Riverside’s Gentle Giants offer a compassionate, grounding approach to healing…
Are you looking for an alternative to the traditional therapy room? Would you prefer the healing presence of horses?
Why horses?
Horses are authentic, sensitive beings who respond to human energy, body language, and presence in the moment.
They do not judge, and they do not expect words. Instead, they provide immediate feedback that helps people better understand themselves, explore choices, set boundaries, and practice self-compassion.
Horses act as partners in the healing process, providing authenticity, guidance and unconditional acceptance.
The healing journey
Each person’s journey looks different. Some sessions focus on quiet interactions such as brushing, walking with a horse, or simply being in the field together. Others involve reflecting on real-life challenges—like relationships, work pressures, or addressing past traumas—and practising new responses in a supportive environment.
A blend of experiential learning and more traditional therapeutic approaches can be interwoven for the benefit of the client.
‘The atmosphere was very calming and the sessions offered me the time and space to reflect on my thoughts and reactions…I selected the horse I wanted to work with each time and found their presence calming, which helped me pause, take a breath and become more aware of how to regulate my energy…’
Cassie
- Building Self-Worth and Confidence
The horses have helped clients learn to respect their own boundaries and choices by observing and interacting with horses who clearly express their needs. This translated into greater self-expression and assertiveness in their daily lives.
- Grounding and Emotional Regulation
The calming presence of the horses, combined with the restorative effects of nature and movement, can help clients remain present and connected during therapy. For some, this provides an additional sense of grounding, supporting emotional regulation and making it easier to stay within their window of tolerance.
- Equine-assisted EMDR
Equine-Assisted EMDR combines the evidence-based principles of (EMDR) with the calming, grounding presence of horses. Rather than taking place solely in the therapy room, sessions are conducted alongside horses, where their natural responsiveness can support present-moment awareness, emotional regulation and a sense of safety. As with traditional EMDR, stabilisation and developing resources before processing traumatic memories is prioritised.
‘…The therapy you offered me with them is truly one of the most lovely experiences I have had. Please hug them all for me, and give an extra nice scratch behind their ears!’
Samantha – EMDR client
My equine therapy training journey
Having worked as a Clinical Psychologist for many years and been involved with horses for even longer, combining these two passions was a natural progression when I began my equine-assisted therapy journey in 2015.
Since then, I have undertaken a range of specialist training to develop my skills, always ensuring that both clinical practice.
Horse Welfare
The welfare of our horses is central to everything we do.
The horses are valued partners in the therapeutic process, not therapeutic tools. Their physical and emotional wellbeing is carefully protected, and every session is planned with their needs in mind.
Our horses live as a natural herd, allowing them to develop and maintain their own social relationships. Living together enables them to communicate freely, establish their own boundaries and regulate themselves through normal equine behaviour. We believe this is fundamental to both their welfare and the quality of the therapeutic environment they provide.
Sessions take place during the summer months. They are self-funding and are charged at £130 for 60 minute session.
To discover more, please call 07811475228 or email@riversidepsychologyservice.co.uk
