EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (EAP)

  Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) that uses horses in a safe and controlled environment where clients engage in activities like grooming, feeding, and leading them helping the client develop trust, communication, and problem-solving skills. Clients learn to improve their relationships with others, regulate their emotions, and build self-esteem. EAP has been shown to be effective treating clients with anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mood disorders. 

EAP is an evidenced based therapy and has been shown to be effective and helps clients:

· Build confidence, self-awareness, and social skills.

· Provide Unique non-verbal opportunities for the client to enhance self-awareness, recognize maladaptive behaviors, identify negative feelings, and face self-defeating cognitions.

· Increase cognitive skills, reduces stress, eases symptoms of PTSD, and addresses.

Gus is a 6-year-old dark bay Mustang gelding adopted from the BLM—and while he may be small in size, his personality is anything but. With an abundance of playful energy and boundless curiosity, Gus is always ready to explore, connect, and keep you on your toes.

He’s the kind of horse that makes people smile just by being himself. Whether he's gently nudging for attention or investigating everything in sight, Gus brings joy and lightness to every session. He’s also a natural charmer with a heart full of courage.

Gus reminds us that confidence isn’t about size—it’s about spirit. And he's got plenty to spare.

Lightning is a 13-year-old red roan Quarter Horse gelding who brings plenty of personality—and affection—to the barn. While his name suggests speed, Lightning moves at his own pace and saves his bursts of energy for the moments that matter.

More than anything, Lightning sees himself as a lover boy. He leans into connection, seeks attention with a sparkle in his eye, and knows exactly how to charm his way into your heart. His playful nature and expressive face make him a fast favorite among clients of all ages.

Lightning reminds us that love can be both bold and gentle—and that healing often begins with a nuzzle and a kind eye.

At 23 years old, Steve is a retired barrel racing champion and a registered Quarter Horse with a heart as big as his stride. After an impressive career, Steve found his true calling in 2021—not in the arena, but in the hearts of those he comforts.

Steve has a gentle, affectionate nature that draws people in. He’s especially gifted at making clients feel seen, safe, and valued—whether it's a child taking their first step into the round pen or an adult seeking quiet reassurance. He genuinely loves people and lives to show it.

Now a beloved member of our therapy herd, Steve reminds us that second chapters can be even more meaningful than the first.

At 16.5 hands tall, Big Ted lives up to his name—but it’s his heart, not just his height, that makes the biggest impact. A 12-year-old flea-bitten grey gelding, Big Ted came to Gallop To Growth through a serendipitous connection. His owner, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, generously offered him to our program after learning about our work with equine-assisted psychotherapy.

What we didn’t know at the time: Ted had already been serving as a therapy horse for veterans. It was in his blood, and it shows. Gentle, affectionate, and incredibly intuitive, Big Ted brings a grounded, calming presence to our sessions—especially for those seeking safety, stability, and strength.

He reminds us that healing often comes full circle, and sometimes the right horse finds you when you need them most.

Our stable is a dedicated therapy facility, not an equestrian center. Our  clients have a safe and intimate space to heal and develop the coping skills with the assistance of horses who are the mirror of souls.