Taking the Lead
At Exceptional Equestrians, our Taking the Lead program focuses on children and adolescents struggling to acquire life skills needed to navigate successfully through the world. These may include:
Difficulty building relationships and making friends
Emotional self-awareness
Communicating feelings and emotions
Problem solving
Developing coping strategies
Confidence and self-esteem
Trust
This program is specially designed for Ages 10 - 17
Taking the Lead is not counseling but rather an experiential approach that allows participants to be supported through their own, individualized learning and healing experience. Taking the Lead groups are facilitated by an Occupational Therapist with training in mental health support under the OT scope of practice, and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health.
The inclusion of horses changes the dynamics and brings a level of awe and mystery to the experience. Horses are social animals with their own personalities and will engage with people to build a relationship. The participants build connected relationships with the horses in a safe and supportive environment.
Horses are large and powerful and have the innate ability to support people as they overcome fear and anxiety and generate self-confidence. Horses are unbiased and non-judgmental and will respond to a person’s intent, body language, and emotion.
Participants are exposed to activities that can promote the discovery of critical life skills such as healthy decision making and problem solving, critical thinking, self-awareness and empathy.
The learning that occurs within a Taking the Lead session translates into real-life situations.
