Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, or EAP, is a type of solution-focused, experiential therapy, which involves horses, a licensed Clinical Therapist and an Equine Specialist. Participants learn about themselves through interaction with horses on the ground in a non-directive, non-verbal approach. (No riding is involved.) During the activities, feelings, behaviors and patterns unfold, and afterward, the Clinical Therapist discusses what did or did not happen. Clients experience the reality of choices, attitudes and consequences in real time. This therapy increases self-discovery, creativity, self-confidence and leadership.

This type of therapy has been used to work with people to help overcome various behavioral issues, Attention Deficit Disorder, Traumas (PTSD), Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Anger Management, Conflict Resolution, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Communication and Relationship issues to name a few. It has been used very effectively with individuals, families, and corporate retreats for team building and leadership.

Equestrian Management, LLC

If you were developing a golf course for a resort or community, would you rely on your friend who plays golf to create a golf course and club for you?

Could he/she run feasibility studies, operational and capital budgeting, and planning, detailed design and then manage it for you? I seriously doubt anyone would put their golf amenity at risk in this way. So then why do developers ask and rely on people who ride horses to be their equestrian amenity consultants?

An equestrian amenity in many ways is even more complicated than golf –

• We are dealing with a living, breathing animal that is often considered a family member – so it is highly emotional
• It is also a business model that cannot be a profit center – it will need to be subsidized so running detailed operational parameters for start up through steady state and either creating an HOA subsidy or a Club membership program is of paramount importance
• Mixed demographic with different needs and likes and dislikes… there is a no “one size fits all model”.
• The equestrian industry lacks a standard of professionalism and the vendor/concessionaire model has failed time and again – one of the keys to success is hospitality style management and continuity of service – the options for management are limited.
• We typically have seen amenities overbuilt with no understanding about designing and programming to a target market and then phasing construction along with sales.

Planning and executing an equestrian amenity is complicated and needs experienced professionals who understand the nuances so they can help ensure the model is economical for the long term and the ROI makes sense for all the stakeholders.

Jennifer K. Donovan
Principal
Equestrian Services, LLC - Developing the Equestrian Lifestyle
Equestrian Management, LLC

he old saying goes that Practice makes Perfect, but I have learned that Perfect Practice makes perfect. We all know that we become victims of habit. If we practice something incorrectly over and over, then we perform it incorrectly when the time comes to demonstrate. Each day when you ride; whether it be for pleasure or show, ensure that you are paying careful attention to devote 100% of your attention to your horse and what it is you want to accomplish during that ride. So many of us get caught up in our "day jobs" that we don't deflate before riding. Mental preparation is a crucial part of riding at every level and discipline. Those who can handle the stress and distractions of the day are the ones who will grow and learn and become successful riders whether it be a trail ride or in the show ring. They prepare mentally as well as physically. They visualize, they accomplish their performance goals, and quite often, they win. Spend time with yourself or with your trainer perfecting your riding and then it will become second nature so that you have one thing less to stress about. Perfect your Practice!

Rhonda Gailey
Resident Equestrian Facility Manager
The Oaks Equestrian Center - an O'Connor Signature Facility