Equine Assisted Wellness (EAW) provides a metaphoric experience with horses to promote self-awareness and the principles of relational growth. The human-horse experiential process teaches participants about themselves in a relational context and helps them become more aware of behavioral patterns and better understand healthy relationships.

By caring for and connecting with horses, Monuments students experience a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Research has shown equine-assisted therapy to be effective for treating adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, and/or trauma-related symptoms, as well as ADHD/ dissociative disorders, and other mental health issues. This program increases confidence, self-esteem, assertiveness, emotional regulation, and resourcefulness.

Equine Assisted Wellness occurs both in an individual and in a group setting. The process involves establishing a relationship with a horse, first on the ground and then evolving into the saddle. Activities in this process include ‘joining up’ with the horse, grooming, lunging, natural horsemanship training and group experiential exercises. As the individual progresses in responsibility and ability, higher levels of riding and horsemanship are experienced.