BRIGHT STRIDES, INC.

Bright Strides aims to pioneer a new sector of integrative mental health and wellness interventions, grounded in the bond between horses and humans as a therapeutic tool, for those with special needs and anyone else struggling to manage symptoms with talk therapy alone. We aim to provide participants with a holistic approach that takes advantage of a wide range of complementary therapies, as well as evidence-based psychotherapeutic modalities, to treat underlying psychiatric conditions, teach coping skills and enhance well-being.

Working with a PATH certified instructor, clients participate in a range of horse related activities, both on the ground and on horseback, as well as an art session to encourage emotional processing and non-verbal expression of emotions. Clients have the option of working with a PATH instructor alone through our Integrative Equine Assisted Learning program, or with both a PATH instructor and a licensed psychotherapist through our Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP), as well as a range of complementary therapies including art, meditation and yoga. Every session is tailored to each participant's emotional goals and needs.

Our organization is run by a PATH International Certified Instructor in Equine Facilitated Mental Health and Learning, as well as a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and we work closely with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Our 5-acre farm has 6 horses, a donkey, a riding ring, an art barn and a meditation room.

We have created a program that successfully integrates equine therapy with complementary therapies for several groups of special needs participants. We have developed a relationship with a licensed psychotherapist in order to offer clients a truly integrative approach. Our future goals are to broaden our reach to include other populations, including those suffering from trauma such as veterans and victims of abuse.