EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY
RETREAT DAY
RETREAT DAY
10am till 3pm
The aim of the Retreat Day is to create a space for trauma-informed, experiential therapy where clients connect with horses from the ground, to support emotional regulation, nervous-system healing, and the rebuilding of trust. The core idea is that horses respond honestly and immediately to human body language, energy, and emotional states, giving clients a real-time biofeedback that helps them understand and regulate their internal experience.
Horses are ideal partners because they are highly sensitive prey animals - they read subtle shifts in posture, breath, tension, and intention. They respond without judgement, expectation, or agenda, which creates a uniquely safe relational environment for trauma survivors.
Why Equine Assisted Therapy?
Equine-assisted therapy works because it simultaneously engages:
- the body (somatic regulation)
- the brain (limbic calming, interoception)
- the nervous system (polyvagal activation)
- the relational system (attachment and trust)
What we do:
Somatic regulation - Helps clients calm their nervous system through embodied interaction.
Boundary practice - Horses respond clearly to personal space, helping clients learn safe boundaries.
Emotional awareness - Horses mirror emotional states, making internal experiences visible.
Trust building - Non-judgmental interactions help clients rebuild trust safely.
Present-moment grounding - Horses’ attunement encourages mindfulness.
The facilitators of the program are:
Bronwen Wood (Reg Psychologist and EIEP Practitioner) and Sarah Venmore (Occupational Therapist and Equine Specialist)
Referrals to:
Bronwen Wood (021 942 262)
Rosieswayequine@gmail.com
ACC Sensitive Claims approved:
Ta Moko Services (G0L087)
Bronwen Wood (23AHUF)
7 hours SCSGT +
1 x triage SCSGTT
No prior experience with horses is required. The session is conducted from the ground, so no riding will be involved.