Equine Partnered Play Therapy

Equine Partnered Play Therapy (EPPT) integrates miniature horses or small ponies with Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT).

In CCPT, we create a safe and permissive environment for children to express themselves freely through their play. Rather than directing the child’s play, we allow them to direct their own play.

When needed, appropriate limits are set and enforced, which helps children to learn to regulate and manage their own feelings and behaviors.

How Does Play Therapy Work With Horses?

Equine Partnered Play Therapy (EPPT) integrates miniature horses or small ponies with CCPT. The safe and permissive environment utilized in CCPT now includes a miniature equine.

Children still direct their own play and that play is extended to include the child’s interaction with the miniature equine.

When needed, limits are set to ensure the safety of the child and the equine as well as to help children learn to regulate and manage their own feelings and behaviors.

What Does a Typical Session Look Like?

Prior to the first session with the child, the therapist will talk with the parent about the parents’ concerns and determine whether or not EPPT is an appropriate fit. If so, the next session will be a 60 minutes telehealth session where everyone will get to know one another and Informed Consent and barn rules will be reviewed. The next session and each following will be 55 minute play sessions where the child will freely interact with a miniature horse, the play therapist and a Path International Certified Equine Specialist, who is trained to look out for the safety of all involved. This time is a private time for the child, so parents will wait in a designated area to ensure that the child has privacy.

Who Can EPPT Help?

EPPT can help children with a variety of struggles, including but not limited to ADHD, depression, anxiety and trauma. EPPT is appropriate for children with developmental ages between 4 and 10.

The general rule is that if children are still participating in pretend or imaginative play, they can likely benefit from EPPT.

Those who are currently enrolled in therapeutic riding or are thinking of enrolling may not be suited to participate in this therapy due to the different nature of the horse interaction.

Is EPPT covered by insurance?

Our therapists accept BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare, Oscar Health, Cigna & Oxford.

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

Amanda Superville is happy to be part of the Horse and Buddy team to work alongside the Equine Specialists providing Equine Partnered Play Therapy to children (ages 4-10) and families. Amanda has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2005 and she is also a Registered Play Therapist. She has worked with children experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD and trauma. Amanda is excited to offer this unique therapeutic experience to children and their families. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys reading, hiking, being in nature, spending time with her family and caring for her miniature horse, Jet. You can click here to learn more about Amanda and her practice.

Amanda accepts 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

Each session involves a licensed mental health provider (MHP), an equine specialist (ES) and horses. The ES is certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl. (PATH Intl). The ES guides horse-human interactions, helps interpret equine behavior and ensures the safety of the client and horse.

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