Equine Therapy in Ronda | Horse-Assisted Support Andalusia

Equine Therapy at El Prado de Paez

Horses are much more than proud companions. They are sensitive beings that meet us where words often fail.

Child leading a horse at El Prado de Paez in Ronda

In equine work, the encounter between human and animal comes first. Building this valuable connection is what can be experienced in equine therapy at El Prado de Paez, both from the ground and on horseback.

The horse as a carrying partner

Horses are not therapy instruments, but sentient beings with a special sensitivity for body language, emotions and inner states.
When a person sits on a horse, the person releases their weight.
The horse takes the responsibility to carry.
Trust develops without words.

This experience of being carried has a deeply regulating effect on the nervous system. Many people, children and adults alike, experience relaxation, inner peace and emotional stabilization.

This experience forms the basis for basic trust, emotional stability and inner security.

The special thing about working with horses is that they do not judge. You are allowed to be exactly who you are. Horses follow their intuition and are congruent in their behavior. You always receive an honest reaction from a horse, and they are very skilled at communicating through body language.

Therapeutic effect of allowing the horse to carry you

Riding works on several levels simultaneously:

Physical:The horse's three-dimensional movement rhythm promotes balance, coordination and body awareness. Tension can be released, and breathing deepens.
Emotional:Being carried conveys security and a sense of safety. People with stress, anxiety, overwhelm or inner restlessness especially benefit from this support.
Psychological:Control can be let go of. You learn how to trust, not through explanation, but through experience.
Social:A relationship becomes tangible: clear, honest and without judgment. Horses react immediately to authenticity.

Important note: Equine therapy at El Prado de Paez does not replace medical or clinical psychotherapy. It can complement existing forms of therapy or stand on its own as nature-based support.

For whom is this programme?

Therapy with the help of the horse is mainly aimed at children between the ages of 6 and 18.

For example, you may think of the following situations:

Children who need support in building self-confidence.
Children who want to learn how to deal better with their emotions and transform negative thoughts.
Children who find it difficult to connect with other people.
Children who want to build more contact with their own body.
Children who have difficulties keeping up well at school.
Children who need more contact with nature.

Equine therapy can complement existing forms of therapy, but it can also stand on its own.

If you are an adult and are also interested in experiencing this special encounter with horses, we are happy to talk about it.

Child and horse during equine therapy at El Prado de Paez

Perceiving instead of judging

Child in quiet contact with a horse during nature-based work

Our work consciously takes place in and with nature. Nature-based pedagogy means experiencing oneself again as part of a larger whole:

Perceiving instead of judging
Feeling instead of functioning
Relationship instead of performance

The goal is not just to learn to ride. In the sessions, you get to know the horse, learn to communicate with it, and learn how to care for it. Personal goals are integrated into these elements, helping you to know yourself better and gather successful experiences.

In working with the horse, children also learn:

To take responsibility for another living being
To respect boundaries: their own and the horse's
Patience, mindfulness and respect
Trust in natural processes

Nature offers a protected space without overstimulation. The horse becomes a mediator between human beings and their environment.

About the Therapist

Therapy sessions are led by Lea-Nada Kerkhoven, a trained equine therapist through IPTH in Germany with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology from the Netherlands.

Her experience lies in working with school dropouts up to the age of 21, often in combination with autism, ADHD, behavioral difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

Important elements of the sessions include taking time, challenge without pressure, being allowed to feel, space for emotions, having fun and simply being without judgment.

Lea Nada – Equine therapist at El Prado de Paez, Ronda Andalusia

Details & Booking

Before starting	Set goals together
Minimum	At least 5 sessions
Duration	60 or 90 minutes
Prices	60 min. EUR 70 · 90 min. EUR 90
Intake & evaluation	60 min. EUR 60
Languages	German, English, Dutch, Spanish
Location	20 min from Ronda

The sessions take place at El Prado de Paez, a riding stable run by Sandra Jochim. The farm is located about 20 minutes from Ronda, surrounded by nature, olive groves and oak forests.

On the farm there is the possibility for a family of up to four people to stay overnight.

"The rhythm of the horse carries. Sometimes that is enough."

After the sessions are finished, we speak together about development and progress. This keeps the support clear, personal and connected to the agreed goals.

Equine Therapy
near Ronda

Equine Therapy at El Prado de Paez

For whom is this programme?

Perceiving instead of judging

About the Therapist

Details & Booking

Book equine therapy near Ronda

More at El Prado de Paez

Equine Therapynear Ronda