Who We Are Vision + Values Why We Do It Facility Why Horses? Animal Safety Client Safety Collaborations Credentials
Program Overview Client Stories Equine-facilitated Psychotherapy Nature-based Talk Therapy Therapeutic Horsemanship Equine-assisted Learning Horse+Harbor MIND/FULL Teens MIND/FULL Parents Reading-at-the-Ranch Lifecycle of the Horse Spark* Scholarships EquuSpecialist [ES Training] EquuFile Coloring
As a Client As a Volunteer or Intern As a Therapist / Facilitator As an ES / CTRI Careers
2026 Calendar The Discovery Challenge Herd Hour Lessons with Laura Benefit Obstacle Days GRAZE+GLOW
Wish List Crisis Resources Weather Policy General Sick Policy COVID-19 Policies
 
 

Our Mission:

Connection.

Equuvation was developed to be the catalyst for big ideas, innovative programs, and collaboration in any field of activity centered around the horse-human connection.

We offer ethical equine-facilitated therapies and nature-based activities that prioritize physical and psychological safety for our clients and our animals. Learn more.

Equuvation provides equine-assisted services, program development, and support across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. Learn more.

 
 
 
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Who We Are

Equuvation’s primary nature-based therapy + education center is in North Carolina, offering equine-facilitated psychotherapy, equine-assisted learning, therapeutic horsemanship, nature-based education and more. We also provide services and program development across SC, VA, GA, TN, and PA.

Equuvation was developed to be the catalyst for big ideas, innovative programs, collaboration and continuing education in any field of activity centered around the horse-human connection.

Learn more about our programs >

 
 

Our Programs

Based out of naturally-rich equestrian properties across the Southeast, Equuvation has created safe and thoughtful spaces for children, teens and adults to seek healing, inspiration and education. On the therapeutic side, we offer equine- and animal-assisted therapies for individuals who have disabilities; are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism; and those whose lives have been impacted by trauma, abuse, or chronic illness. On the educational side, we provide a variety of nature-based learning opportunities for all ages; and continuing education for industry professionals.

Learn More
 

equine-facilitated psychotherapy

EFP is a form of experiential therapy that includes horses, and provides clients with opportunities to enhance self-awareness and re-pattern maladaptive behaviors, feelings and attitudes. EFP has proven beneficial for those managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD and Autism; and those affected by trauma, abuse or chronic illness.
 

equine-assisted learning

EAL is an experiential approach that promotes the development
of life skills for educational, professional and personal goals through equine-assisted activities. In an EAL setting, the experiential approach integrates equine-human interaction that is guided by a planned learning experience to meet the identified goals or desires of the participant(s).

therapeutic horsemanship

A holistic approach to developing a relationship with horses, our Therapeutic Horsemanship program combines elements of equine-assisted learning {groundwork} and therapeutic riding {mounted}. Participants benefit from an innovative curriculum which includes equine communication, daily horse care, grooming, tacking and foundational vaulting and riding skills.
 

the discovery trail

The Discovery Trail at Rocky Creek is a multi-dimensional outdoor sensory experience accessible on foot or by horseback. The Discovery Trail operates to create an environment for all ages and abilities to experience the outdoors in a safe and delightful way; and is utilized by EFP, EAL, Therapeutic Horsemanship, Educational Partnerships and Retreats.

 
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Get Involved

Our organization thrives through connection to our community. From our clients and volunteers, to our event guests, donors and partners – all are an integral piece of what inspires our mission every day. We look forward to meeting you!

 

Sign Up For a Program

Equuvation’s therapeutic and educational programs are for all ages and abilities. We look forward to meeting you and learning more about what you are looking for.

Learn More

Volunteer opportunities

The generosity of our volunteers allows
us to take our organization to the next level, and make a bigger impact on the lives of others. Join us!

Volunteer

Make a Donation

We offer unique ways for individuals, families, businesses and groups to support our mission, while fulfilling personal philanthropic goals. Learn more.

