Location: Bellingham, Washington, United States
Animals as Natural Therapy is a nonprofit equine-assisted services program in Bellingham, Washington, that provides animal-guided mental and behavioral health programs for youth, veterans, families, and elders, with a strong focus on groundwork and other hands-on activities rather than horseback riding lessons. The organization has served Northwest Washington since 1999 and is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center.
About This Program
Animals as Natural Therapy, also known as ANT, offers equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted therapy in a structured farm setting. Its work is designed to help participants build life skills such as self-awareness, communication, healthy boundaries, teamwork, empathy, focus, and problem-solving through guided interaction with horses and other animals.
The program emphasizes that it is not a horseback riding lesson program. Youth services focus primarily on groundwork and horsemanship activities such as leading, grooming, obstacle work, and other experiential exercises. ANT also offers equine-assisted therapy with a licensed mental health therapist and a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Professional, although that service is currently paused while the organization looks for a therapist to join the team.
Services Offered
- Equine-assisted learning
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Youth life-skills groups
- Programs for veterans and first responders
- School-based programs
- Mobile animal-assisted programming
- Summer camps
- Adult workshops
- Groundwork and horsemanship activities
- Animal-assisted activities with horses and non-equines
Who They Serve
Animals as Natural Therapy may be a good fit for:
- Youth ages 6 to 18
- Young adults
- Veterans
- First responders
- Families
- Elders
- Individuals working through anxiety
- Individuals working through depression
- Individuals working through grief
- Individuals working through trauma or PTSD
- Participants who benefit from social-emotional skill building and animal-guided support
Facility and Setting
Animals as Natural Therapy serves Northwest Washington and operates from a private farm location off the Guide Meridian near Bellingham. The organization keeps the exact farm address private for participant and staff safety and provides the location upon enrollment. Farm visits are by appointment only.
- Bellingham-area location
- Private farm setting
- Farm visits by appointment only
- Groundwork-focused equine environment
- PATH International Premier Accredited Center
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What Makes Them Unique
Animals as Natural Therapy stands out for focusing on animal-guided mental and behavioral health support rather than traditional riding lessons. Its programs center on groundwork, mentorship, and experiential learning with horses and other animals, making it a different fit from riding-centered programs.
The program also serves a broad range of participants, including youth, veterans, first responders, schools, and families, while maintaining a strong mental health and social-emotional learning focus. Its PATH Premier Accredited status adds another layer of credibility and safety oversight.