Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

What Is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?

EAP is a collaborative mental health service where a licensed mental health professional and a qualified Equine Specialist work together with horses to help individuals improve emotional well-being, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.

Unlike riding lessons, there is no riding involved. All activities take place safely on the ground.

At Clarity Equine, we believe that healing happens through connection—with ourselves, others, and the horses.

You don't need to know horses to begin.

You don't need riding experience, horse knowledge, or the “right words.”

Many people come feeling overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, stuck, or simply curious about trying something different.

At Clarity Equine, we create a supportive environment where horses and people can work together to build awareness, confidence, and connection.

What EAP Is (and Isn't)

What it is

✓ Ground based

✓ Guided by therapist + equine specialist

✓ Trauma-informed

✓ Relationship focused

✓ No horse experience required

What it isn’t

✗ Riding lessons

✗ Horse training

✗ Needing horse skills

✗ "Fixing" people

✗ Traditional office therapy

Why Horses?

Horses are naturally aware of the emotions and body language of those around them. They don't judge, criticize, or have expectations. Instead, they respond honestly and in the moment.

Because of this, horses can help us become more aware of:

Our emotions
Stress levels
Communication patterns
Boundaries
Confidence
Relationships
Problem-solving skills

Their feedback is immediate and genuine, creating opportunities for meaningful self-discovery.

Horses naturally notice and respond to what is happening around them. As prey animals, they are highly aware of body language, energy, boundaries, and emotional shifts.

Because they respond honestly and without judgment, they can help create opportunities to notice patterns, build awareness, and explore relationships in a different way.

At Clarity Equine, we don't view horses as tools to "fix" people. We see them as valued partners who help create a space where connection, curiosity, and growth can happen.

Present
Horses live in the moment and invite us to slow down.

Honest
They respond genuinely and without judgment.

Connection
Relationships with horses can create meaningful opportunities for growth.

Participants May Experience

Increased confidence
Stronger communication

Improved emotional regulation
Reduced stress

Greater self-awareness
New perspectives

Meet the Team

Caitlin Heckbert

Equine Specialist | Founder of Clarity Equine
Caitlin is the founder of Clarity Equine and brings years of experience working with both horses and people. As an Equine Specialist, she is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where clients can build confidence, strengthen relationships, and discover their own path toward healing and personal growth.
With a background in coaching, equine-assisted services, and trauma-informed practice, Caitlin thoughtfully partners with each client and carefully selects the horses best suited to support their individual goals. Her calm, compassionate approach helps clients feel welcomed, understood, and empowered throughout their journey.
Caitlin believes horses have an incredible ability to help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and gain meaningful insight. She is committed to fostering genuine connections between horses and humans while ensuring every session is both emotionally and physically safe.
Wendy Holm

Registered Psychotherapist
Wendy is a compassionate and experienced Registered Psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with empathy, curiosity, and respect. She works collaboratively with clients to create a supportive space where they can explore emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.
Wendy believes that healing happens through authentic relationships and recognizes the unique role horses can play in the therapeutic process. By combining evidence-based psychotherapy with the experiential nature of equine-assisted therapy, she helps clients gain new perspectives, strengthen emotional resilience, and build greater self-awareness.
Her approach is client-centred, strengths-based, and tailored to the unique needs of each individual, creating a safe environment where clients feel heard, valued, and supported.
Working Together

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a collaborative process. During each session, Wendy and Caitlin work together as a team, combining their unique areas of expertise to support your therapeutic journey.
While Wendy guides the clinical and therapeutic aspects of each session, Caitlin focuses on the horses, their behaviour, and the interactions taking place between horse and client. Together, they help create meaningful experiences that encourage reflection, emotional growth, and lasting change.
This team-based approach allows clients to benefit from both professional mental health support and the remarkable ability of horses to provide honest, immediate, and non-judgmental feedback—creating a truly unique therapeutic experience.

Meet Our Partners.

Our horses are not tools or treatment methods. They are valued partners whose wellbeing and individuality matter. We are fortunate to work alongside a herd of over 30 horses and ponies, each with their own unique personalities and strengths. Their individuality helps create opportunities for connection, learning, and meaningful experiences.

FAQs

No. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) at Clarity Equine is completely ground-based. Sessions take place alongside the horses through guided activities, observation, and interaction — there is no riding involved.
Not at all. No horse experience is needed. You do not need to know anything about horses, and there is no expectation that you know what to do. We guide you through the process in a safe and supportive environment.
EAP may support children, youth, adults, families, and individuals experiencing a variety of life challenges or simply seeking personal growth and greater self-awareness. Sessions can support areas such as stress, anxiety, emotional regulation, confidence, relationships, communication, and life transitions.
Each session looks a little different because every person is unique. Sessions may include meeting and interacting with the horses, participating in guided ground-based activities, and reflecting on thoughts, emotions, and experiences with your therapeutic team.
No horse skills are required — there is no right or wrong way to participate.
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and closed-toe footwear such as sneakers or boots. Since sessions take place in a farm environment, clothing that can get a little dusty is recommended.
Some services may be eligible for coverage through extended health benefits depending on your individual plan. Questions regarding billing, coverage, and insurance can be discussed through our partner team at In Good Time Wellness Collective.
Our horses are carefully selected and supported for this work, but we view them as partners rather than tools. Their wellbeing, comfort, and individuality are important, and sessions are designed with the wellbeing of both horses and people in mind.
That is completely okay. Many people arrive feeling unsure or nervous around horses. We move at a pace that feels comfortable, and there is never pressure to interact beyond what feels safe for you.
The first step is simply reaching out. We can answer questions, discuss whether EAP may be a good fit, and help guide you through the next steps.