Donate
 
☀️ SUMMER EXPERIENCES! Don’t forget to sign your kids up for one of our nature-based summer experiences — we have limited space in each of our three offerings, so sign up TODAY at rcdiscoverytrail.org/camp! . . 💚 Junior Explorers •
🧡 Therapeutic horsemanship and riding has many benefits—many of which are well-known—including: 🔸Overall improved fitness, muscular strength, core strength, posture and balance 🔸Lower blood pressure 🔸Improved breathing patterns and ab
🌟 ONLY FOUR PARTICIPANT SPOTS REMAIN for our 2023 Benefit Obstacle Clinic on Sunday, June 18! Also, AUDITORS welcome (but please register!) This clinic is suitable for juniors or adults, and horses of all ages and training levels, in-hand and/or und
🧡 This little sign hangs in our Windmill Barn {main horse stables} and the Lake House {main client gathering space}. Sometimes it blends into the background, as we go about our normal workday; but every now and then we are reminded how important it
🌟 Don’t forgot to REGISTER for our MIND/FULL workshops for tweens and teens! Our next one is Saturday, June 3rd, 10a-1pm. . . 💕 Our MIND/FULL workshops are nature-based and equine-facilitated experiences intentionally designed to hold space f
📚 NEW DATE for our May Reading-at-the-Ranch – now to be held on Tuesday, May 16th. A reminder that RSVP is required. If you have questions, please email info@equuvation.org! . . 🐴 Part of our Outdoor Educational program, Reading-at-the-Ranch
💚 “The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next.” // Mignon McLaughlin . . #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #yourmindmatters #mindmatters #mindful #health #wellness #
💚 Take what you need. Each year, we honor Mental Health Awareness Month with this poster, which hangs in the work areas of our facility, available for our team, clients, volunteers and friends to “take what they need” on a daily basis. T
🌈🐴 Our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. #therapyhorses . . 🌧️ This morning’s rain brought the most beautiful double rainbow that stretched clear over the farm—a perfect close to April, and welcome to May, #mentalhealthawarenessmo
🐴 Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for our Benefit Obstacle Clinic! It was truly a wonderful workshop showcasing the development of the horse-human connection. . . 📆 We had such a great time that we are going to do it again! Same plac
☀️ Well that was a fun day. A huge thank you to all the participants and auditors who joined us, as well as Laura of @bushelbarns and our friends at @redfeatherfarmnc — together we raised $950 during this clinic to benefit our organizations. 💜
🌅🐴 Dinner with friends on a beautiful Spring evening, no filter needed. . . #nofilter #spring #mentalhealth #wellness #psychotherapy #therapy #therapeutichorsemanship #therapeuticriding #horsehumanconnection #pony #ponies #horse #horses #therapyhor
 

Our Impact

Equuvation was born in late 2016, but it wasn’t until our third full year of service delivery when we truly found our stride. 2020-2022 turned out to be unusual years, but we worked hard to continue providing our services amidst a pandemic. Year over year, we continue to grow and strengthen, providing more structure and talent to our programs, refining our processes, and expanding our collaborations so that we may continue providing effective, ethical equine-assisted and nature-based therapy and education that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our clients and animals.

 

2,882+

hours of equine-facilitated + nature-based psychotherapy

opening the gateway to healing for those navigating trauma and other mental health challenges. (2017-2026 impact)

2,216+

hours outside in nature + along the discovery trail

opening the gateway to healing for those navigating trauma and other mental health challenges. (2017-2026 impact)

2,321+

hours of therapeutic horsemanship +
Therapeutic riding

inspiring physical, social and cognitive benefits and life skills – through therapeutic equine-assisted activities + riding. (2017-2026 impact)

117+

partnerships and collaborations

with mission-focused, like-minded organizations and businesses, to provide services and programs in the community. (2017-2026 impact)

3,517+

hours of equine-assisted learning PROGRAMS, sessions + retreats

with focus on communication, leadership, team building, self-esteem and self-care in partnership with the horse. (2017-2026 impact)

15,406+

total hours of services provided or shared

for children, teens and adults in more than 17 counties across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. (2017-2026 impact)

 
 

“

therapeutic horsemanship

At last, an environment where learning comes naturally for my child. The Equuvation programs
are a godsend for my daughter who struggles with ADHD and sensory integration challenges.

Facilitated with deep insight and skill by Equuvation’s team, my daughter’s continually growing relationship with her therapy horse is awe-inspiring and has significantly increased her executive functioning skills, self confidence and joy.

~ Client Testimonial