Equine Assisted and Learning
A Horse Facility Offering Education, Outdoor Recreation, and Assisted Emotional Counseling in Cottonwood.
EATL Certification Class coming soon!
Hosted by DLB Ranch.

Sharing early so everyone can plan ahead.
A Healing Horse Ranch
DLB Ranch is a non-profit equine center dedicated to enriching the lives of both children and adults through therapeutic interaction using the healing power of horses. At DLB Ranch, we provide our clients with the opportunity to connect with horses, and others, to build relationships, grow, give and receive love, and heal.
Our Mission Statement.
DLB Ranch, Inc is dedicated to creating social and economic development of harmonious communities utilizing the power of horses through Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning as well as other modalities that assist individuals and groups seeking spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
Horse Therapy/Equine Therapy
Equine-assisted psychotherapy incorporates horses into the therapeutic process. People engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading a horse while being supervised by a mental health professional.
Goals of this form of therapy including helping people develop skills such as emotional regulation, self-confidence, and responsibility. With mature horses weighing anywhere in the range of 900 to 2,000 pounds or more, it might feel a bit intimidating to have such a large, majestic creature participating in your therapy sessions.

However, equine-assisted therapy is growing in popularity due to its experiential approach and some burgeoning evidence of its effectiveness. There are a variety of terms used to describe or reference equine-assisted psychotherapy, including:
- Equine-assisted mental health
- Equine-assisted counseling
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy
- Equine-assisted therapy
Animal Therapy
Animal therapy is the use of animals to help with physical, social, emotional, or cognitive functioning.1 This is sometimes also called pet therapy, animal-assisted therapy, or pet-assisted therapy. This article will explain animal therapy, the conditions that can be treated, processes, who facilitates it, types, and more.
What We Offer
Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning (EATL / EAP) offers many benefits to individuals, groups and families that specifically
address mental, emotional and behavioral issues. A session is designed to address mental health and human development issues quickly, directly and effectively coordinated with licensed therapists and a Certified Equine Specialist. Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) uses horses as tools to gain understanding and personal insights into human nature. This includes having fun with horses under the guidance of a Certified Equine Specialist. These fun activities are effective for establishing boundaries and improving problem-solving skills. EAL sessions encourage critical thinking about life in different ways to help expand our knowledge of what is possible.
EATL can be scheduled for an individual or a group. DLB Ranch, Inc has multiple Certified Equine Specialists that have been trained and certified through Greg Kersten – OK Corral Series program. Greg is the founder and developer of Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning. Nightstar Ranch, which is the facility that is used - hosts clinics for training by Greg on an annual basis. Nightstar Ranch also has a covered arena which allows for year round training. HORSEMANSHIP IS "BE LIKE ME." EAP IS "BE YOURSELF." GREG KERSTEN
Learn more about Greg Kersten
here
Learn More About What We Do
Our Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning Sessions offer many benefits to individuals, groups, and families that specifically address mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. One of our sessions is designed to address human development issues quickly, directly, and effectively.
We at DLB Ranch incorporate Equine Assisted Therapy Learning And Learning (EAT/ EAP), using horses as tools to gain understanding and personal insights into human nature. This includes having fun with horses under the guidance of a Certified Equine Specialist. These fun activities are effective for establishing boundaries and improving problem-solving skills. EAL sessions encourage critical thinking about life in different ways to help expand our knowledge of what is possible. EAL can be scheduled for an individual or a group.
Donations are always appreciated!
EIN #81-2931128
Services for EATL Assistance
Education
Equine Assisted Learning consists of activities done with horses that are geared toward experiential learning & can help individuals achieve goals.
Equine Assisted Therapy & Learining
Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning have been proven to help individuals work through issues, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, and more.
Activities for Small Groups
Equine Assisted Learning activities are typically offered to groups. These activities have been found to assist in reengaging students in academic learning.
... and Much More!
Our programs strive to help individuals meet specific goals and receive therapeutic benefits from spending time interacting with our horses.
Our Horses. Our Heroes.
Horses do the work of teaching and healing through a variety of equine-assisted applications which include experiential education, for at-risk youth programs, alcohol & drug recovery assistance programs and learning life skills.
Equine Assisted Learning and
Equine-Facilitated Experiential Learning
EAL/EFEL consists of a variety of activities, done with horses, that are geared toward experiential learning. Equine-assisted learning or equine-facilitated experiential learning activities are typically offered to groups, from smaller to larger.
Learning activities can be used to reengage students in academic learning, including high-risk adolescents in alternative school programs. Typically, the clients participate in an activity with the horses on the ground, and the trained facilitator guides the learning process. Rather than focusing on personal issues, the focus is on concepts and principles, such as character development and empathy.
Learn More About Activities at DLB Ranch
DLB Ranch proudly provides a wide range of activities that help individuals in several ways. Besides being fun for spectators and participants alike, the time spent with our horses can help improve overall health. Our activities might be the surprising solution to improving your overall emotional well-being. To request more information, please reach out to our team today.
Making Precious Memories at DLB Ranch
Our ranch is a place of equality: every person can experience the sheer joy that comes through the triumph of the human spirit as they work alongside our beautiful horses.
Redding Bluff Christmas Parade 2023
Get in Touch with us Today!
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the services we provide? We hope you find the answer below.
Horse Ranch
Contact Information:
Phone:
Email:
nightstarranch@gmail.com
Address:
17596 Southlake Rd.
Cottonwood, CA 96022