Equine Assisted Development
Structured, ground-based experiences where horses help people strengthen communication, self-awareness, emotional regulation and connection.
No riding. Horses participate as respected partners.
What Is Equine-Assisted Development?
Equine-Assisted Development, or EAD, uses thoughtfully facilitated, ground-based activities with horses to support personal and group development.
Rather than teaching participants how to ride or control a horse, EAD creates opportunities to practice communication, awareness, problem-solving, emotional regulation, trust and healthy relationship-building.
Horses respond honestly to body language, energy, boundaries and changes within a group. Their responses provide participants with immediate opportunities for observation, reflection and growth.
Structured
Each session has defined goals, planned activities and an approved facilitator.
Ground-Based
Participants work beside the horses through observation and supervised activities. There is no riding.
Horse-Centered
Every activity respects each horse’s comfort, choice and well-being. Horses are partners, not tools.
How Programs Are Offered
Hudson Valley Horse Park partners with schools, nonprofits, agencies, employers and community organizations to provide structured Equine-Assisted Development groups.
Programs are planned around the goals of the participating organization, the needs of the group, qualified facilitator availability and the well-being of our horses.
Single Group Session
A focused introduction to Equine-Assisted Development with activities selected to support the group’s identified goals.
Typical length: Two hours
Group size: Up to 10 participants
Format: Private, contracted group
Multi-Week Group Series
A structured series that allows participants to build skills, strengthen relationships and reflect on progress over time.
Standard format: Six weekly sessions
Typical length: Two hours per session
Group size: Up to 10 participants
Programs are scheduled only after goals, dates, staffing, participant needs and funding arrangements have been confirmed with the referring organization.
Programs for Our Community
Our programs are developed with community partners to meet the goals and needs of each participating group.
Youth & School Programs
Structured group experiences support social-emotional learning, communication, resilience, problem-solving and healthy relationships.
Women’s Equine-Assisted Development
Facilitated group experiences create space for reflection, connection, communication, personal growth and mutual support.
Veterans & First Responders
Ground-based group experiences support connection, communication, trust and resilience for those who serve and have served our communities.
Community & Partner Programs
We collaborate with nonprofits, agencies and community organizations to develop structured group experiences around shared goals.
Choosing the Right Experience
Hudson Valley Horse Park offers several ways to connect with horses. The appropriate option depends on whether you are looking for recreation, wellness or structured group development.
Looking for a Wellness Experience?
Yoga, Reiki and other wellness experiences offer opportunities for relaxation, reflection and connection in the presence of horses. These experiences are separate from our structured Equine-Assisted Development programs and do not include psychotherapy, medical treatment or crisis services.
Standards, Safety and Accountability
Hudson Valley Horse Park is operated by Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, a nonprofit sanctuary committed to ethical horse care, responsible facilitation and measurable community impact.
Qualified Facilitation Team
Programs are led by approved facilitators with training in recognized equine-assisted, experiential and trauma-informed approaches.
Professional Partnerships
Our New York State Office of the Professions waiver allows appropriately licensed professionals to legally provide approved services within their professional scope.
Horse-Centered Practice
Activities respect each horse’s health, comfort, boundaries and choice. Participation is adjusted when a horse communicates discomfort or needs a change.
Documented Outcomes
Programs use defined goals, attendance records, participant feedback and appropriate assessment tools to track engagement, progress and program impact.
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue maintains recognized equine welfare, sanctuary and community-outreach accreditations and affiliations, including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, EQUUS Foundation Mentor program, Certified Horsemanship Association and United States Equestrian Federation Community Outreach Program.
Bring Your Group to Hudson Valley Horse Park
Tell us about your organization, participants and goals. We will help determine whether Equine-Assisted Development is the right fit and recommend an appropriate group format.
1. Submit an Inquiry
Share your organization, group size, participant needs, goals and preferred timeframe.
2. Plan the Program
We confirm the program format, facilitator team, schedule, cost, funding and participant requirements.
3. Confirm the Agreement
Programs are reserved after the scope, dates, responsibilities, payment arrangements and required documents are confirmed.
Submitting an inquiry does not reserve a program. Availability depends on approved staffing, horse welfare, scheduling and completion of the required agreement.