Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need experience with horses?
Not at all. The vast majority of clients who come to Open Gate have never been around horses before, and that's completely fine. The horses and counselor will meet you at your experience and comfort level.Â
What is equine-assisted counseling?
Equine-assisted counseling is a therapeutic approach where clients work with horses and a counselor to address emotional and behavioral goals. Horses provide non-judgmental feedback and grounded presence, making the healing process more intuitive and experiential.
Is it safe to work with horses?
Safety is our top priority. We use extensively trained horses and follow safety protocols. Most sessions are ground-based (no riding), which significantly reduces risks and focuses on the relational connection between you and the horse.
What can I expect in a typical session?
A session usually involves interacting with a horse in a controlled space—grooming, leading, or simply being near them. We use these moments as metaphors for life challenges, helping you develop tools for self-regulation, boundary setting, and emotional awareness.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes (boots or sneakers) for safety around the horses. Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate layers that you don't mind getting a little dusty while working outdoors.
What happens in bad weather?
We have sheltered areas for light rain, but in cases of severe weather, we may reschedule. We communicate cancellations as early as possible on the day of your appointment.
How is this different from traditional counseling?Â
Traditional talk counseling asks clients to describe and analize their emotions verbally- which can be difficult for some people. Equine assisted counseling creates a real-time, physical experience with an animal that responds authentically to the clients emotional state. This bypasses the verbal and cognitive defenses that often block progress in office-based counseling, reading people in a fundamentally different way.Â
Your Secure Client Portal
To support your safety and ongoing progress, we provide a secure Client Portal. Before your equine-assisted counseling sessions, please use the portal to sign required waivers and complete your weekly check-in forms. This simple step ensures our time together is fully focused on your healing and growth journey.