Populations We Serve
- Children (age 7+), Teens, Adults, Families, Couples
- Service Members, Veterans, First Responders
- Neurodivergence (sensory issues, ADHD, Autism) – please contact us to ensure that we can accommodate you or your loved one’s needs
- LGBTQIA+ – All genders and identities are accepted and safe at Hope On The Hoof
Please note: All sessions are ground-based. There is no riding of the horses. Participants engage with horses through structured, on-the-ground activities designed to foster trust, emotional insight, and healing.
We Help You Navigate Through:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Grief
- PTSD
- Trauma recovery
- Self-discovery
- Confidence building
- Emotional regulation
- Life transitions
- Stress management
- Relationship dynamics
- Communication Skills
- Neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, sensory processing)
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. If you are navigating challenges not listed here, please contact us about your needs!
How To Get Started:
Step 1: Contact us through phone, email, or by filling out the Prospective Client Form to set up a consultation
Step 2: Our licensed mental health therapist will contact you within 48 hours
Step 3: Schedule your first session!
Step 4: Complete intake paperwork before your first session
Step 5: Start your healing journey
Making Therapy Services Accessible, One Session At A Time
All sessions are currently available through self-pay. Your Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield or Iowa Medicaid plan may now help cover a portion of the cost of sessions. We’re actively working to expand payment options, including additional insurance coverage, and look forward to sharing those updates soon.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, please don’t hesitate to reach out to inquire about reduced-cost availability.
We’re committed to making healing accessible for all!
Therapy Session Options
Individual
In an individual equine-assisted session, clients can expect to engage in ground-based activities with horses, guided by a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist. The focus is on experiential learning, where clients explore emotions, self-awareness, and personal growth through interactions with the horse. The Eagala approach encourages reflection and insight without the need for riding, fostering a deep connection between the client and the horse to promote healing and change. Sessions are scheduled in 60min blocks.
Couples/Family
In a couples or family equine-assisted session, participants work together with a therapist and equine specialist to address relationship dynamics, improve communication, and build trust through structured horse interactions. The Eagala method focuses on nonverbal communication, helping participants recognize patterns in their relationships and develop new ways to collaborate. The horses act as mirrors, offering immediate feedback and facilitating deeper emotional awareness. Sessions are scheduled in 60-90min blocks based on availability.
Group
In a group equine-assisted session, participants work in a team with horses to develop group dynamics, communication, and leadership skills. The therapist and equine specialist guide participants through activities that encourage cooperation and problem-solving. The Eagala method uses the horses as metaphors for group processes, offering insights into individual roles, group behavior, and collective goals, all while fostering trust and mutual support within the group. Sessions are scheduled for 2 hours per day, one day per week, for 4-6 weeks.
To learn more about our group programs and see upcoming availability, please visit our Programs page!