CONNECTIONS Equine Assisted Activities

CONNECTIONS

Equine-assisted activities* (EAA)

At Parkwood Farms, Equine-Assisted Activities (EAA) is the umbrella term for all therapeutic programs that partner people with horses. This includes both mounted and unmounted activities —  featuring our specialized,  innovative Connections program.

Connections is a unique EAA offering in which the horse serves as both a biofeedback mechanism and a co-regulatory partner. In this program, participants benefit from being in the calming presence of the horse while practicing grounding techniques, synchronized breathing, body scanning, boundary setting, and nervous system resets. Because horses can mirror human emotions in real time, they provide immediate, non-judgmental feedback, helping individuals deepen self-awareness and regulation skills. This approach has been especially powerful for individuals who may mask their emotions with people, but cannot mask them from a horse. The horse’s unique ability to “read” the person beside them creates an authentic connection and fosters breakthroughs that traditional methods may not uncover.

The Benefits of the CONNECTIONS Program

The impact of the CONNECTIONS program reaches far beyond the barn. Participants often discover new levels of focus, confidence, problem-solving, independence, and social connection through meaningful experiences with our horses and team.

This program provides a calm, supportive environment where individuals can grow at their own pace—building trust, communication, and self-awareness along the way. For those living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),  traumatic injuries, or emotional and behavioral challenges, CONNECTIONS offers a unique opportunity for both personal growth and emotional healing.

Every session is designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit—helping each participant find balance, confidence, and joy in every interaction.

Our priority is always safety and are supervised at all times by trained staff and volunteers. We welcome participants to our CONNECTIONS programs starting at age 14 and there is no limit on the other end. 

The CONNECTIONS program at Parkwood Farms is a welcoming and restorative experience designed for individuals, families, and groups—including veterans and law enforcement officers—who are seeking a meaningful way to reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Through gentle, guided interaction with our horses, participants are invited to slow down, be present, and rediscover a sense of peace and purpose. Horses have a remarkable ability to mirror human emotion, helping people gain clarity, grounding, and emotional balance. Whether healing from stress, trauma, or simply the busyness of life, the CONNECTIONS program offers a safe and supportive space to reconnect with reality through the quiet strength and unconditional love of these amazing animals.