Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me – Psalm 30:2
At De la Cruz Farms, sessions are thoughtfully designed to meet individuals exactly where they are: physically, emotionally, and developmentally. Through a combination of therapeutic services, recreational equine activities, and specialized interventions such as Hippotherapy, the farm provides a unique environment where healing and growth occur in a natural, relational setting.
Types of Sessions and Their Purpose
Sessions at De La Cruz Farms fall into three primary categories: equine assisted sessions, hippotherapy, and recreational equine sessions. Each serves a distinct purpose while contributing to the overall mission of restoring individuals and families.
- Equine Assisted Session: These sessions incorporate licensed services such as speech-language therapy and other clinical approaches, enhanced through equine movement. They are structured around individualized treatment plans and are designed to help participants achieve functional goals related to communication, motor skills, and cognitive development.
- Hippotherapy: This is a specialized therapeutic technique where the movement of a horse is used as a clinical tool! The horse’s rhythmic gait mimics human walking patterns, allowing therapists to address physical challenges such as balance, coordination, posture, and muscle strength.
- Recreational Equine Sessions: These sessions provide a more flexible, relationship-based experience. Participants may ride, groom, or simply interact with horses and other farm animals. These sessions focus on building confidence, social skills, and emotional well-being in a safe, supportive environment.
Individualized Benefits of Sessions Based on Need
One of the most powerful aspects of sessions at De La Cruz Farms is their adaptability. Each participant’s experience is tailored to their specific challenges and goals, ensuring meaningful and measurable impact.
- For individuals with physical impairments or developmental delays, equine-assisted movement strengthens core muscles, improves posture, and enhances coordination. The dynamic motion of the horse engages the body in ways that traditional therapy often cannot replicate, helping participants gain independence in mobility and daily activities.
- For those facing emotional or psychological challenges, including trauma, anxiety, or depression, the presence of horses offers a calming and nonjudgmental connection. Horses are highly intuitive animals that respond to human emotion, helping individuals develop emotional awareness, reduce stress, and build self-confidence.
- For children and adults with communication or social difficulties, sessions create opportunities to practice interaction in a low-pressure environment. Participants learn to interpret nonverbal cues, express themselves more clearly, and develop trust—skills that extend into their relationships beyond the farm.
- For families experiencing difficult life circumstances, the farm offers a place of restoration. Sessions are not limited to the individual; they support the entire family unit by fostering connection, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. The peaceful farm environment itself contributes to reduced stress and improved mental clarity.
A God Focused Approach to Healing
What sets De La Cruz Farms apart is its approach. Rather than focusing on a single outcome, sessions address not only the physical and emotional needs but use God’s Word to heal and restore. Activities may include a Bible truth and prayer time, allowing individuals and families a time to connect with God and strengthen their relationship with Him in the midst of their time of need.
Lasting Impact
The true impact of sessions at De La Cruz Farms is seen in the transformation of each individual. Participants often leave with increased confidence, improved physical abilities, stronger communication skills, and a renewed sense of hope. These gains extend beyond the farm, equipping individuals to better engage with their families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
Ultimately, sessions at De La Cruz Farms are more than activities – they are intentionally designed to help each person grow, heal, and thrive according to their unique needs.
