Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a unique, experiential therapy that utilizes horses in the therapy process.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, participants learn about their whole self by participating in physical activities involving horses and processing the thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and patterns that arise during the experience.

If you’ve never been near a horse before, no worries. No horse experience is necessary or expected.

How does EAP work?

Horses are a beautiful, non-judgemental partner in therapy. As prey animals, horses naturally live in the moment, specially attuned to the environment, non-verbal cues, and the energies of those around them.

They can provide honest, immediate feedback based on your interactions allowing for “therapeutic moments” and breakthroughs--- potentially more impactful than talking through your challenges in a therapist’s office.

The feedback the horses provide helps clients gain real-world insight into their own thoughts, beliefs, actions, and patterns with which they may be struggling and provides an opportunity to adapt and create new life skills and coping strategies.

What does a typical session look like?

In each session, the EAP team, consisting of a Mental Health Professional (MHP) and a PATH Intl certified Equine Specialist, will create safely structured, horse-based interactions.

All equine activities are done on the ground, not on horseback, with focus on the safety of all clients and a respectful partnership with the horse(s). These activities are designed to elicit behaviors, feelings, or learning that allow clients to gain practical insight to change their lives for the better. For example, how can observing a herd of horses interact in the field shed light on your own interactions with others?

The MHP provides therapy to the client and the Equine Specialist demonstrates safe, respectful horsemanship and helps to translate the horse’s communication.

For children ages 10 – 14, therapy is blended to combine elements of Equine-Partnered Play Therapy (EPPT) and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to meet each child's developmental needs.

At this stage, many children are transitioning away from imaginative play. Sessions may include a more directive approach that thoughtfully integrates activity based play talk therapy, art, and equine-partnered activities. This flexible approach allows children to process emotions, navigate challenges, build coping skills, and strengthen confidence in ways that are engaging, meaningful, and tailored to their individual needs.

Who can EAP help?

Horse & Buddy provides a serene, safe, and confidential setting where one can work through a wide variety of mental health challenges. EAP is helpful for emotional regulation, reduced stress and anxiety levels, increased self-awareness, improved insight into thoughts and behaviors, improved communication skills, better interpersonal relationships, and building trust and confidence.

Note: Those that are currently enrolled in therapeutic riding or are thinking of enrolling may not be suited to participate in this therapy.

Is EAP covered by insurance?

Our therapists accept MedCost, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oxford, Cigna, Oscar Health, Aetna, and United Health Care insurance plans.

Please note that insurance acceptance is therapist-dependent. Not every therapist working at our farm is in-network with every insurance provider. Coverage will depend on the specific therapist you see.

There is an additional farm fee that is not billable to insurance and would not be eligible for reimbursement.

Therapist Bios

Ashley Abert partners with Horse and Buddy and our Equine Specialists to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to teens (ages 15+) and adults. Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina and a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina. She has training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for trauma and approaches therapy from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective. In her free time, Ashley loves dreaming up the next big project for her home in the country, looking to rescue another animal she doesn’t actually need, or riding four wheelers with her adventurous seven year old. She enjoys exploring with her husband, traveling to new small towns and big countries! You can click here to learn more about Ashley and her practice.

Ashley accepts MedCost, BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare, Oscar Health, Cigna & Oxford.

Mikala Huemmer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. She graduated with her Master of Social Work from North Carolina State University in May of 2026. During her second year of her masters program, she was a member of the Trauma Responsive Youth Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training program. Mikala has a passion for providing trauma-informed care to all her clients and utilizing their strengths to help them through their therapeutic journey. During her time as an intern with Lead Change Counseling, partnering with Horse and Buddy she gained valuable experience in providing equine assisted therapies to children. She provides Equine Partnered Play Therapy to children ages 4 to 10 and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to children/teens 10 to 14.

Currently Mikala is accepting BCBS and Aetna.

Additional Details and Enrollment

If you are interested in moving ahead with EAP , please click the interest form button and a therapist will contact you. Still have questions? Click the email button for more information.