Chinook Horses

About the Program

Chinook Horses describes its work as equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning (see our guide to equine-assisted psychotherapy). Its website says the organization is licensed to use the Eagala and Natural Lifemanship models in its equine-assisted therapy program. Natural Lifemanship sessions are facilitated by a licensed therapist certified in EMDR, an equine specialist and one horse, and include Rhythmic Riding. One-on-one sessions work on goals such as self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is offered individually.

For children, the Social Cognition Group combines the Eagala model with the Zones of Regulation and Social Thinking curricula. The Leadership Development Program pairs horse activities with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Kids and is led by a former school counselor, an equine specialist and the herd. Substance use disorder groups are mostly for adults.

The Staff

Founder and Executive Director Abigail Hornik holds advanced certification from Eagala and is certified through PATH Intl. as a riding instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health, according to the team page. She has also trained in the Natural Lifemanship model. Chinook Horses became a nonprofit in 2016.

The team page lists facilitators with these credentials: LCSW (two), LMFT, LPPC, MSW, SWLC, M. Ed, and a Specialized Education Professional, each also trained in Eagala and, for several, Natural Lifemanship.

Location

Chinook Horses is at 2223 S 54th St West, Billings, MT 59106. Its directions say to look for the second-to-last driveway on the right with two red-roofed barns, continue past the turn GPS gives for the house, park along the white fence by the alpacas and miniature cows, and walk to the far red-roofed barn.