Equine Assisted Therapy
The Equine Assisted Therapy Program at Image of Hope Ranch offers a safe, structured, and faith-based environment for children and adults seeking emotional and relational healing. Grounded in the principles of Natural Lifemanship, this program uses intentional connection with horses to help participants build trust, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
All participants in the Equine Assisted Therapy Program are supported by a licensed counselor or therapist as part of their overall care. For some, therapy takes place onsite at Image of Hope Ranch, while others work with a therapist in the community. Sessions at the ranch are facilitated by trained equine professionals and mentors who collaborate within each participant’s therapeutic framework to ensure consistency, safety, and meaningful progress.
We recognize that every participant’s journey is unique. Sessions are thoughtfully tailored to meet individual emotional, developmental, and relational needs, honoring personal choice and readiness as essential components of meaningful growth. For those who desire it, faith-based elements, including Scripture reflection and prayerful exercises, may be incorporated, offering an integrated experience that nurtures both emotional healing and spiritual renewal.
Image of Hope Ranch offers two pathways within this program. Level 1 – Comprehensive Equine Assisted Therapy Program includes two sessions per week for 50 weeks: one equine-based participant session and one onsite therapy session. Level 2 – Equine Mentoring Program includes one equine-based session per week for 50 weeks, with the participant’s therapist providing care off-site. Participants must be working with a counselor or therapist, and licensed therapeutic support is available on-site for those requiring a deeper level of intervention.
The Equine Assisted Therapy Program is open to children and adults ages 5–50, with age exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis. Program fees vary depending on the therapeutic route chosen, and our team is available to discuss options and next steps. We invite you to contact our office to learn more, ask questions, or begin the application process. It would be our honor to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and connection.
“There is something different about this place. Healing happens here because people are seen, relationships are honored, and God is invited into the process.”
Financial Commitment
At Image of Hope Ranch, we believe that financial circumstances should never be a barrier to healing, growth, or hope. While our programs do involve a financial commitment that reflects the care, training, and resources required, we are committed to making participation accessible to those who need support.
We offer a sliding-scale fee structure and scholarship assistance based on individual need. Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, we are able to walk alongside families to find a solution that honors both dignity and access. If cost is a concern, we encourage you to reach out—our team is happy to have a confidential conversation and explore available options.
How To Apply
Ready to take the next step? Click the Apply Here button to complete our online application. Once submitted, your application will be thoughtfully reviewed by our team, and we’ll be in touch to discuss program fit, availability, and next steps.
Natural Lifemanship Approach
Natural Lifemanship is a relationship-centered approach to equine-assisted services that emphasizes genuine connection, trust, and mutual respect between people and horses. Rather than relying on tricks or techniques, it is built on principled, trauma-informed work that helps individuals develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others through authentic interaction with equine partners.
At its heart, Natural Lifemanship recognizes that all healing happens in the context of attuned relationships — with self, with others, with creation, and ultimately with our Creator. By honoring the individuality of each person and each horse and by fostering safe, respectful connection, this approach creates an environment where growth, resilience, and hope can flourish.
