Second Chance Ranch

16/11/2024

At Second Chance Ranch, we celebrate the incredible bond that can form between our horses and our clients. This beautiful moment captures one of our cherished horses, who isn’t always the most engage-able, showing pure affection towards a special young client.

Equine-assisted learning is a powerful tool in helping children navigate their emotional landscapes. Through patience, trust, and understanding, this child has worked diligently to build a connection with our horse.

Our work here at Second Chance Ranch emphasizes the therapeutic power of these gentle giants. Horses, with their unique sensitivity and intuitive nature, provide an unparalleled opportunity for emotional growth and learning. They help our clients develop skills to manage their feelings, foster resilience, and build self-confidence.

This heartwarming interaction is a testament to the incredible progress this child has made.

It’s a beautiful reminder of the profound impact that equine-assisted learning can have on young lives.

🐴✨ Thank you for sharing in this magical journey with us.

22/09/2024

We are so honoured to watch a bond grow between a young person and a horse; it’s transformative for all involved. The positive effects are experienced in various areas a young persons life: trusting others and themselves, empathy, builds confidence and it also wakes up the happy people in the brain (as we like to refer to it) also known as serotonin and dopamine.

Here, this young person was instructed to not use words but to center themselves and without a word call the horse to them. They did it with great success.

We are very proud about how far this young person has come.

21/06/2024

Combined forms of therapy is super beneficial for clients who are new to equine work. Today we combined art therapy with narrative therapy in order to help a client explore an incident which occurred. Using these forms of therapy allowed for the story to emerge safely, from the clients perspective. Importantly, the client was able to reflect on the situation as the projection was not on them but the horse.

Big, big work was undertaken today and we are always so grateful that clients let us in to their inner worlds.

29/05/2024

Alternative approaches to trauma and grief have become more popular in recent times and for good reasons. Whilst talking therapies have their place, Equine therapy can assist greatly with processing emotions, big or small.

The big work with the horse can often be non-verbal as a trusting relationship builds, at times the therapist is silently but skilfully observing as the magic happens.

It is a journey back to health, trust, self-esteem, recovery and love.

Get in touch and let us know if we can assist you or your loved ones.

07/05/2024

Do you have concerns regarding your Childs well-being?

During transition periods you may see changes in behaviour and some of that is normal but if there are changes in behaviour which are persistent such as struggling to adapt to school, bullying others or being the receiver. Have you noticed that your child is suddenly anxious, withdrawn or struggling with behavioural concerns?

Horses love children, it might be their natural innocence or their openness to try something new. At Second Chance Ranch we base our practice on evidence-based practices, the research shows that children who engage with horses in a therapeutic manner- they see an increase in confidence, communication, body awareness, healthy relationship skills, self esteem and general well-being.

If your child could benefit from a horse as their therapist, get in contact with us, we'd love to help.

30/04/2024

Our horseman and support worker, Adrian, has some availability to take on new clients.

At Second Chance Ranch we provide various services including support work.

Adrian is experienced, caring, loves a chat and enjoys teaching people of all abilities a new skill.

We can tailor support to your goals.

Send us a message to book.

21/02/2024

We get questions about whether Equine Therapy could help those living with mental illness at least weekly. The question is big and we couldn't answer it in a blanket answer but what we do know is that there is power in working with horses, as the horses are a mirror to our feelings and behaviours. There is growing evidence-based research to support the notion that equine therapy does promote positive mental state.

Talking therapy is very valuable for some and for others they feel safer in the outdoors, in a non-sterile place, and with a horse as a counsellor.

Learn about a new form of therapy – horse therapy. In this video, meet owner/operator and peer support counsellor, Erin Gallant, and Eastern Health clinical ...

16/02/2024

We'd been away for a little while as our main horseman had a little time off to recuperate from an injury but we're back and glad to be back.

We will be taking expressions of interest for participants looking for Equine therapy, we will have 3 open spots from mid-March.

Here is a little info on why Equine Therapy is so beneficial:

- Did you know that equine therapy can improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength in individuals with disabilities through interactions with horses?

- Horses have a keen ability to sense emotions, making equine therapy a powerful tool for enhancing social skills, empathy, and emotional awareness.

- Engaging with horses in therapy sessions can boost confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills in individuals with disabilities, promoting personal growth and empowerment.

- Equine therapy offers a unique sensory experience, stimulating touch, smell, and movement sensations that can benefit clients with sensory processing challenges.

- Research shows that equine therapy can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression in individuals with disabilities, providing a therapeutic outlet for mental health support.

- The bond formed between clients and horses in equine therapy can foster trust, patience, and resilience, promoting positive behavioral changes and emotional regulation.

- Equine therapy sessions in natural outdoor settings can enhance mood, motivation, and overall well-being in individuals with disabilities, offering a refreshing and holistic approach to therapy.

Get in contact with us to book for March sessions.

15/02/2024

Our Equine therapy program at Second Chance Ranch is currently fully booked, but we will have availability within the next month. We are taking expressions of interest now.

We have a few spots open now for individual support services, we can work on your goals on Second Chance Ranch or in the community depending on your goals.

Contact us today and we'd be happy to discuss any questions with you.