About Us

At GroundWork EAS, we believe in the power of Equine Assisted Services to help individuals overcome whatever challenges they may be facing.

We work with a diverse range of people including military and police veterans, their families and carers, adults with learning challenges, and also with young people who are struggling at school or in their everyday life.

Our private country estate location provides a private, peaceful and tranquil environment to connect with both nature and horses, promoting happiness and healing.

With acres of beautiful fields and paddocks, a dedicated indoor arena and horse-forward equestrian facilities, we can offer our clients an immersive and transformative experience.

As professional, qualified and insured practitioners, we offer a friendly and safe environment for anybody who may want to come to GroundWork to find positive growth.

Why Horses?

When we spend time alongside horses, they reflect how we approach life.

Without judgement, they honestly and authentically provide insight into how we see ourselves, how we feel, and how others experience us.

Horses can also have a powerful impact on both body and mind. Horses can make us feel happier and more relaxed, which in turn can help us make positive changes to some of our thought or behavioural patterns.

Horses are expert non-verbal communicators and have a lasting historical relationship with us that stretches back over thousands of years. Neither horses nor humans would have evolved the way they have without one another, it’s one of the oldest partnerships we have.

"The intelligence of horses is not just about their ability to learn, but also about their ability to connect with humans on an emotional level."

Linda Tellington-Jones

The horse's intelligence is different from ours. They have a different way of perceiving the world around them."

Tom Dorrance

"A horse can teach you a lot about yourself. They can sense your emotions and respond to them accordingly."

Mark Rashid

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The Science

The science behind Equine Assisted Therapy
Michelle Dutemple, MBA

While equine therapy may seem like a non-traditional approach to mental health treatment, there is actually a significant amount of scientific research that supports its effectiveness.

Working with horses can have a variety of neurological and physiological effects on the human body, which can contribute to healing and personal growth.

One of the primary ways that working with horses can impact the body is through the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that is associated with bonding and trust, and it is often released during social interactions.

Research has shown that when humans interact with horses, their levels of oxytocin increase, leading to a greater sense of connection and trust between the individual and the horse.

In addition to the release of oxytocin, working with horses can also have a calming effect on the body. Horses have a low heart rate and a calm demeanour, and their presence can help individuals feel more relaxed and at ease. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with anxiety or stress.

Horses can also serve as mirrors for individuals in therapy. Because horses are sensitive to nonverbal cues, they can often pick up on an individual's emotions and behaviors.

For example, if an individual is feeling anxious or agitated, the horse may become restless or move away. This can provide valuable feedback to the individual and help them gain insight into their own emotions and behaviors.

Another way that horses can impact the body is through the vestibular system. The vestibular system is responsible for balance and coordination, and working with horses can help improve these skills. This can be especially helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma, as trauma can often impact the vestibular system and lead to issues with balance and coordination.

Finally, working with horses can provide individuals with a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Horses require care and attention, and individuals in therapy may be tasked with grooming, feeding, or exercising the horse. This can provide a sense of responsibility and can help individuals feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments.

In conclusion, there is significant scientific research that supports the effectiveness of equine therapy. Working with horses can impact the body in a variety of ways, including the release of oxytocin, a calming effect on the body, and the use of horses as mirrors.

Equine therapy can also help improve balance and coordination, provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, and contribute to overall personal growth and healing.

Equine Assisted Learning

Facilitated by our qualified practitioner, you can experience this recognised innovative mental health and education tool which can lead to greater resilience and emotional growth through the power of the horse.

We can offer you the chance to sit quietly and just relax and reflect with the horses or if you prefer to be more hands-on why not take some time out to learn some simple equine massage techniques with our qualified equine physical therapist or groom, which science has proved to be as good for us humans as it is for the horses, lowering our cortisol levels and stress.

Coming soon

We will also offer professional Equine Assisted Modalities such Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Riding.

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Wellness with horses

Our Partners & Friends

We are proud to learn from, collaborate, share and partner with other organisations who share our mission of promoting healing and wellbeing with horses.