Chinook Horses

The programs at Chinook Horses strive to help children and adults achieve health and success in school, work, and life. Adults and children suffering from secondary effects of poor mental health and substance abuse such as domestic violence, abuse, and other types of family dysfunction benefit from equine therapy. Low income and veteran adults navigating mental health and substance abuse issues can also directly benefit from equine therapy. Equine therapy positively affects both groups in the following ways: Assertiveness, emotional awareness, empathy, stress tolerance, flexibility, impulse control, problem-solving skills, self-actualization, independence, self-regard, social responsibility, and interpersonal relationships.
Our mission says it best: Chinook Horses team strives "To provide opportunities for individuals and families to engage, learn and thrive outside of the classroom and traditional therapeutic environments by practicing equine-assisted activities."

Chinook Horses team is certified in both Equine Assisted Growth and Learning (EAGALA) and PATH International. The team primarily utilizes the EAGALA Modality that focuses on groundwork and working with a free herd of horses in an arena. The EAGALA team consists of the client(s), a herd (2 to 4 horses), an equine specialist, and mental health or specialized professional. Sessions may be conducted in an individual or group format. Groups are typically used for Equine-Facilitated Learning activities for children with an autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, or other social or learning difference. The equine specialist is always present during the sessions for both the clients and horses safety. The herd of horses is carefully selected based on the needs of the client(s). Based on the educational and therapeutic needs of the client(s) a mental health practitioner, social worker, occupational therapist, and/or other specialized professional is included in the team.

Each year, Chinook Horses is funded entirely by private donations from individuals, foundation grants, companies, and local businesses. Every penny brought in goes directly into serving our clients. Chinook Horses team serves many low-income individuals, we never turn people or families away based on their ability to pay. Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to provide scholarships to those in need.
Chinook Horses is prepared to serve approximately 100 clients each year.

To date, we have served hundreds of clients of all ages. We are excited for the future as we prepare to serve another 100 clients within the next year and begin developing exciting, new programs to better serve our community. We are currently in the beginning stages of developing substance abuse and addiction treatment programs in partnership with local addiction counselors and community resources.