Equine Assisted Therapy
Experience healing with equine therapy.
At Hope Bandits, we approach therapy in a unique way through our equine-assisted therapy services. By combining trauma-informed care with the transformative relational power of horses, we provide healing experiences that are grounded, embodied, and deeply connected.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, burnout, or emotional overwhelm, our work with horses facilitates mental wellness by helping you achieve nervous system regulation, develop healthy relationship patterns, and cultivate a felt sense of safety. No riding experience (or riding at all!) is required.
We never have to tell our horse if we are sad, happy, angry, confident, or relaxed. He already knows, long before we do.
Marjike de Jong
Why Horses?
Horses are honest, sensitive, and responsive to the energy and emotions around them. They don’t judge, diagnose, or demand that you “talk it out.” They invite presence, authenticity, and trust—helping you reconnect with your body, process stuck emotions, and develop insight through experience, not just words.
This isn’t just about brushing horses (though we love a good grooming session!). It’s about:
- Releasing stress and tension through movement and connection
- Rebuilding trust in your body and instincts
- Practicing boundaries and assertiveness in real time
- Experiencing co-regulation with a nonjudgmental partner
- Restoring play, curiosity, and confidence
Who It's For
Equine-assisted therapy and learning is powerful for individuals, families, and groups. We work with:
- Children and teens navigating emotional regulation, anxiety, or trauma
- Adults struggling with burnout, perfectionism, or relational wounds
- First responders, veterans, and helpers who need a break from being the strong one
- Professionals seeking experiential workshops and nervous system-informed coaching
We also welcome neurodivergent clients, those who feel stuck in traditional therapy models, or anyone ready to try something different.
What to Expect
Sessions start at 60 minutes and take place at our private North Phoenix farm. You’ll work at your own pace, with activities and interactions designed to meet your unique needs and goals. We might:
- Observe and reflect with the herd
- Practice somatic awareness exercises
- Engage in groundwork activities like leading, grooming, or obstacle work
- Learn how the nervous system responds to threat, connection, and repair
No horse experience is necessary—and you’ll never be asked to do anything that doesn’t feel safe.
Our Approach
Annie is a licensed therapist trained in the EAGALA model and currently completing certification in Natural Lifemanship, a leading trauma-informed, relationship-first equine therapy model. Our work integrates principles of attachment, regulation, and co-created safety between horse and human.
We’re not here to fix you. We’re here to walk beside you (with a few hooves, feathers, and paw prints along the way).
