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About Us
Mission Statement

 
Unbridled Change's mission is:

To provide quality equine assisted activities and therapy (EAAT) to at-risk populations through dynamic partnerships and relationships with horses. 

Unbridled Change offers individual, family, and group equine assisted psychotherapy and learning sessions. 
The EAAT opportunities will:

  • teach adolescents and adults communication, relationship, and team building skills;
  • create a safe and empowering environment for clients to participate in mental health therapy to help break all cycles of abuse in at-risk populations;
  • and to promote interest in partnering with equines to help affect social change and awareness for at-risk populations
Vision Statement

 

Unbridled Change will strive to create a safe and empowering environment, which encourages our clients, to participate in activities with horses in an atmosphere that empowers, improves, and enriches their lives.

Values

  • Focus on making a positive impact in the lives of our clients
  • Maintain the highest ethical standards and professionalism
  • Creating a safe and supportive environment for empowerment and personal growth
  • Ensure the integrity of the EAGALA model 

  

Belief on Change


We strongly believe that true change in behaviors and patterns only occurs when a person is challenged and outside of their comfort zones. The experiential nature of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning allow the clients to experience their current behaviors and patterns in life and change those that are not working for them or are unhealthy. We believe that it is our job to create the environment which empowers them to find their own answers. 

We do very little talking during the sessions, instead let the clients interact with the horses, who are able to mirror the clients, and reflect back their behaviors. True change and results happen when clients realize they have the power to change the world around them by altering a behavior or attitude. Clients are able to try out new behaviors and patterns with the horses in a supportive and safe environment.

Unbridled Change is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. 
We believe that our services should be available to those in need regardless of ability to pay. 

Unbridled Change offers scholarship funds based on a sliding fee scale for those in need.

About our Founder:

Michelle Holling-Brooks has over 10 years of experience working in the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies field. She is certified through both nationally recognized associations in this field:
  • Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) Advanced Certified as an Equine Specialist 
  • North American Riding for the Handicap Association (NARHA) Certified  Registered Instructor and active member of Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA)

Michelle was the first professional in Southwestern Virginia to be certified by EAGALA and currently holds the highest certification level in the area. She has over 10 years of experience working with at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and disabled populations. 

She is a life long equestrian and has competed and professionally trained horses in hunter/jumpers and three day eventing.

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