At The Ranch House we utilize equine therapy using the h3 Pyramid model. What does that mean and how does it work? Basically it is a back door approach to therapy where we use the horse as a tool in the therapy session, no couch, no air conditioning, just a good round pen and a horse. 
The round pen is a perfect office for Dr. Ryan Tingey, Ph.D., LCSW. Our ranch hands get skills, authentic growth, purpose, and evidence based treatment out of their twice weekly equine therapy sessions. At the intersection of horsemanship and mental health they develop confidence that translates to post treatment and independence.
Natural horsemanship helps build confidence, leadership skills, trust, and respect. Horses bring out the best in humans and respond more like a human than any other animal. We use the horse to help our ranch hands build healthy relationships where they have to focus on non-verbal behavior, not just talk the talk but walk the walk. The horse doesn’t judge them, it doesn’t know anything about their past, all it cares about is how it is being treated in the moment because it is trying to keep itself safe.
Successful treatment is a relational process. The relationship between the human and the horse provides a sense of unity and creates a connection. That connection enhances a sense of purpose and purpose motivates humans.
The h3 Pyramid model helps us empower meaningful growth that is internalized through repetition. We are always working on our horse, which means we are always working on ourselves. Our equine therapy program is life changing. People often ask, “Why do you raise horses?” It’s simple, we use them to change people’s lives!
The Horse is Never Wrong
“The horse knows, he knows if you know, he also knows if you don’t know.” – Ray Hunt
Making the Right Things Easy and the Wrong Things Difficult
“One’s philosophy is not being expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes…and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Reward the Smallest Try
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Van Gogh
Awareness
“Every human has four endowments – self-awareness, conscience, independent will, and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom… The power to choose, to respond, to change.” – Stephen Covey
Boundaries
“When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated.” – Brene Brown
