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What you'll do
- Practice communication and confidence-building skills
- Learn mindfulness and grounding techniques
- Work through problem-solving activities
- Observe and interact with horses in a safe, supportive environment
Recreation TherapyIncorporating Equines
Build everyday skills through meaningful experiences with horses
Discover a hands-on, experiential approach to building confidence, practicing coping skills, and strengthening emotional wellness through guided, ground-based interactions with horses.
FormatGround-based activities
ExperienceNone required
Minimum age12 years old
Why horses?
Immediate feedback in a calm, nonjudgmental setting
Horses respond naturally to body language, energy, boundaries, and communication. That creates opportunities to practice new skills through real-life experiences rather than conversation alone.
Meaningful experiences can help participants practice, succeed, reflect, and apply what they learn to everyday life.
Is this program right for me?
This program may be a good fit if you:
- Learn best by doing
- Want to build confidence
- Are looking for a different approach to therapy
- Want more opportunities to practice coping skills outside traditional therapy sessions
Each participant receives an individualized assessment and goal-focused activities coordinated with their Cedar Oaks treatment team.
What sessions can include
Practice skills through guided experience
Activities are selected around each participant's goals and take place in a safe, supportive environment with a Licensed Recreational Therapist.
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How it can help
- Build confidence
- Strengthen communication skills
- Practice healthy coping strategies
- Improve emotional regulation
- Increase self-awareness
- Apply skills learned in therapy to real-life situations
Licensed Recreational TherapistEquine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
Meet your provider
Juliette Holden
Juliette Holden is a Licensed Recreational Therapist and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning who brings decades of experience in Equine-Assisted Services.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Studies from Lake Erie College and a Master of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from Clemson University. She also has extensive experience facilitating Recreation Therapy in clinical mental health settings.
Her work focuses on helping individuals translate insights gained through interactions with horses into practical skills that can be applied in everyday life.
People change through meaningful experiences that allow them to practice, succeed, reflect, and apply what they learn.
Frequently asked questions
What to know before getting started
Do I need horse experience?
No. No previous horse experience is required.
Will I be riding?
No. All activities take place on the ground.
How is this different from traditional therapy?
This is a Recreation Therapy service led by a Licensed Recreational Therapist. Sessions use individualized, goal-focused activities and are coordinated with your Cedar Oaks treatment team.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions are hosted at Mountain Refined Equestrian Center in Youngsville, North Carolina. A covered arena and enclosed barn help support year-round availability.
Session location
Mountain Refined Equestrian Center
Cedar Oaks proudly hosts sessions in Youngsville, North Carolina, where a beautiful covered arena and enclosed barn allow the program to remain available throughout the year.
LocationYoungsville, NC
AvailabilityBy appointment
EnvironmentCovered arena + enclosed barn
Interested in learning more?
Take the next step with Cedar Oaks Clinic
Contact our team to ask whether Recreation Therapy Incorporating Equines may be a good fit for you or your family member.
(919) 529-5920info@cedaroaksclinic.com