Crossroads Corral is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Central Florida that promotes personal growth, hope, and healing through horses. Founded in December 2014 and opened in April 2015, the organization provides Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) to individuals facing trauma, anxiety, depression, and other challenges.

Yes. Crossroads Corral is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Crossroads Corral serves active military members, veterans, first responders, survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, foster youth, and individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression. Sessions are available to individuals, families, and groups.

No formal diagnosis is required to participate. If you are experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, or simply feel stuck, you may benefit from equine-assisted therapy or learning. Staff will work with you during an initial consultation to identify your goals and recommend the right program.

Yes. Equine-assisted therapy and learning can be highly effective for young people, including foster youth and adolescents dealing with trauma, behavioral challenges, or emotional regulation difficulties. Sessions are tailored to each participant’s age, needs, and goals.

Yes. Sessions can be structured for individuals, families, or groups, depending on therapeutic goals. Family sessions can be a meaningful way to rebuild trust, improve communication, and work through shared experiences in a supportive environment.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy at Crossroads Corral is designed to address a range of mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress (PTSD), anxiety, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, anger management, and the lasting effects of domestic violence or human trafficking. The experiential nature of equine therapy makes it especially effective for individuals who have not found relief through traditional talk therapy alone.

In traditional therapy, clients are typically expected to talk through their experiences in a clinical office setting. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is different, clients engage in structured, hands-on activities alongside horses rather than sitting and talking. This approach allows emotional breakthroughs to happen organically through action and experience, rather than through verbal recounting of painful memories.

No. Clients are not expected to describe or relive traumatic experiences. Instead, they work through a curriculum of therapeutic activities with the horses, which naturally surfaces patterns, emotions, and insights. Many participants find this approach far less intimidating than traditional therapy.

Yes, equine assisted therapy can help individuals that are feeling sad, feel overwhelmed, overthink things, or have panic attacks. The psychotherapy at Crossroads Corral is designed to address a range of mental health challenges.

Horses are deeply intuitive animals that respond honestly to human energy, body language, and emotional state. They can sense anxiety, incongruence, and emotional tension, which makes them uniquely effective as therapeutic partners. Because horses don’t judge, shame, or project, they create a safe space for participants to let their guard down and engage authentically. Working through challenges with a horse, building trust, giving clear direction, staying calm, directly mirrors the emotional and relational work at the heart of mental health recovery.

Yes. Equine-assisted approaches have a growing body of research supporting their effectiveness, particularly for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and youth behavioral challenges. Crossroads Corral's programs follow structured, proven curricula facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and certified equine specialists.

Yes. Sessions are led by Licensed Mental Health Professionals, including psychologists, therapists, and counselors, working alongside Certified Equine Specialists. This dual-facilitator model ensures both clinical rigor and expert horsemanship are present in every session.

Because equine therapy is experiential and action-based, breakthroughs can happen more quickly than in traditional therapy. Clients do not need to be in therapy for months or years. Crossroads Corral typically sees meaningful progress within a six to eight session curriculum, though every individual's journey is unique.

Sessions are generally 45–60 minutes. Crossroads Corral recommends a plan of six to eight sessions, though the number is always personalized to the individual. Single sessions are also available for those who want an introductory experience.

Yes. During your initial visit, staff will learn about your therapy goals and create a tailored plan of care. A pre- and post-assessment is conducted to ensure goals are being met and to measure your progress throughout the process.

Absolutely. Crossroads Corral strictly maintains client confidentiality and fully complies with HIPAA regulations. Your privacy is protected at every stage of care.

Yes. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is often used as a complement to existing mental health treatment, including traditional talk therapy or psychiatric care. If you are currently working with another provider, the team at Crossroads Corral can coordinate or align care to support your overall treatment goals.

That is completely understandable and common among new participants. Staff are experienced in welcoming people who have little or no experience with horses. Part of the therapeutic value lies in gently moving through that initial hesitation. You will never be asked to do anything you are not comfortable with, and the pace of each session is guided by your comfort level.

No. The activities at Crossroads Corral are conducted on the ground alongside the horses, not on horseback. This is an important distinction, equine therapy is about the relationship and communication with the horse, not riding or equestrian skill.

Crossroads Corral offers four core programs: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Equine Assisted Learning, Corporate Team Building, and Stable Mentality Ministries. Each program is tailored to meet specific needs and goals in a supportive, healing environment.

Yes, Crossroads offers workshops designed to support caregivers of individuals with special needs. The workshops focus on helping caregivers develop strategies to overcome obstacles and barriers, and create meaningful connection with others who are experiencing similar challenges.

EAL uses horses in structured educational experiences to develop life skills such as self-confidence, problem-solving, creative thinking, and communication. It is well-suited for youth, schools, corporate teams, and community groups seeking growth-focused experiences rather than clinical mental health treatment.

This program uses equine-assisted experiences to help workplace teams develop leadership, communication, and trust in an engaging and non-traditional setting. It offers organizations a powerful and memorable way to strengthen team dynamics.

Stable Mentality Ministries is a faith-based program offered by Crossroads Corral that integrates equine-assisted experiences with spiritual growth. For program details, visit crossroadscorral.org.

Horses are acutely aware of their surroundings and respond to the subtlest shifts in human energy and body language. They can distinguish between calm, grounded presence and anxious or incongruent behavior. This makes them extraordinarily honest partners in a therapeutic setting. They do not judge, but they also do not pretend. Their honest feedback gives participants a rare and immediate window into how they are showing up emotionally, relationally, and behaviorally.

Through sessions at Crossroads Corral, participants work on communication, trust, teamwork, decision-making, creative problem-solving, and leadership, skills that translate directly into everyday life and relationships.

Visit crossroadscorral.org/contact to reach the team and schedule your first session. Staff will walk you through next steps and help determine the right program for your needs.

You can make a financial donation, sponsor one of the horses in the herd, or volunteer your time. To apply as a volunteer, download the application from the website or complete it digitally, then email it with a short cover letter to info@crossroadscorral.org.

Crossroads Corral is active on TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram at @crossroadscorral, and has a Google Reviews page where you can read about client experiences.