An Experiential Treatment Component

The Equine Recovery Program at Malibu is our signature experiential treatment component. This program occurs 6 days a week with the clients divided into groups allowing each client to participate in the activities 3 times a week. Our treatment campus allows for over 800 acres of riding trails and scenic woods.

We have over 40 horses of all sizes and personalities. Each client is assigned to a horse for the duration of their stay to ensure that each client’s needs are matched appropriately with a horse that will allow them to be successful in equine activities.

Clients participate in activities such as grooming, tacking, horse handling, horseback riding and general horse care. These activities not only assist with physical wellness, such as strength, muscle tone, balance, and coordination, but also emotional and mental healing as each client bonds, cares for and connects with their horse.

While learning to ride and care for a horse, a client can learn to increase their attention and focus, sensory perception, communication skills, emotional vulnerability, confidence, and self-esteem. The horse activities are taught and supervised by our highly–trained Ranch staff and therapeutically processed with Malibu’s Clinical staff.

Through this program, we have been able to witness clients regain the concept of trust. This sometimes comes first with their assigned horse, and then transfers to the staff and peers, as clients become more trustworthy of others and openminded to suggestions and guidance regarding their recovery process.

We have seen this program assist clients who have experienced past trauma, unresolved grief, or abusive relationships. We have found that learning to love and care for an animal can support someone with learning to care and love themselves again.
Once a client increases their self-esteem and self-love, we have found this can produce an increase for a client’s internal motivation for change. This program has allowed some of the most unmotivated and guarded clients an opportunity to break away from that mold and spark an interest in improving their life and living a sober lifestyle.

We also offer volunteer opportunities during non-clinical hours for clients to assist with horse care and other equine activities. The allotted time for extra equine involvement is dependent on the client’s level of care and their required clinical treatment hours throughout the day.