It’s been an exciting couple of years at McCaskill Family Services! We have been helping people in Plymouth and surrounding areas since Drs. Pam and John McCaskill started the practice way back in 1997. It has been an incredible journey and the positive changes we have seen in many, many children, teens and adults we work with have inspired us every day.
Along the way, we found that more and more people were coming all the way to Plymouth from the Brighton area for therapy. And so, in 2016, with the help of our own Dr. Michelle Byrd we decided to open an office in her hometown of Brighton to make it easier for people in the city and surrounding areas to access all our services: private, confidential psychological evaluations and treatment in a comfortable, relaxing setting.
We are so proud of the successes we have had treating children, teens and adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Dyslexia and other behavioral, emotional or learning disorders. While out in Brighton, Dr. Pam reconnected with a long-time friend, Heather Krill, who helped establish the Brighton Equestrian Club just down the road from our new office. Being around the horses reminded her of the equine therapy work that she used to be involved with in Ocala, Florida at the start her career. She saw first-hand the power of horses helping people heal well beyond the confines of a therapy office. And now, with the help of MFS’s very own Dr. Nicole Wozniak, Psychologist and Equine Therapy expert, we are excited to bring Equine-Assisted Therapy to the Brighton community.
Connecting With Horses Through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Can Help Change Lives.
Amazing as it may seem, these powerful, majestic animals really can make a difference for people suffering from anxiety disorders, grief, ADHD, ODD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and other mental, and even physical health issues. Equine-assisted therapy is also beneficial for individuals needing physical or occupational therapy. Studies show that people of all ages can benefit from Equine-Assisted Therapy, highlighting its therapeutic value throughout history.
Additionally, equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) can effectively reduce negative behaviors associated with ADHD.
How Does It Work?
This type of therapy involves interactions between patients and horses in guided activities such as grooming, feeding, leading, mounting, and riding to improve behavior, thought processes and emotional control. Equine-Assisted Therapy is a treatment that promotes physical, emotional and occupational growth. A safe environment is crucial for clients dealing with anxiety, allowing them to practice vulnerability and step out of their comfort zones.
Studies have shown that equine therapy has been successful in helping children, teens and adults make significant improvements in a short amount of time in the following areas: confidence, anger management, empathy, impulse control, self-esteem, stress management, PTSD, addiction, anxiety management, emotional awareness, problem-solving skills, grief/loss, behavior problems, ADHD and more. Other benefits include increased empathy and the therapeutic effects of caring for horses, such as feeding, exercising, and grooming, which can foster routines and structure in a person's life.
Horses are astute at reading human emotions and people often turn to animals for comfort. They can mirror human emotions and behavior and will respond to negativity, therefore encouraging the client to be calm, open, gentle and aware. Therapy sessions with horses enhance emotional regulation, trust-building, and overall well-being.
Horses are able to reflect human moods, and being horses, they don’t judge or react the way humans often do to the people they are working with. Bonding with the horse helps develop self-awareness and promotes emotional healing. No riding experience is necessary, and, in many cases, there will be no actual riding during Equine-Assisted Therapy. Close-toed shoes required.
While working with horses under the guidance and supervision of a McCaskill Family Services equine therapist and a horse trainer, equine therapy patients have a unique and effective opportunity to get direct feedback on their pattern of problematic behaviors, self-defeating negative thoughts and actions. These insights and skills then translate to everyday life and people feel happier, more connected and successful. Therapeutic horseback riding, a form of recreational therapy aimed at individuals with disabilities, also offers benefits such as muscle development, coordination, and improved well-being.
Why Are Horses Good Therapy Animals?
1. Highly Sensitive to Emotion
Horses are prey animals, which makes them extremely alert and responsive to their environment — especially non-verbal cues and human energy. This means they often reflect a person’s inner state through their behavior, offering powerful insights.
2. Honest and Nonjudgmental
Horses respond only to what they sense, not to appearance, status, or stigma. This creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where people can be vulnerable without fear of rejection.
3. Require Clear Communication
To work with a horse, humans must be calm, focused, and assertive — qualities that help develop emotional regulation, confidence, and presence.
4. Physically Grounding
Their size, warmth, and rhythmic movements provide a soothing, grounding effect. Even just being near a horse has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
How Do Horses Help Humans Heal?
1. Emotional Awareness and Feedback
Horses mirror human emotions through their body language. If someone is anxious, fearful, or angry, a horse might pull away or act uneasy — creating a teachable moment for self-reflection and emotional growth.
2. Promoting Mindfulness
You can’t fool a horse — they demand your full attention. Interacting with them encourages presence, calm, and deep focus, which are key for healing trauma and anxiety.
3. Encouraging Positive Behavior Change
Activities like grooming, leading, or breathing with a horse promote responsibility, empathy, and patience — helping individuals develop healthier patterns in everyday life.
Contact Us to Learn More About Equine Therapy
If you are interested in learning more about the individual and/or group therapy options available through the Equine Therapy Division of McCaskill Family Services, please contact us at our Brighton office location at (810) 224-1676, or visit our Equine Therapy page. We offer a variety of equine assisted services, which are therapeutic programs led by professionals, where clients engage in various activities with horses aimed at mental health treatment, education, or rehabilitation. We’re are so excited about teaming up with the Brighton Equestrian Club to help people and horses connect to promote healing and spiritual awareness!10% discount available for members of The Brighton Equestrian Club and patients of McCaskill Family Services. Our programs also include equine assisted learning, a skill-building approach that involves working with horses to achieve specific personal or professional objectives, guided by a facilitator.
