Equine Therapy
We help people thrive through equine assisted psychotherapy.
Join our healing journey and experience emotional growth in a safe, supportive environment—free from the limitations of a clinical setting.
Experience healing with horses with our
Approach Natural Lifemanship
In our unique approach, we use the power of connected relationships between humans and horses to foster healing and growth. Our approach centers on Trust-Based Connection and Rhythmic Movement, promoting emotional regulation and personal transformation.
For Adults
Break free from traditional therapy limitations. Work alongside a horse, counselor, and equine specialist to process emotions, reduce anxiety, and build confidence through meaningful interactions.
For Children 5+
Through hands-on activities with a horse, counselor, and equine specialist, kids develop emotional awareness, self-regulation, and social skills in an engaging, supportive environment.
For Families
Strengthen family bonds as you engage with a horse, counselor, and equine specialist, improving trust, communication, and emotional well-being through shared unique experiences.
For Couples
Rebuild trust and deepen emotional intimacy by working with a horse, counselor, and equine specialist to gain insight into relationship dynamics in a unique, supportive setting.
For Groups
Foster teamwork, and growth in a dynamic group setting. Guided by a horse, counselor, and equine specialist, participants engage in hands-on activities that build trust, enhance collaboration, and promote emotional resilience.
Testimonials
Our Trusted Credentials & Professional Affiliations
Benefits To Our Approach
1. Develop Skills to Calm Anxiety and Reduce Stress
With our unique method we guide you through interactions, where you’ll learn techniques to manage stress, ease anxiety, and foster emotional balance for a calmer mind. Spending time in our ranch and working with our horses provides a grounding experience that supports emotional regulation.
2. Build Self-Confidence and Overcome Fear
Through guided interactions with our equine specialist, counselor, and horses, we help you cultivate assertiveness, self-trust, and emotional resilience—gaining the confidence to navigate challenges, overcome fear, and approach life with greater strength and clarity.
3. Heal from Trauma in a Safe and Supportive Space
For those struggling with PTSD, grief, or emotional wounds, with our unique method we guide you through a non-judgmental environment where we help you process trauma, regain control, and move toward healing.
4. Improve Communication and Strengthen Relationships
Horses respond to non-verbal cues, making our equine method a powerful tool for developing effective communication, improving relationships, and fostering trust in both personal and professional life.
5. Develop Emotional Regulation and Stay Grounded
By working with our couselors, equine specialist and horses, individuals learn to stay present, manage emotions, and practice mindfulness—gaining skills that enhance self-control and stability in everyday life.
a peaceful escape
In the Heart of Texas
Pecan Creek Ranch is nestled just outside of Salado, TX, surrounded by hundreds of acres of quiet, open cattle ranches. Our setting isn’t just beautiful—it’s designed to be a place of peace, healing, and transformation.
At Pecan Creek Ranch, the location itself is part of the healing. Whether you’re here for equine therapy, learning, or personal growth, the serene surroundings, compassionate team, and our emotionally intelligent horses create a space where you can breathe, connect, and truly thrive.
Address:
Pecan Creek Ranch
3164 FM 2843
Salado, TX 76571
Phone: (512)548-0551
Hours:
By Appointments Only
Tranquility & Nature
Away from the noise of the city, our ranch offers wide-open spaces, fresh air, and a calm atmosphere, making it the perfect place to reset and reconnect.
A True Texas Ranch Experience
With rolling pastures, shady oak trees, and the gentle sounds of nature, our ranch provides a safe and grounding environment for personal growth and equine-assisted experiences.
Easily Accessible Yet Secluded
While we offer a peaceful retreat, we’re still conveniently located just a short drive from Salado and major highways, making it easy to visit while still feeling worlds away.
MEET OUR HORSES
Partners In Healing
At Pecan Creek Ranch, our horses are more than just animals—they are trusted companions on your journey to healing. Each horse has a unique personality, a gentle spirit, and a deep capacity to connect with those in need. Through their quiet strength and intuitive nature, they help foster emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
Juno
Cloud
Cash
Iris
Jemma
Jetta
Athena
Kairos
Narciss
Poppy
here are some of the
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Equine Therapy?
Equine therapy is a type of treatment where people interact with horses to improve their mental well-being. This therapy is guided by trained professionals and is known to help with stress, anxiety, trauma, and other emotional challenges. Horses are incredibly intuitive animals, meaning they can sense emotions and respond in a way that helps people heal.
At Pecan Creek Ranch we specialize in equine therapy that is relational. We support individuals of all ages in building healthy relationships with themselves and others through our understanding of attachment and neurobiology. At PCR we are not just talking about healing our relationships, we are practicing doing the things that heal our relationships and ourselves.
