by Erin Repasy, MA, LPC; Counselor
December 25, 2025
Trying something new can make anyone feel a little unsure at first. When that new thing involves horses, fresh air, and your first equine therapy session, it is natural to have questions. Equine assisted counseling blends the calming presence of horses with emotional support in a hands-on, peaceful way.
If you have never been around horses, or if you are just not sure what to expect from a session, your first visit is all about helping you feel comfortable. There is no pressure to perform or open up right away. You will get to settle in slowly, meet the horses, and take a look around the space. That is the heart of the first session: feeling welcome, not rushed.
When you arrive, you might notice a quiet stillness that is different from a regular office setting. January in Pennsylvania can be cold, but often it is calm. The ground might be frozen, and sometimes there is snow in the corners of the paddocks. You will want to wear warm boots and layers so you are comfortable outside.
• When we greet you at the ranch, we go at your pace. You will not be led straight to the horses. First, we will show you around so you can see where everything is.
• Then, we bring you over to meet a few horses, usually one at a time. These animals are gentle and steady, and they notice a lot: your mood, your movements, your energy.
• Just being near them often helps new visitors feel more relaxed. We do not jump into touching or feeding unless you are ready. At the start, standing nearby can be enough.
We know the first session can bring nerves, so we keep things simple. You will meet your therapist at the start, and we will walk you through how our visits usually go. You never have to share more than you are ready to. Most of the time, we start with something light: how you are doing, what brought you here, what you are curious or nervous about.
Together, we will set one or two small goals for the session. That might include greeting a horse, brushing one if the weather allows, or simply staying nearby and noticing how you feel. It is not about saying the perfect thing or doing everything right. It is more about learning how to tune in and feel safe.
At Take Heart Counseling, sessions are always guided by trauma-informed care and a gentle approach that allows each person to move at their own pace. Many clients appreciate that our services can include Christian faith-based support if requested, creating a safe space to bring up spiritual concerns alongside emotional ones.
Every session looks a little different depending on what you are comfortable with. During your first visit, we usually start simple.
• Grooming, such as brushing the horse’s neck or side, is a gentle way to connect. The movement is calming and easy, and the horse often responds in quiet ways.
• As you spend time with the horse, we might talk about what you are feeling. Sometimes a horse’s reactions, like stepping closer, turning their head, or closing their eyes, can reflect something important.
• You might also learn a few cues: simple hand or voice signals that help the horse know what you want. We take it slow and guide every step.
It is not about riding or doing tricks; it is about building a real, calm connection.
Equine therapy sessions at Take Heart Counseling are held on a working Pennsylvania ranch, where you will have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful setting year-round, regardless of weather.
Most people feel a little unsure at first, but there are a few things you do not need to think twice about.
• You will not have to ride a horse in any session. Riding is not part of equine assisted counseling unless you ask for it later on, and even then it is not required.
• You do not need any special skills or gear to join. Just dress for the weather: a warm coat, sturdy boots, and gloves if it is extra chilly.
• You do not have to pretend to be okay or ready for anything. However you show up is fine. We will meet you there.
After spending quiet time with the horses, many people feel more grounded. The cool air, soft sounds from the barn, and calm presence of the animals help the body slow down. You do not always realize the effect until later.
When we sit down afterward, we might ask what stood out to you, what you liked, what felt hard, or if anything surprised you. There is no wrong answer. Just noticing how you feel is part of the process. We will talk about what might come next, but only when you are ready. There is no rush.
That first session is less about doing and more about feeling. Feeling safe. Feeling heard. Feeling like it is okay to just be where you are. Horses help with that. They do not judge or push. They notice, respond, and stay present, and that teaches us to do the same.
If you are thinking about taking that first step, showing up is enough. Whether it leads to healing, peace, or simply a calmer day, it is a step worth taking. Equine assisted counseling works best not because it is quick or flashy but because it gives room to grow, with support, patience, and time.
At Take Heart Counseling, we understand how important it is to feel safe, seen, and supported from the very first visit. Whether you are new to therapy or just curious about something more hands-on, working with horses brings a quiet kind of connection that traditional spaces often cannot offer. With winter settling in across Pennsylvania, this slower, peaceful pace can help you feel grounded. Ready to try something different? Our equine assisted counseling sessions are designed to help you take that first step. Schedule your first session or ask any questions you may have.
At Take Heart Counseling, we’ve seen how meaningful progress can come from starting in calm, quiet spaces. For many families, this gentle approach helps children feel safer, more focused, and less overwhelmed. Wondering whether equine-assisted psychotherapy could support your child’s emotional growth? We’d be glad to talk through what might work best. Let’s find the right path together and start a conversation.
