What is Equine Gestalt Coaching, and how is it different from equine therapy?
Equine Gestalt Coaching is a reflective, experiential coaching process guided by a certified coach and a wise equine partner. Instead of clinical therapy or adaptive riding programs, this method focuses on emotional awareness, personal growth, present-moment experience, and healing. It’s not about treatment goals or riding skills — it’s about self-discovery through mindful contact with horses and guided coaching.
Do I need prior experience with horses to participate?
No, you do not need to have any horse experience at all.
In EGC sessions, you’ll be on the ground with the horses, engaging at a level that feels comfortable and safe. There is never any pressure to interact with them beyond what feels right for you. This work is about you — not about “performing” around horses.
What should I expect in a session with the horses?
Each session is experiential and grounded — meaning you’ll be present in your body, emotions, and environment. With the horses’ intuitive responses and the coach’s guidance, you’ll explore whatever concerns brought you here. The horses reflect energetic and emotional shifts in real time, helping you access insight that sometimes bypasses words.
Is this appropriate for teens and adults?
Yes — Equine Gestalt Coaching is designed for individuals ages 13 and up, including adults. Participants should be able to engage safely and independently in the emotional process and follow general safety guidelines around horses.
Do you work with children or individuals with developmental or behavioral disabilities?
At this time, DreamCatchers does not provide sessions structured for individuals who require significant developmental, behavioral, or adaptive support. This includes environments that would need side-walkers, adaptive equipment, or highly directive therapeutic approaches. This boundary is in place to ensure safety for both people and horses, and to honor the integrity of the coaching process.
Where do these sessions take place?
Sessions are held on the ground at Rock Creek ReTreet Center, a peaceful 12-acre sanctuary just north of Lincoln, NE, near I-80 and Hwy 77. This setting invites connection with self, nature, and the horses against a backdrop of orchard, meadow, and wide open sky.
What about virtual or non-horse options?
Equine Gestalt Coaching also includes options such as phone or Zoom sessions if in-person contact with horses isn’t the right fit for you at the moment. These alternatives make the work accessible while keeping the same reflective, client-centered focus.
What can I work on in a session?
Clients often come for support with anxiety, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, grief, self-clarity, confidence, or patterns that feel stuck. The process helps you develop deeper self-awareness, release what no longer serves, and step forward with more grounded presence and purpose.
Are horses ever pressured to interact?
Absolutely not. Horses choose their level of engagement and express themselves through their behavior. We never push physical contact or force participation. Every interaction honors the comfort of both horse and person.
What’s the difference between “Hug a Horse” and coaching?
“Hug a Horse” is a calm, no-pressure experience where you simply enjoy the presence of horses — grooming, walking, or relaxing together. There is no coaching process involved. It’s a gentle way to experience equine calm without the deeper emotional exploration of EGC.
How do I know if this coaching is a good fit for me or my teen?
If you’re seeking emotional insight, personal growth, or support through life’s transitions, and are ready to engage in a reflective, somatic experience — this work could be a great fit. If you’re unsure, a brief consultation call can help you explore whether it aligns with your needs and comfort.
What are your rates and cancellation policies?
Equine Gestalt Coaching sessions are invested at $150/hour; other experiences like “Hug a Horse” or Reiki have their own rates. We offer a flexible cancellation and refund policy to accommodate changes in your schedule. For complete details, see the Rates, Cancellations, & Refund Policy page.
Who are the horses and how do they participate?
Our horses are more than symbolic partners — they have individual personalities and intuitive presence that contribute to the experience. Each horse engages in ways that feel natural and respectful to both you and them.
What is the Earth and Equine Experience?
The Earth and Equine Experience is a collaborative offering between DreamCatchers and Rock Creek ReTreet Center. It brings together the reflective power of equine-guided experiences with the grounding beauty of nature in a small group setting.
These experiences are designed for groups, retreats, leadership gatherings, or community circles seeking meaningful connection, emotional insight, and shared growth. Participants engage with the horses on the ground, alongside facilitated activities that may include nature immersion, guided reflection, or experiential exercises.
This is not a riding program or a clinical therapy model. It is a thoughtfully facilitated group experience that honors the wisdom of the horses, the land, and each individual’s personal process.
Whether your group is seeking deeper connection, renewed clarity, or a restorative day away from daily demands, the Earth and Equine Experience offers space to slow down, reconnect, and move forward with intention.
How do I get started?
You can schedule an exploratory call, book a session, or reach out with questions anytime. We’re here to walk with you through curiosity, growth, and the courage it takes to show up for yourself.