Sessions

Sessions take place in a calm setting, in the presence of the horse, with particular attention to the relationship, to bodily sensations and to what is happening in the moment.

There is no exercise to succeed at. We take the time to observe, to feel, to interact with the horse and to adjust what is happening, at your own pace.

This form of support offers a space to slow down, pay attention to your sensations and connect with the horse, within a secure setting.

Respect for the horse and for the framework is an integral part of the support.

Frequently addressed goals

• Managing emotions and stress: noticing, expressing and regulating them.
• Grounding and presence: becoming aware of your body, breathing and relaxing.
• Confidence, self-esteem and self-development: respecting yourself, valuing yourself and making choices accordingly.
• Healthy boundaries and assertiveness: discovering your personal space and setting your limits.
• Verbal and non-verbal communication: giving clear signals to maintain the quality of the bond.
• Cognitive functions: strengthening attention, concentration and memory.
• Well-being and relaxation: calming yourself physically and mentally to be present here and now, and to recharge your batteries.

Examples of possible exercises (on the ground or mounted, depending on what is relevant and safe)

• On the ground: observation in the meadow, approaching and interacting at liberty, grooming (brushes, touch), leading on a halter, small playful courses.
• Mounted: ridden on a lunge line or with progressive autonomy, simple transitions at the walk, breathing and balance, sensory exercises.

The goals are defined together based on your request, the observation of non-verbal language and the horse’s feedback.

EquiNox also offers therapeutic support with horses for institutions caring for children, teenagers or adults.

Sessions can take different forms depending on the group’s needs and the focus areas defined together: observation, movement, sensory moments, relational exercises or a brief moment on horseback within an adapted setting. During the sessions, the work is done around a single horse at a time, with one or several participants depending on the activity, which fosters safety, calm and the quality of the support. Observing, waiting, exchanging between participants or the way you take your place in the group are a full part of the support work.

Some possible focus areas

Depending on the people being supported, sessions can in particular support:

• physical and psychological mobilisation,
• the creation of stable, reassuring reference points,
• the regulation of emotions and stress,
• relational skills and cooperation,
• attention, presence and non-verbal expression,
• the relationship to the body, to sensations and to boundaries,
• autonomy, initiative and a sense of responsibility.

The focus areas are defined with the institution and adjusted throughout the support.

A framework built on continuity

The support is designed with a logic of continuity and regularity. Repeated meetings gradually allow reference points to be built with the horses, the place, the group and the flow of the sessions.

Concretely, the support favours:

• a group of maximum 4 participants,
• a regular rhythm of meetings,
• a clear and predictable framework,
• the presence of at least one staff member from the institution,
• a regular commitment over a defined period.

A collaboration to build together

The practical and financial terms are discussed with the institution, in order to build a realistic partnership, adapted to the people being supported and compatible with the conditions required for quality support.

Sometimes, travelling all the way to us can be too complicated. I come to you with Mya, my miniature horse, for encounters as close as possible to the people: in their room, in a common room, outdoors or during short walks when the context allows. These visits can take place in a group or individually. Depending on the needs, we co-create with the team the format, the frequency and the spaces for the sessions, both indoors and outdoors.

Main goals

1. Breaking solitude and isolation.
2. Reducing boredom by bringing gentle stimulation (sensory, relational and cognitive) and variety to daily life.
3. Feeling seen and loved: giving and receiving affection through presence and touch.
4. Creating connection between people.

What we do

• Visits in the room: offering a calm presence, allowing for petting and supporting moments of conversation.
• Workshops in a common room or in the garden: offering brushing and grooming, encouraging conscious touch and taking turns interacting, and creating moments of sharing to exchange, laugh and build connection.
• Short walks: walking on a halter at a gentle, safe pace.

Participants can touch Mya, brush her, walk her and share a moment of exchange and gentleness in her company.