EquATA offers a whole family experience with horses. We offer two types of therapy, Equine Assisted Therapy and Horse Boy Method. We are based just outside Grafton Underwood, Northamptonshire.
EquATA is now offering Horse Boy Camps throughout 2012.
Please look at the camps page for more information!
The Horse Boy Method
Ellie Hawkins (Director) and Kevin Quick (Director) are Fully Certified in the Horse Boy Method and EquATA is offering Sessions using the methods of The Horse Boy Method, developed by Mr. Rupert Issacson.
EquATA would like to give children the chance to ride and benefit from close contact with horses, other animals, and nature. Children with neurological issues seem to particularly benefit from this, but all children benefit from connecting with animals and nature. EquATA believe in taking a whole-family approach when working with autistic children, so that siblings can have fun and be included. Parents are also encouraged to participate fully, so that family bonds are strengthened. The environment created is very much non judgmental and no expectations. The child may not even get on the horse first time but our main aim is to create the trust and bond so that the child can benefit the most from being with these beautiful animals. Our pace is judged on the Childs own and the sessions are specifically tailored to suit such pace. There is no pressure and family members are strongly advised to join in.
Sessions can vary from lying on the horse without the saddle to painting the horse or even doing mental arithmetic whilst riding. In short, we just want to create a great experience for the child and family together. Specially selected therapy horses are used in the Horse Boy Method. Clients are always advised to wear a helmet, however this is not always agreeable to autistic children and it may cause them distress; therefore other safety measures are put in place through the presence of a certified practitioner seated behind the client with the additional support of trained staff and an equine specialist standing either side of the horse. To discuss further about Riding with Autism sessions, please contact us via telephone or email us on equata4all@ymail.com
The Horse Boy Method
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy - (EAP)
EquATA is a not-for-profit organisation that combines the use of specially selected horses and a qualified mental health team to provide services for people in need of:
Therapy for emotional & mental health issues
Personal development assistance for building self-confidence & self-esteem
Developing management skills for leadership, team-work & assertiveness.
The benefits of the EquATA horse assisted therapy are that it:
Assists with the treatment of behavioural disorders
Promotes self-esteem, independence and self confidence
Improves observation skills, co-ordination and communication
Encourages nurturing traits and so helps reduce anti-social behaviour
Promotes a sense of responsibility and empathy with others, encouraging team-work
Combats loneliness and encourages social integration
Reduces stress and encourages mobility.
Each therapy session is up to two hours and includes a mental health specialist, an equine specialist and the horses. With Equine Assisted psychotherapy there is no horse riding involved. Therapy exercises are safely carried out with the client on the ground. Only in the horse-boy method therapy will the child mount the horse with a trained specialist.
Evening Telegraph Photo by Alison Bagley
EquATA Ltd
Equine Assisted Therapy Association
Grafton Park Lodge
Grafton Underwood Kettering, Northamptonshire
NN14 3AE
As a mental health Charity we are here to help and always pleased to hear from you.
Our Telephone Help Line is open from 8am to 8pm daily.
You can reach Jo on 07875-798853 or Nat on 07919-384373.
Therapy sessions and consultations are by appointment only.
Normal opening times are 9am to 5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, or other times by mutual agreement. For the privacy of our clients and security reasons the premises are fenced and not accessible to casual visitors.
When making an appointment, clients are given precise directions and are welcomed at the entrance of the Estate, to be guided to the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere of the EquATA Therapy Area and the horses.
