Equine-Assisted
Learning & Support
Horses meet us with an authenticity that we rarely encounter in everyday life. They perceive us as we are and respond directly—free from judgment and expectations. This clear reflection invites people to better understand themselves, discover new perspectives, and develop inner strength.
A genuine connection
Some children are loud.
Some are quiet.
Some carry more inside than you can see at first glance.
At Hof Armada in Wiesbaden, I work alongside children and teens with the support of horses – creating a space of calm, safety, and genuine connection. This is not about performance. It’s about relationship. Not about right or wrong, but about sensing, settling, and simply being.
My work is inspired by the Horse Boy Method.
Through movement, rhythm, and sensory-based experiences – both on the ground and on the horse – inner tension can soften, the nervous system can settle, and confidence can begin to grow.
Sometimes growth begins very quietly.
With a breath.
With a step beside the horse.
Or in the steady rhythm of being carried on its back.
Is your child withdrawing?
Is your child often sad, overwhelmed, or restless?
Does your child have difficulty expressing or regulating emotions?
Is your child often irritable, angry, or emotionally unsettled?
Does your child often get into conflicts with others?
Does your child spend most of the time in front of screens or on social media?
Here's how we work together:
Sessions take place either on the ground or on the horse, depending on the individual needs of the child. No riding or prior horse experience is required.
Each session is tailored to the child and may include elements of horsemanship, mindful groundwork, Sensory Work on the horse, movement and body-awareness activities, as well as playful, engaging exercises. At the heart of our work are relationship, safety, and nervous system regulation - always honoring the child’s own pace.
We work within a clear and non-judgmental space, where trust can grow and development can unfold.
🐴 Why Horses Are Good for Children
Horses are sensitive mirrors: they respond instantly to body language and mood. Children learn to communicate clearly and respectfully – and experience the direct impact of their behaviour. Working with horses nurtures self-confidence, patience, and mindfulness. At the same time, horses foster social skills such as consideration, responsibility, and empathy.
👉 Anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating connection can read the full article here.
About me
My name is Yvonne Thomas, and I am a Certified Equine-Assisted Therapist and Educator (equimotion), as well as a certified MKA groundwork trainer through the Martin Kreuzer Horsemanship Academy.
The natural, respectful, and clear communication I learned through Natural Horsemanship has shaped not only my relationship with horses, but also my own inner posture and presence. This is the experience I seek to pass on.
What matters most to me is meeting others on equal footing – between human and horse, and also between myself and my clients. Relationship, trust, and safety form the foundation of my approach. Depending on individual needs, sessions take place both on the ground and on the horse – always with a focus on awareness, inner alignment, and authentic connection.
An essential part of my work is guided by the Horse Boy Method. This approach brings together horses, movement, nature, and sensory experiences to support nervous system regulation and strengthen self-awareness.
→ Learn more about the Horse Boy Method (update coming soon)
I am currently expanding and deepening my professional training at the Martin Kreuzer Horsemanship Academy, where I am pursuing certification as a Master Trainer in groundwork as well as training in riding instruction. At the same time, I continue to further my education in the Horse Boy Method in order to thoughtfully develop my work in the areas of relationship-based support, regulation, and resource-oriented guidance.
By integrating Natural Horsemanship with an equine-assisted, relationship- and regulation-focused approach, I am able to support children and adolescents in a way that is intentional, versatile, and grounded in professional expertise.
Toni – My Equine Partner
Toni is a gentle and attentive Tinker mare with a remarkable sensitivity for people. She responds keenly to body language and inner attitude, making her a valuable partner in equine-assisted work. Her calm, balanced nature creates a sense of safety, while her clear communication invites reflection on one’s own posture and behavior.
Together, we form a team that supports people through different phases of life – with respect, patience, and genuine connection.
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.
Fee for the initial meeting: €30
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 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