No prior horse experience is needed! Our equine-assisted therapy and wellness sessions are designed for beginners and experienced participants alike. Our trained therapists and equine specialists guide you safely through every activity, and all interactions with the horses are supervised.

Equine-assisted therapy can benefit people of all ages who are seeking support for emotional, relational, or personal growth. It can be helpful for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, life transitions, or challenges with self-esteem, boundaries, and connection. Many people also participate simply to deepen self-awareness, build confidence, and experience healing in a nature-based, relational setting.

We serve ages 7+ for individual or group sessions. We serve younger ages in family sessions.

All sessions take place from the ground, meaning there is no riding of the horses. You don’t need to love horses, be “good with animals,” or have any prior experience—just curiosity and openness

In traditional therapy, healing often happens through conversation. In equine-assisted therapy, healing happens through experience, relationship, and the body. Horses offer honest, nonjudgmental feedback and help people practice boundaries, connection, and emotional regulation in a living, relational environment. This can be especially helpful for people who feel stuck in talk therapy or who benefit from movement and nature-based approaches.

A typical equine-assisted therapy session is co-facilitated by a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist. Sessions are experiential and ground-based, using structured and unstructured activities with horses to support therapeutic goals. The therapist facilitates reflection, emotional processing, and skill-building related to regulation, relationships, boundaries, and self-awareness. Sessions conclude with debriefing and integration to support transfer of learning to daily life.

Your privacy matters. Sessions are confidential and guided by the same ethical standards as any mental health counseling. Because we facilitate this therapy at a barn, you may notice others nearby, but sessions are usually held in quiet areas where conversations are not easily heard. We take care to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and private.

You are always welcome to share any privacy concerns with your therapist so we can adjust the environment when possible.

Sessions are held at Jester Park Equestrian Center in Granger, IA. Sessions may take place in an indoor arena, outdoor arena, or pasture space depending on the weather and other work taking place around the facility.

You must wear closed-toe shoes or boots to every session in order to be around the horses. You should plan to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and are weather appropriate (layers are recommended). 

In the winter, we will be indoors with heaters, however, coats and jackets are still recommended for comfort. In the summer, we may be indoors with fans or outdoors depending on weather. Pants are recommended to avoid flies/bugs, but shorts are permitted in extreme heat. 

You are encouraged to bring a water bottle (year round), and a hat, sunscreen, & bug spray (during the warmer months). We will often have sunscreen and/or bugspray, however, we cannot guarantee to meet your needs based on skin type or allergies.

Please visit our “Contact Us” page to submit a client inquiry, send us an email, or give us a call/text! If you are calling, please prepare to leave a detailed message as we may be in a session and unable to answer.

Each session is 50-60 minutes. Frequency of sessions depends on your needs, schedule, and available session slots. Sessions typically take place on a weekly or biweekly basis. The total number of sessions depends on your needs and goals of therapy.

Yes. Hope On The Hoof hosts community events, workshops, and experiential gatherings throughout the year. These offerings are designed to introduce equine-assisted work, promote wellbeing, and build connection in the community. Events may include educational workshops, themed equine experiences, open houses, and special seasonal programs.

Upcoming events are shared on our website and social media. Registration is required for most programs, and space may be limited.

Yes! Sessions are offered year-round thanks to the wonderful facilities at Jester Park Equestrian Center!

Session fees vary based on the type of service (individual therapy, groups, or wellness experiences). We are committed to making services as accessible as possible and offer sliding-scale options and periodic low- or no-cost programs when funding allows. Please contact us to discuss current rates and financial options.

Yes! We are credentialed with Wellmark BCBS, Iowa Medicaid, and Iowa Total Care. We are actively pursuing other insurances. Please periodically check our website and social media for updates.

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. This helps us plan sessions and use our time with the horses and facility thoughtfully. Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged a fee, except in emergencies. If something unexpected comes up, please reach out—we’re happy to talk through options.

No referral is required. You can contact Hope On The Hoof directly to inquire about services. Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so we encourage you to check with your provider if you plan to use insurance.

Volunteer needs vary depending on the schedule of sessions, workshops, and special events. We are currently planning more group and workshop sessions, and as opportunities become available, we will reach out to our volunteer team. If you’re interested in supporting Hope On The Hoof, we welcome you to join our volunteer list and stay updated on upcoming opportunities.

Volunteers must be 21 or older to participate in session-based roles. This age requirement helps maintain a safe and professional environment for both participants and horses. We encourage anyone with equine experience or a mental health, education, or helping-profession background to join our volunteer team.

Volunteer time commitment varies with program needs. Opportunities are scheduled as sessions, workshops, or events are confirmed. Volunteers can indicate their availability and will be contacted when their participation is needed.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form or reach out to us via email or phone. Once we receive your application, we’ll contact you to discuss your experience, interests, and availability. Approved volunteers will complete required training and orientation before participating in sessions.

Yes! Hope On The Hoof is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt for your gift for tax purposes.

Yes! We welcome partnerships with businesses, organizations, and community groups. Partners can support our mission through sponsorships, in-kind contributions, volunteer engagement, or collaborative events. We are happy to work with you to find a meaningful way to get involved and make an impact.

Becoming a monthly supporter is easy! You can set up a recurring donation through our website by choosing a monthly giving option. Your ongoing support helps sustain our programs, care for our horses, and provide consistent access to equine-assisted therapy and wellness sessions for participants in need.

Yes! Donating in honor or memory of a loved one is a meaningful way to celebrate their life or legacy. These gifts directly support Hope On The Hoof’s therapy and wellness programs, helping others experience the healing power of horses. You can include the honoree’s name with your donation, and we are happy to send an acknowledgment to the person or family you wish to recognize.