Is Equine Therapy Covered by Insurance?
We are a private pay facility and do not take insurance. You must pay for services at the time they are provided. However, we can provide a superbill if a client has out-of-network coverage and meets the criteria for a mental health diagnosis. This may allow clients to seek reimbursement from their insurance provider for eligible services. We encourage clients to check with their insurance company regarding their out-of-network benefits and reimbursement process. If you would like more details about what services may be covered and which mental health codes are reimbursable, please contact us for further information.
What Does Equine Therapy Help With?
Equine therapy is used to help people with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Mental Health Challenges – Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress relief.
- Emotional & Behavioral Issues – Teaching responsibility, patience, and trust.
- Autism & Developmental Disorders – Helping individuals improve communication and social skills.
- Addiction Recovery – Empowering emotional regulation and self-awareness while fostering healthy relationships with oneself and others.
Our professional team at Pecan Creek Ranch ensures that each session is tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients, whether it’s for emotional support, rehabilitation, or personal growth.
How Does Equine Therapy Work?
There are many types of equine therapy. At Pecan Creek Ranch, we provide Trauma-Informed Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TI-EAP). This may sound complex, but it simply means we focus on the power of healthy relationships to heal from harmful life experiences.
Participants are given the opportunity to build a relationship with a horse with guidance from a specially trained team made up of a counselor and a horse professional. Understanding how life experiences shape brain function, your team will help you cultivate a connection with your chosen horse, fostering new neural pathways that support healing relationships with yourself, others, and the world around you. This whole-brain, whole-body experience can have a lasting impact on your life and those around you.
Learn more about our approach at Natural Lifemanship.
How to Become Certified in Equine Therapy
Becoming certified in equine therapy involves specialized training and education. Here are the basic steps:
- Earn a Degree – Many equine therapists have backgrounds in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, or equine studies.
- Complete Equine-Assisted Therapy Training – Programs such as Natural Lifemanship or the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) offer specialized courses and certifications.
- Gain Experience – Hands-on experience with horses and clients is essential. Many aspiring therapists volunteer at equine therapy centers.
- Get Licensed or Certified – Depending on the state and therapy focus, professionals may need additional licensing in mental health or physical therapy.
What is Equine-Assisted Therapy?
Equine-assisted therapy is a broad term that includes different types of horse-related treatments. While often used interchangeably with equine therapy, it can refer to programs designed for mental health, learning, and rehabilitation.
At Pecan Creek Ranch, we provide a specialized version of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) that integrates trauma-informed care and neuroscience-based relationship-building.
Some other types of equine-assisted therapy include:
- Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) – Used for mental health treatment with licensed therapists.
- Hippotherapy – A form of physical therapy using horseback riding to improve movement and coordination (Note: We do not offer this service).
- Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) – Focuses on building social and emotional skills, often used in schools and personal development programs.
Who is Equine Therapy For?
Equine therapy at Pecan Creek Ranch is for individuals seeking emotional and psychological healing through relationship-building with horses. We serve:
- Children and adults who have experienced trauma.
- Veterans and first responders dealing with stressors.
- Individuals recovering from addiction or emotional distress.
- People struggling with anxiety, depression, or self-esteem issues.
(We do not provide physical therapy services.)
Why Equine Therapy?
Horses respond to individuals in the moment allowing them to make changes to their behavior in the moment, creating a therapeutic environment different from traditional office-based therapy. Equine therapy allows individuals to engage in hands-on experiences that promote healing in a natural, relaxing setting. Working with horses requires full integration of the mind, body, and soul. You get to heal with your whole self.
Reasons why equine therapy is so effective:
- Natural Connection – Horses respond to emotions, helping individuals become more aware of their own feelings.
- Emotional & Psychological Benefits – Working with horses fosters self-awareness, emotional regulation, and confidence.
- Stress Relief – The outdoor setting and interaction with animals promote relaxation.
- Inclusive & Engaging – Equine therapy is suitable for kids, teens, and adults.
If you or a loved one are interested in equine therapy, we invite you to visit Pecan Creek Ranch and see firsthand how our equine therapy program can help. Contact us today to schedule your equine therapy session or learn more about our services.
Explore More About Equine Therapy:
Natural Lifemanship – Learn about relationship-based equine therapy.
From Our Blog
Keep Your Head on a Swivel
Keep Your Head on a Swivel: How Equine Therapy Can Help You Stay Aware and Strong Have you ever been told to "keep your head on a swivel"? It means staying aware of your surroundings and being ready for anything. In life, just like in sports, school, or even...