Equine-Assisted
Learning & Support
IF YOUR CHILD IS WITHDRAWING MORE AND MORE, YOU DON’T HAVE TO WALK THIS PATH ALONE.
Many parents notice that their child becomes quieter over time, withdraws from family and friends, no longer enjoys the things they once loved, or increasingly retreats into their own world. It can leave parents feeling as though they are no longer able to truly reach their child.
Through equine-assisted support, children and teenagers experience a safe and welcoming environment where they can build trust, gain new experiences, and develop greater self-confidence. Horses meet them without judgement or expectations. They create connections that often begin where words alone are no longer enough.
With patience, understanding, and a trusting relationship, I support children and teenagers in rediscovering their strengths and taking new steps towards a more confident and engaged life.
COURAGE GROWS THROUGH EXPERIENCE.
Some children are loud. Some are quiet.
Some carry more inside them than meets the eye.
Perhaps your child is becoming increasingly withdrawn. Perhaps they doubt themselves, avoid new experiences, or feel insecure in many situations.
Trust does not grow through pressure.
Self-confidence does not grow through advice alone.
It grows through experience.
Through small steps.
Through moments of success.
Through the feeling: “I can do this.”
Through equine-assisted support at Hof Armada in Wiesbaden, children and teenagers experience exactly these kinds of moments. Together with the horse, they discover their strengths, gain new experiences, and gradually build greater confidence in themselves.
Sometimes growth begins very quietly.
With a deep breath.
With a step beside the horse.
Or with the moment a child begins to believe in themselves again.
HAS YOUR CHILD CHANGED?
Is your child becoming increasingly withdrawn?
Do they spend most of their time on screens, social media, or gaming?
Do they struggle to build or maintain friendships?
Do they often seem insecure or lack confidence?
Do they react quickly with frustration, irritability, or overwhelm?
Do you sometimes feel as though you can no longer truly reach your child?
WHAT YOUR CHILD CAN EXPECT WITH ME
Every child receives individual support tailored to their needs.
No riding experience is required.
Sessions take place in a calm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
Trust, self-confidence, and positive experiences are at the heart of the process.
We work at your child’s pace - without pressure and without judgement.
🐴 HOW HORSES CAN HELP
Horses respond directly to body language, emotions, and behaviour. They meet children without judgement, expectations, or prejudice. This creates a unique kind of connection that helps many children become more aware of themselves and gain new experiences.
When interacting with horses, children discover that their actions can make a difference. They learn to take responsibility, understand boundaries, and develop trust – both in the horse and in their own abilities.
Many children rediscover something that can sometimes get lost in everyday life: courage, self-confidence, and the joy of believing in themselves.
👉 Would you like to learn more about how horses can positively support a child’s development? You can read the full article here.
About me
My name is Yvonne Thomas.
In my work, I often meet children who may appear quiet, withdrawn, restless, or challenging on the outside. Yet there is often much more beneath the surface than meets the eye.
That is why building a trusting and respectful connection is so important to me. Together with Toni, a gentle Tinker mare, I support children and teenagers in gaining new experiences, building confidence, and rediscovering their own strengths.
I firmly believe that every child has unique abilities and potential. Sometimes all they need is the right environment for those strengths to become visible.
Learn more about me and my journey here:
TONI – IRISH COB MARE & PARTNER IN THIS WORK
Toni is a gentle and attentive Irish Cob mare with a remarkable sensitivity to people – and quite possibly the prettiest lady with a moustache you’ll ever meet. 😊
With her calm and steady nature, she helps many children feel safe, build trust, and settle in at their own pace. She responds sensitively to body language and emotions, creating connections that often begin where words are no longer enough.
Alongside Toni, children and teenagers discover that courage grows through experience. Small successes, growing trust, and the feeling of “I can do this” become important building blocks in their development.
Together, we support children and teenagers with patience, understanding, and the belief that every small step matters.
What is Natural Horsemanship?
Natural Horsemanship is about communicating with horses in a way that feels natural and authentic to them - without force, but with respect and clarity. It draws inspiration from the way horses interact with one another and relies on body language, energy, and clear signals to build understanding and trust. It’s not about making the horse simply “do as it’s told.” Rather, it’s about creating a true partnership where both horse and human listen, respond, and learn from each other. The horse keeps its dignity, while the human learns to act with greater sensitivity, clarity, and awareness. This approach is closely connected to the idea of compassionate communication: Just as with horses, genuine connection between people grows when we meet each other without judgment or pressure - guided instead by respect, attentiveness, and clarity.
