EQUUS provides the unique combination of a Licensed Mental Health Professional, an Equine Specialist and horses who all work together to provide new and different learning opportunities.

Equine Assisted activities are not about learning to ride horses, in fact, more than 95% of the activities take place on the ground.

An example of an activity is "Lifes Little Obstacles", where participants are asked to get a horse to go over a jump about 18" high.  

The participants are instructed that during the activity they may not talk, touch the horse or bribe the horse in any way. They are given 30 seconds to come up with a plan.

A consequence for breaking the rules is established by group members and endured by the group regardless of who breaks a rule. The therapist observes who takes a leadership role, how participants engage, who is creative in solving the problem, etc.

The activities are designed to build relationship skills, leadership skills and critical thinking skills. Groups consist of six to eight participants who are expected to work together to accomplish specific tasks.

While participating, they are expected to conduct themselves with respect at all times, to control their emotional responses to each other and to be conscious of their personal safety.

"We are always looking for new ways to present material to our student leaders and this certainly ranks up there on the top of our list. You were right! The situations with the horses were perfect for what the kids will be dealing with in the years to come." - Youth Development, Nurse - Shawnee Mission East H. S.