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HORSEMANSHIP

Our horsemanship program helps students learn the value of patience, focus, connection, and commitment. As they learn more about relationships through their partnership with a horse, they begin to understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions affect those who are close to them.

This program goes above and beyond equine therapy as real horsemanship experts use practical application to teach our students essential life skills. Students in this program put concepts like teamwork and responsibility into action by taking care of a horse and doing various activities together.

How the Program Works

With this program, each student will be assigned a horse to care for and work with. During the time spent with their horse, students will learn the basics of a horse’s anatomy, safety, and care. They will also begin developing horseback riding skills, both in the arena and out on the trail.

Typically, a therapist will give the student certain goals to accomplish, such as putting a halter on the horse or leading the horse. After completing the task as best they can, they’ll discuss the thoughts and problem solving involved with finishing the task.

student with her horse

What is Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy is a specific type of therapy that uses horses to help people reach their therapeutic goals. During equine therapy, people usually feed, groom, lead, ride, and clean up after a horse. This is all done under the supervision of a professional to ensure safety. 

Different Types of Equine Therapy

There are several types of equine therapy, including:

  • Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP): EAP focuses on treating psychological issues to help people create healthier patterns of thinking and behaving.
  • Equine-Assisted Learning Therapy (EAL): EAL helps people develop important life skills, so they’re better able to reach their personal, educational, and professional goals.
  • Hippotherapy: Hippotherapy is both therapeutic and rehabilitative. It promotes mental and physical health by improving strength, coordination, self-awareness, and more.

How Equine Therapy Helps Struggling Teens

Equine therapy helps teenagers in many ways, such as:

  • Providing students with the support of horses
  • Offering an inviting therapeutic environment
  • Helping students process depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.
  • Boosting self-esteem
  • Promoting impulse control
  • Improving self-awareness
  • And much more

By participating in both horsemanship and equine therapy, students develop important life skills that help their overall transformation, including improved communication and judgment skills, social awareness, responsibility, and increased decision-making abilities.

three students on horses participating in equine therapy

Discover the Difference Working with Horses Can Have

 Learn More About Our Program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Testimonials

My son was struggling and TAR helped him and gave him life skills. He is home now and doing amazing! Not to say there are always bumps in the road, but this facility is one that works.

- Sandra Baker, August 2021

At TAR, doing real work, solving real problems daily was the game-changer... My son has learned how to express his feelings more frequently. He listens more carefully and expects to be listened to. He has come to understand the benefits and value of hard work... We have a long way to go. But we have more positives and more potential to move forward on a positive trajectory than we have had in many years... I firmly believe none of his would have happened without TAR.

- Robi Robichaud, August 2021

We sent our son to Turn-About and I can't say enough good things about this program. The first time I spoke with them they actually gave me some things that they thought I could do at home to possibly work through our issues and not have to use the program! I was immediately impressed that they were concerned with my son and not just selling an enrollment. My son learned so much there and loved all of the staff members. They put their hearts and souls into helping the kids that are there... They gave us a ton of resources to make sure we keep the momentum and have a smooth transition back to home life... It was life changing for everyone of my family members that were involved.

- Anthony Detrick, July 2021

This place has made all the difference, and saved our 16 year old daughter’s life. Previous counseling, hospitalization, and medications did not work, and we were about to give up on her. She’s come out of this program strong, honest, and positive with herself, and future. The people employed at the ranch are caring, genuine, and simply put, one of a kind. Thank you, for giving us our daughter back.

- P. Bell, July 2021

My 14 year old daughter graduated from Turn-About Ranch about 2 months ago and is the best she has ever been... I am beyond grateful that her journey led her to the people who are so gracious, patient, and brutally honest... This is where the most effective therapy took place for her… where she learned to turn suggested tools/ideas/concepts into action and have her eyes opened to new better ways of shaping her perspective, relationships, communication, and living life by higher morals and values...  this [program] does it right!  ...My daughter loves them, misses them and wants to visit on her one year anniversary… but she doesn’t want to return as a resident either… it’s really brilliant!

- AJ Trainer, July 2021

Turn-About Ranch

280 N 300 E.
Escalante, UT 84726
(800) 842-1165