Equine~Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

EAP, which involves a team approach with an equine specialist and a clinical professional, has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of human development and mental health needs such as behavioral issues, ADD and ADHD, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, anger management, conflict resolution, relationship problems and communications.  It is experiential in nature which promotes learning about the self by participating in activities with horses and then discussing feelings, behaviors and patterns.  Horses offer several advantages like their size, which offers a perfect opportunity to overcome fear and develop confidence. "Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors for dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations."  Also, horses are social animals, with distinct personalities, attitudes and moods.  Working with them and caring for them requires effort ~ there's no easy way out.  Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. "The lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently."  (Click on the link above to read a testimonial regarding EAP)

Animal~Assisted Growth and Learning Activities

The concept of using animals in activities as a developmental tool for growth and learning in individuals is a means of improving quality of life, often bringing about rehabilitation and/or healing in individuals.  Animals get us outside ourselves; they provide companionship and love.  They teach children responsibility, can alleviate human aches and pains, can reduce stress, and encourage better physical fitness.  Animals are beautiful to the eye, pleasant to the touch, and they tend to make us lighter in spirit. Animal-Assisted Activities are used in a growing field and are proven to provide positive physical and mental effects on the participants.  

Corporate Team Building

Using the EAGALA Model (through EAP as outlined above), this innovative, experiential concept of Corporate Team Building with horses exceeds the results of any other corporate team building clinic available today! Through activities with the horses, the team is given a few simple rules and a task to accomplish with horses.  These activities are solution-oriented while building on the team's creativity and ability to work together.  A "must~ see~to~believe" clinic!  (Click on the link above for a testimonial and comments from staff)

Riding Lessons and Special Events with Ponies and Horses 

CaliCos Haven, Inc., offers lessons in riding to children and adults.  Our lessons are one-hour long and are focused on learning how to ride horses in any setting at a cost of $45 per individual/private lesson.  At CaliCos Haven, you will learn how to ride horses, not only in an arena setting, but on trails learning how to move along with the horse and overcome any other "obstacles" that may be presented when out pleasure riding on a horse.  In the event a student wishes to compete, CaliCos Haven offers information regarding the different types of disciplines in horseback riding competition and the costs and expectations involved in each.  If competition is the route the student wishes to pursue, we can refer the student to a reputable trainer in the area in the particular discipline of riding in which the student may be interested.  CaliCos Haven wants you to investigate all of your options, expenses, etc., and be completely informed prior to making a decision on which discipline in which you would like to compete. Our lessons focus on and include ground and riding safety, understanding horse communication, learning about horse health, grooming, and tacking.  A special bonus is that, while learning horse communication, the student actually receives equine-assisted growth and learning to take home with them and to apply in their everyday lives.  (Click on the link for a testimonial provided above)

We also offer incredible pony and horse education and riding for all ages for special events such as after-school programs, home-school field trips, church or school events, scouting, youth, or any other group field trips, and birthdays, etc.  In addition to providing structured, lead line riding, children are educated on a fun, age-appropriate level about the basics of horse safety and the proper processes of grooming, tacking, and riding.  We take pictures of each rider on horseback and present them to the rider in a beautifully decorated real used horseshoe as a memento of their ride!

Please e-mail or call us to get the details of these services!