Children

1-Equine-assisted social-emotional skills strengthening ^©

EASESS^© for children is a horse-assisted intervention developed by Marianne Disipio, which combines learning to self-regulate through semi-structured and experiential interactions with horses on the ground for immediate biofeedback, with one on one interactive imaginative play that is gently guided and directed to address the child’s specific social-emotional goals.   

Marianne has a degree in Occupational Therapy, and has used her extensive training in developmental disorders, her unique Soulful Model for Wellness^©, as well as her knowledge of the therapeutic qualities of horses to create a magical program that values children’s main occupation of play, honours their need to make personal choices, and recognizes that children are better prepared to face their challenges when they feel connected to life and supported in all their environments. Just like us adults!

Results you can expect from EASESS^©

• Your child will ALWAYS look forward to playing with Marianne.
• An individualized intervention program plan approved by both parents and most of all, your child.
• Helping your child recognize signs and symptoms in their body and behaviour when they are becoming unregulated versus when they are in control of their attention and emotions, through the direct feedback the horses provide during our interactions.
• Exploring and identifying the best soulful coping strategies for your child.
• Addressing social goals by incorporating the just-right challenge for your child to practice problem-solving and integrating through meaningful and high affect play.
• Ongoing support for parents and possible considerations for school.
• Having your child beg you for a pony. Sorry about that one in advance.

Is your child the right fit?

These sessions are ideal for sensitive children struggling with mild to moderate social-emotional issues at home and at school such as attention, emotional fluctuations, rigidity in interactions, difficulty with transitions, difficulty making or keeping friends, unwillingness to follow instructions, limited play repertoire, and more.

Your child will enjoy the sessions tremendously if they love animals (especially horses) and being outdoors. Sessions are also a great fit for creative and intuitive children who would thrive on learning soulful ways to work on their self-esteem.

If your child is unsure about working with horses, or decides they are not quite ready initially, no worries at all! We will begin our intervention by focusing on our other goals, and if need be, readjust our approach.

The age required for a child to be with horses in the paddocks with only Marianne and no parent directly present is 8 years old. Depending on your child’s profile, or if your child is younger, you may be asked to accompany your child for this part of the session only.

If your child is a tween or teen, the program can be adjusted to be developmentally appropriate.

Is your child receiving specialized services under FSCD?

Marianne can serve as a behavioural developmental aide and incorporate social-emotional goals already set by an Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Psychologist, if applicable and appropriate.

Can’t afford it but feel this would awesome?

Marianne understands how crazy expensive the world of special needs can get! Please inquire about the fully available funded scholarships!

2-Horse fun program

There’s something for kids, teens, and adults alike!

Most activities are done on the ground as these are not horseback riding lessons. Riding may be considered at Marianne’s discretion, if you have previous riding experience, and sign a consent form. In this program, you can learn the basics of horse care, horse communication, natural horsemanship (groundwork), liberty work (fun games where horse is not tied-up), quiet time spent relaxing with the horses, including stress management techniques. Just let Marianne know what you would like, and together, you can plan your sessions!

Children/teens: If you would like all your siblings to participate together, you can definitely book some group sessions! Alternatively, if you would like to book some time with your children and their friends (max of 2), we can also do that! Please note that children must be 8 years old to be without a parent/caregiver present.

Adults: Adults are welcome to come on their own, as a couple, or with a friend.

Cost: $89 for 4 sessions of 1 hour per session. One individual session is $30.

3-Summer camp

Aunty Marianne’s summer camps are awesome! Yes, there are horse activities, but we do all sorts of other things too, ranging from yoga, biking, community outings, baking, art, swimming, and more! Participants even get to help co-create their perfect week!

Please make sure to sign-up for Marianne’s newsletter to get the up to date info about next seasonal camp!

4-Volunteer group for kids

Calling all horse-loving kids! This is FREE! Marianne’s got something better than sleeping-in on Saturday morning once a month! If you don’t mind getting a bit dirty, how about volunteering here at the ranch! We can use some help with grooming, feeding, and other chores! It is a great way to spend time outdoors, develop some skills, snuggle a horse, and make some friends! 

This is a FREE group for children with special needs of all ages. (Certain physical abilities required, however, if there is an adult present to assist, and safety is assured, it might be suitable for children with limited physical capabilities). Please feel free to inquire!

For more information, email Marianne directly at info@mariannedisipio.com