On Course Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

11/12/2025

Calling Local Photographers!

On Course Therapy & Learning is looking for a photographer (or photography student!) interested in capturing special moments at some of our equine and family events next year. We’d love to partner with someone who wants to expand their portfolio, gain experience working with children, families, and animals, and be part of meaningful community programs.

Events include activities like seasonal gatherings such as our Open House Meet the Herd in April, mother's day at the barn, and other community events.

We are hoping to find someone willing to offer discounted rates in support of these experiences since these are low-cost or free events.

If you or someone you know might be interested, please send us a message or email us at info@oncoursetherapy.com for more details

11/11/2025

What an incredible six weeks it’s been at On Course Therapy & Learning! Our home-schoolers explored connection, flexibility, self-regulation, courage, teamwork, and problem-solving — all through hands-on activities with our amazing horses.

From creating horse vision goggles and leading obstacle courses to painting bravery stories and exploring science in the pasture, these students learned so much about themselves, nature, and working together.

We’re so proud of the growth we’ve seen — increased confidence, communication, creativity, and respect — all while having a whole lot of fun! Who knew wheelbarrow-filling races would be the most fun!

Thank you to our families for sharing your learners with us this season. We can’t wait to see where the trail leads next!

11/10/2025

1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, and less than half ever get help. (ADAA)

For many men, it’s not because they don’t want to, it’s because of stigma and the societal expectations to push through and stay strong. Talking about what’s really going on can feel impossible when you’ve spent years being told not to feel at all.

That’s where horses can make an impact.

Horses don’t hold the biases that are common with humans, which creates a safe space. This non-judgmental experience provides an opportunity for healing past traumas and provides present-moment connection. Studies show equine-assisted services can reduce symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and depression by helping people reconnect to their emotions and rebuild trust (American Psychological Association, 2023; National Library of Medicine, 2022).

This , let’s change the conversation around men's mental health.

10/20/2025

We like to apply the same concepts to the kiddos who come to work with the horses. As we often observe in the horses, leaders are not always in the front. 🐴

“Leader” Language—And What It Can Hide
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We hear it often in the horse world:
🗣 “Be the leader.”
🗣 “Show them who’s boss.”
🗣 “Make them respect you.”
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But what kind of leadership are we talking about?
Too often, that word becomes a disguise for control—an excuse for dominance, pressure, or shutting down resistance in the name of “clarity.”
⠀
What if leadership didn’t mean getting your way, but being worthy of trust?
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Real leadership doesn’t demand submission.
It models calm.
It holds space.
It listens, adjusts, and takes responsibility for safety—without needing to overpower.
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Let’s redefine “leader” to mean:
🤍 Trustworthy presence
🧭 Emotional steadiness
🌿 Mutual regulation
🐴 Willingness to listen
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Because the strongest leaders aren’t the loudest.
They’re the ones others want to follow—freely.
⠀
✨ What if your horse didn’t need to be “put in their place”…
and instead, found peace in yours?

If you agree, share this post to add to the gentle ripple shaking the equestrian world into a new understanding.

Learn more at https://stormymay.com
⠀

10/03/2025

09/11/2025

❤️

09/08/2025

🐴 Exciting News for Home-schooling Families! 🐴

On Course Therapy & Learning is launching a Home-school Enrichment Group — a weekly 2-hour program designed to bring together learning, creativity, and connection through nature, horses, and community.

What’s included:
✅ Hands-on science & nature activities (animal studies, outdoor exploration)
✅ Creative arts & language experiences (storytelling, journaling, themed projects)
✅ Unique equine-assisted learning sessions (teamwork, confidence-building, communication)

📅 When: Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30am, 9/23-11/4, no group 10/4
📍 Where: On Course Therapy & Learning – 8202 Howe Rd. Wonder Lake, IL
Who: Home-schooling students ages 5+

Come join us for growth, learning, and meaningful connections

➡️ Space is limited! Reserve your spot today:
📧 info@oncoursetherapy.com

08/12/2025

08/12/2025

🐴 Another week of camp fun is in the books!
Our campers had an amazing time building confidence, teamwork, and courage while connecting with our wonderful horses. 🐎
From navigating exciting obstacle courses and balancing in “Don’t Touch the Lava”, to cooling off with some horse bathing, earning Bravery Badges, and laughing through Horse Simon Says, every day was packed with learning, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

We are so proud of each camper for trying new things, cheering each other on, and showing kindness to both friends and horses. 💙

📸 Here are a few snapshots of the fun!

07/15/2025

Our campers had an amazing time connecting with horses and each other! From obstacle courses and horse painting to storytelling and team games, every day has been full of courage, creativity, and connection while working through some challenging activities and moments of frustration. Check out some snapshots of the fun!

We have a couple of spots open in our August camp!

06/19/2025

We now have 1 spot that opened up in our July camp and still have a couple in our August camp! Email info@oncoursetherapy.com to register! 🐎