FAQ
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A: No prior experience is necessary. All sessions are designed for beginners and experienced horse enthusiasts alike. You are supported throughout, and you’re encouraged to explore at your own pace.
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A: Yes! Clients are always welcome to bring their own therapist or You Are Herd can connect you with a licensed therapist from our network, including our partner agency Your Next Chapter. The therapist can attend some or all sessions based on your goals and preferences. Sessions can be structured so the equine work and therapy support your objectives together.
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A: Billing can be flexible depending on your preference and the therapist:
The therapist and client can work out billing directly between themselves.
If preferred, You Are Herd can handle all billing together and invoice the client.
Some therapists can bill their insurance for the therapy portion of the session, while the equine portion is billed separately.
We also work with therapists in private practice, tailoring each arrangement to the client’s needs and insurance cove
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A: You Are Herd sessions are designed to be inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Individual sessions are 1:1 between the client and You Are Herd and a therapist of the clients choice if wanted
Intensive sessions are open to all - singles, couples, families (whole or partial), co-workers, or groups. Sessions are customized to meet each participant’s goals and comfort level.
Consulting sessions can also be tailored based on client needs, whether for individuals, teams, or organizations.
Everyone is welcome regardless of gender identity, experience with horses, or background. Our goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants.
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A: You can establish goals during a pre-session consultation call, or discuss them at the start of your session. The sessions are flexible, so goals can evolve based on what arises during your time with the horses.
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A: Absolutely! You may start with an individual, intensive or consultation session and decide afterward if you want to book a package or continue with single sessions.
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A: Intensives are longer and allow deeper exploration of emotions, relationships, or team dynamics. They may involve multiple participants or therapists and are tailored to your evolving needs.
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A: Consulting sessions can be virtual, at our farm, or on your site. We cover program design, safety, engagement strategies, participant and horse management, and creative solutions for challenges. Sessions are aimed at broadening your perspective and strengthening your equine programs.
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A: Horses help you:
Notice patterns in yourself, others, and your environment.
Practice emotional regulation and presence.
Improve communication and attunement in relationships.
Gain self-awareness, confidence, and clarity.
Experience therapeutic calm and support in a nonjudgmental environment.
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A: Yes! Sessions are designed to be inclusive and safe for participants of all ages and backgrounds. Individuals, families, and groups have successfully participated. It is perfectly okay if you are scared of horses, horses are scared a lot too! We can help identify your fears and work through them together at YOUR pace.
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A. Probably not. In very rare circumstances I have put humans on my horses but not to teach them how to ride. I do not teach riding lessons on my personal horses. However, this work is extremely helpful for riders. I am a rider myself, I apply this relational work on the ground and on the backs of horses. In my opinion, there is nothing more special than riding a horse bareback with nothing on them, we communicate not by aids, rather by presence, intention, trust and respect.
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A. Yes, I will and I have worked with humans and their horses. I will come to your barn and offer you my opinion, experience and perspective on ways to improve your relationship with your horse or horses. I do not teach riding lessons in a traditional sense, so riding discipline western vs english etc does not matter to me at all. I focus on noticing what might be going on for the horse, attuning to the horse and helping humans find other ways of communicating with your horse.
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The ideal client for equine therapy at You Are Herd is someone seeking a deeply personal, transformative experience in a safe and intimate setting. Choosing the right provider is important because equine therapy can be a vulnerable process—finding the right facilitator, environment, and even horse can greatly enhance the impact of the work. You Are Herd offers a private, tranquil setting with facilitators who bring extensive experience with horses and mental health, as well as a personal understanding of life’s challenges and growth. Sessions are tailored to each participant, allowing experiences to develop naturally in real time, with a focus on curiosity, reflection, and exploration. Emotional expression—whether through laughter, tears, or both—is welcomed, and the work balances depth with moments of levity. The approach emphasizes tuning into both the horses and participants to create a personalized experience that supports self-discovery and meaningful connection.
Welcome to our Equine Programs FAQ! Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about our sessions, including what to expect, safety guidelines, and how to participate. If your question isn’t listed, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to provide more information.