Growing with Horses - How Horsemanship Supports Children, Teens, and Young Adults
Horses don’t respond to appearances, grades, or social status - they respond to our behavior, body language, and inner state.
Children, teenagers, and young adults quickly realize that around horses they don’t need to “perform.” Instead, they are free to simply be themselves.
Working from the ground in this way opens up many opportunities:
Building self-confidence: Guiding a large animal with nothing but body language gives a powerful sense of capability.
Clarity in communication: Horses reflect how clear and fair we are, offering instant and honest feedback.
Horses react right away to restlessness, anger, or insecurity - teaching us to find calm and balance.
Children learn to handle their emotions with more awareness.
Horses teach us to see small setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Horses require clear, steady leadership - offering a meaningful way to practice responsibility.
Horsemanship combines the experience of being with horses, the connection to nature, and key educational aspects - in a way that is vivid, hands-on, and lasting.
Would you like to find out if my work is a good fit for you or your child?
Then let’s have an informal conversation.
I’ll take the time to answer your questions, and together we can explore what form of guidance feels right for you and/or your child.
Is riding experience required?
No. Riding experience is not required, as my work takes place entirely from the ground.
There is an important reason for this: in groundwork, the focus is on the relationship – not on riding technique.
Children, young people, and adults learn to communicate with clear body language, to recognize boundaries, to build trust, and to take responsibility.
The horse responds immediately to posture and signals, offering honest feedback that many find deeply valuable.
What matters is not prior experience with horses, but simply the willingness to engage with the horse and the exercises we do together.
What are the session fees - and are there possibilities for financial support?
A Gentle First Step
Choosing support for your child is an important and often very personal decision.
That is why I always begin with a first meeting – a calm space where you can experience the atmosphere at the farm, meet the horses, and get a genuine sense of how I work.
During this appointment (approx. 45–60 minutes), I explain my approach, answer your questions, and we explore together whether this feels like the right fit for your child and your family.
FEES
Introductory Session (Meet & Greet): €30
Initial Consultation (Parents Only): €90
Ongoing Sessions
Regular sessions (45–60 minutes): €90
For families, individual arrangements can be discussed.
Equine-assisted guidance is typically considered a private service.
Support with Funding Options
In some cases, financial support may be available through public institutions in Germany (for example youth welfare services or integration assistance).
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances, and applications must be submitted by the families themselves.
Navigating a system in another country – especially in a different language – can feel overwhelming. You do not have to figure this out on your own.
Families who would appreciate independent guidance during this process may contact the Unabhängige Teilhabeberatung (Independent Counselling for Participation and Inclusion (EUTB)) Henrich Berkhoff (Tel. 02581-9270866).
This is a free and independent advisory service that offers neutral support and can help clarify funding options, application steps, and communication with public institutions.
Written Documentation
If required for official purposes, I am happy to provide a written description of my goals and methodology.
You will also find a detailed overview of my philosophy and working approach on this website, which may help you understand how my work supports regulation, confidence, and emotional growth.
If a specific formal document is requested by an institution, I will gladly provide one.
What clothing is recommended?
Comfortable, weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear are ideal. Riding boots are not necessary, the important thing is a secure stand.
What happens in bad weather?
Sessions generally take place in all weather conditions.
Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.
Rain, wind, or cooler temperatures are part of being outdoors – and in my experience, most children are far less bothered by this than we adults tend to be.
In case of heavy or persistent rain, we can move under a roof or use the indoor arena. If a session cannot take place for safety reasons, it will be rescheduled without complication.
Are equine-assisted sessions also suitable for adults and families?
Yes – equine-assisted guidance is not only for children, but also for young adults and families.
Especially for teenagers and young adults in times of transition or important decisions, working with the horse can help to gain clarity, build self-confidence, and become more aware of personal strengths.
Families also benefit from shared sessions – for example, by reconnecting with one another, strengthening relationships, and discovering new ways of communication – beyond everyday routines and words.
Location:
Hof Armada 1 65201 Wiesbaden-Frauenstein
Email:
info@reittherapie-lichtblick.de
Phone/WhatsApp:
0173-950 7746