respond to the human-horse relationship when all else has failed. Equitherapy is special because of distinctive characteristics such as these:
(1) Program activities take place outdoors—the healing benefits of nature nourish spirits while clients enjoy beautiful Hill Country scenery, the sky, and fresh air. (2) There is no clinical setting. Triple H therapists (horses) live in the barn. Clients interact with their horses in the barn, in the outdoor arena, and on scenic riding trails. They see pastures and trees and enjoy the unassuming ambiance of the 210-acre ranch. (3)
Equitherapy focuses on strengths and abilities—what a child or adult can do vs. focusing on rehabilitating a defective part. (4) Interacting with horses engages the mind, the body, the senses, and the emotions at the same time. By involving the whole person, equitherapy promotes healing, health, and wholeness on all levels at the same time—mind, body, and spirit. (5) An atmosphere of unconditional love and acceptance envelopes clients as they bond with their horses and human members of the therapy team—instructors, counselors, and
volunteers. This “agape” environment promotes respect, self-worth, confidence, peace of mind, and joy. As individuals become empowered, their spirits soar. (6) Clients, who often have limited social activities because of their disabilities, enjoy socializing with their peers and developing friendships with other clients. (7) Equitherapy is fun—it’s therapy but doesn’t feel like therapy. It feels like play. And, as Dr. Stuart Brown, contemporary American psychiatrist, noted: “Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities."

The key strategy is for the person with special needs to develop a relationship with their therapy horse. The unique characteristics of the horse address the special need of the individual who has physical, behavioral, and/or mental challenges. This human horse bond is the catalyst that motivates change.
How do these large, gentle animals help children and adults with special needs? From a physical standpoint, riding can help people develop their sense of body awareness and improve balance, core strength, posture and other mind-body coordination issues. Riding can even help children learn to walk: The rhythmic movements of the horse simulate the walking gait of humans, which can help kids build the balance and strength to take steps on their own. Riding can also lead to improvements in breathing, speech, bladder control and bowel function.
People also benefit mentally from developing a connection with a social animal known for being responsive to human emotional states. Clients can improve their emotional expression and self-regulation, as well as reduce anxiety. Research bears this out on heart rate variability between humans and horses, whose outcomes point to the mood-boosting effect of the horse.
Less tangible, but just as important, is the sense of empowerment gained by clients of all ages as they develop a relationship with their horses. Josh, a combat veteran who has PTSD, now volunteers to help other veterans participating in Triple H’s mental health program. “My idea of what I was actually capable of changed completely once riding became a central part of my life,” he says. “The special thing about horses is that they do not judge…horses offer a liberating kind of freedom in the saddle that carries over into daily life.”
People of all ages and medical conditions respond to the healing energy of horses.

Maintaining a corps of well-trained volunteers is essential for program success and to augment the small staff of 4 full-time and 5 part-time employees. Each year a dedicated corps of more than 100 volunteers donate over 6,000 service hours. On average, between 150 and 200 people with special needs participate in programs each year, and they receive approximately 5,500 therapy hours. Core service areas are
therapeutic horseback riding, therapeutic horsemanship consisting of ground (dismounted) activities, equine-facilitated learning activities, and horse-assisted psychotherapy. The therapy team includes 21 horses, PATH certified instructors, licensed professional counselors, and trained volunteers.
Triple H is special because its therapists live in a barn. They are horses. Horse powered therapy offers distinctive experiences that traditional physical and mental health therapy do not. In addition to helping clients reach individual health goals, everyone experiences these health benefits: (1) Exercise—working with horses increases mobility, strength, and balance. (2) Socializing—interaction with horses, volunteers, and
staff reduces loneliness and builds friendships. (3) Energy—learning new skills builds confidence, improves memory, invigorates the body, and stimulates the mind. (4) Joy—the healing benefits of nature and caring for a magnificent animal such as a horse nourish spirits while clients enjoy the beautiful Hill Country scenery, the sky, and fresh air.

For the last 26 years, Triple H has provided healing and health for individuals with special needs through nationally accredited equine-assisted activities and therapies in a safe Hill Country environment. Triple H organizational values emphasize excellence. That’s why for over 23 years, since 1996, Triple H has earned its credentials as a premier therapeutic horsemanship center accredited through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Intl.) As such, Triple H adheres to the highest standards of safety and professionalism in the industry. Triple H’s demonstrated excellence promotes optimal outcomes for individuals with special needs.
Maintaining a corps of well-trained volunteers is essential for program success and to augment the small staff of 4 full-time and 5 part-time employees. Each year a dedicated corps of more than 100 volunteers donate over 6,000 service hours. On average, between 180 and 200 people with special needs participate in programs each year, and they receive approximately 5,500 therapy hours. Core service areas are
therapeutic horseback riding, equine-facilitated learning activities, and horse-assisted psychotherapy. The therapy team includes 21 horses,
PATH certified instructors, licensed professional counselors, and trained volunteers. In all programs, well over 85% of participants achieved their individual therapy objectives.
Triple H is special because its therapists live in a barn. They are horses. Horse powered therapy offers distinctive experiences that traditional physical and mental health therapy do not. In addition to helping clients reach individual health goals, everyone experiences these holistic benefits: (1) Exercise—working with horses increases mobility, strength, and balance. (2) Socializing—interaction with horses, volunteers, and staff reduces loneliness and builds friendships. (3) Energy—learning new skills builds confidence, improves memory, invigorates the body, and stimulates the mind. (4) Joy—the healing benefits of nature and caring for a magnificent animal such as a horse nourish spirits while clients enjoy the beautiful Hill Country scenery, the sky, and fresh air.