Berkshire HorseWorks Berkshire HorseWorks

101 Patton Road, Richmond, MA

About Berkshire HorseWorks

Now celebrating its 10th Anniversary as a nonprofit, Berkshire HorseWorks , based in Richmond, MA provides a  wide range of  non-mounted and mounted Equine Assisted Activities year round.   All bookings for Trail Ride Lessons, Donkey Play, family and corporate Team building,  Mindful Hikes with Horses, Yoga at the Ranch,  Birthday Parties, Art at the Ranch, Pony Rides , Horse Painting and the popular Ranch Life 101 program for kids, couples and families fund programs for those at risk in the community. The 501c3’s mission to transform lives  through the powerful interaction with horses happens daily by appointment on a private seven-acre ranch with organic vegetable gardens, a meditation area and a vernal spring.

Through  experiential Eagala  (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Model and Eagala-based equine assisted psychotherapy, life skill development, educational and therapeutic activities,  and workshops in team building and skills development for organizations of all kinds,  Berkshire HorseWorks has helped those at risk with mental health and behavioral challenges in statewide. Rooted in evidence-based practices, strength-based, solution-focused, and predicated on cognitive behavioral therapy, the Eagala Model has a broad application across diverse populations and requires clients to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for results. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Equine Assisted Team building (EAT) incorporate horses experientially for emotional and developmental growth. This modality is a collaboration between a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist, and horses working together side by side  on the ground with their clients. Certified facilitators create direct and indirect metaphorical and role-playing activities with horses, which help participants achieve their targeted treatment and developmental goals. Participants learn about themselves and others by connecting with the equines and then observing and discussing the behaviors and patterns that arise. What happens in the arena is often a metaphor for that which happens in one's life, in the family, or in the community. All programs have been created with an eye toward providing those underserved or marginalized with the tools to become their best selves, and mitigate the effects of mental health challenges, societal pressures, and enhance socio-emotional learning. .   While you are having fun in nature surrounded by rescue donkeys and horses who have been given a second chance in life, know that you are helping save a life, either two legged or four legged,  and ensuring that the therapy herd can say health and do the work they love so much.

To learn more or  to book an appointment visit www.berkshirehorseworks.org or call 413 698 3700.