Equine-Assisted Therapy at Hope Valley Healing

Healing Through Connection

At Hope Valley Healing, we believe the most powerful healing happens when the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, is engaged. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Equine-Assisted Therapy as part of our residential treatment program. This makes us one of the few centres in Canada offering this exceptional modality within a live-in recovery setting.

In partnership with Thril, a respected provider of therapeutic equine services, our clients now have the opportunity to experience the profound benefits of working with horses. These majestic, intuitive animals are known for their ability to mirror human emotion and foster deep emotional regulation.

What Equine Therapy Involves

Equine-assisted therapy sessions are structured, therapeutic, and hands-on, designed to build trust, confidence, and emotional awareness. Activities may include:

• Tacking and grooming: Developing responsibility and connection through care routines

• Walking and ground exercises: Encouraging mindfulness and emotional presence

• Riding (when appropriate): Promoting confidence, balance, and self-awareness

Every interaction provides clients with a safe, non-judgmental space to reconnect with themselves. Horses respond authentically, helping individuals explore vulnerability, regulate anxiety, and practice healthier emotional responses.

Benefits for Addiction & Mental Health

Equine therapy has been shown to create powerful shifts for those in recovery. At Hope Valley, clients may experience:

• Reduced anxiety and stress through rhythmic, grounding movements

• Improved emotional regulation and self-awareness

• Greater self-esteem and confidence through non-verbal communication

• Responsibility and structure that supports early recovery

• A safe outlet for trauma healing and reflection

For individuals living with addiction, PTSD, complex trauma, depression, or anxiety, horses offer companionship, feedback, and peace that’s often hard to find in clinical settings.

A Rare Offering in Residential Care

What makes our program unique is the integration of equine-assisted therapy into residential care. Clients can benefit from consistent, guided sessions as part of their broader therapeutic journey without leaving the supportive structure of our centre.

Combined with our trauma-informed therapy, holistic wellness activities, and nature-integrated recovery model, equine therapy adds a deeply healing dimension to the Hope Valley experience.

Whether it’s the quiet focus of grooming, the steady rhythm of walking beside a horse, or the empowerment of riding, equine-assisted therapy helps rebuild trust, restore balance, and reignite hope.

📞 For more information about this program, contact our admissions team at info@hopevalleyhealing.ca or call (249) 288-5659. Healing begins with hope, and hope begins here.