The Science Behind Connection, Regulation & Growth

At Strides Equestrian Therapeutic Center, our services are informed by neuroscience, established psychological theories, evidence-based practices, and research in experiential learning and wellness.

We recognize that the brain, body, nervous system, relationships, and environment work together to influence emotional regulation, behavior, learning, and personal growth.

Our commitment is to provide individualized, trauma-informed services that integrate current research with meaningful, real-life experiences.

Our approach recognizes that emotional regulation and learning involve both physical experiences and cognitive processes.

Bottom-Up Regulation

Focuses on sensory experiences, movement, rhythm, body awareness, and grounding to provide opportunities for regulation and learning.

Top-Down Regulation

Emphasizes thinking, reflection, problem-solving, emotional awareness, and intentional coping strategies.

Somatic Awareness

Recognizes connections between physical sensations, stress responses, emotions, and the nervous system.

Neuroplasticity

Refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change through learning and experience.

At Strides, these principles inform activities involving movement, sensory exploration, relationships, mindfulness, and experiential skill development.

These approaches are individualized and do not assume that a particular activity directly changes specific areas of the brain.

Guided by SAMHSA principles emphasizing safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and individual choice.

Recognizes how supportive relationships, trust, connection, and responsive interactions contribute to emotional and social development.

Foundations: John Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth, and interpersonal neurobiology.

Informed by Dr. Bruce Perry's work on brain development, stress responses, regulation, and relationships.

The Neurosequential Model is a framework for understanding development and planning appropriate support, rather than a standalone treatment.

Learning through active participation, observation, reflection, modeling, and repeated practice.

Foundations: David Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory.

Depending on the service and provider qualifications, strategies may be informed by:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Psychoeducation
• Behavioral and social skills development
• Strengths-based and recovery-oriented practices

These approaches help guide individualized education, coping strategies, communication, skill development, and recovery goals.

Understanding equine behavior, sensory processing, learning, and communication supports responsible horse care and meaningful experiential opportunities.

Our knowledge is informed by several researchers and professional educators.

Equine Neuroscience & Ethical Horsemanship

Examines the horse's brain, nervous system, stress responses, learning, and behavior to support humane horsemanship and horse welfare.

Horse Brain, Human Brain

Explores equine cognition, perception, sensory processing, communication, learning, and differences between human and equine brains.

Somatic Transference & Nonverbal Relationships

Explores emerging research involving body movement, nonverbal communication, and relational interaction patterns in equine-assisted psychotherapy.

Trauma-Informed, Relationship-Centered Equine-Assisted Services

Integrates principles of attachment, neuroscience, relational connection, and experiential learning.

Research into Natural Lifemanship has reported promising psychosocial and relational outcomes, while additional independent research remains important.

These contributions inform our understanding of human–horse interactions. Research on horse behavior does not independently establish clinical treatment effectiveness for people.

Research suggests promising benefits in social functioning, emotional well-being, and selected behavioral outcomes. However, findings vary across populations and programs, and additional rigorous research is needed.

Research has identified potential benefits in balance, coordination, motor functioning, and selected social and behavioral outcomes. Therapeutic riding is distinct from licensed rehabilitation therapies incorporating equine movement.

Research involving structured art-based interventions suggests potential benefits for emotional expression, psychological well-being, and stress management. Results from clinical art therapy studies cannot automatically be generalized to all creative wellness programs.

Research indicates that certain yoga and mindfulness practices may support stress management, body awareness, and emotional well-being. Outcomes depend on the specific intervention and population.

Research suggests that nature-based and animal-assisted activities may support emotional well-being, social connection, and stress management. Evidence varies by activity, setting, and population.

These services draw on established research involving psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery-oriented care, behavioral learning, cognitive and emotional skill-building, and individualized goal setting.