The Highland School District officially opened its new School-Based Mental Health Equine Therapy Barn during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Wednesday in partnership with the Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce. The facility, located on the district’s campus, will serve as a dedicated space for equine-assisted therapy guided by licensed mental health professionals.
Previously, horses used for the therapy sessions were transported to and from a counselor’s home in Cave City. The new barn eliminates that logistical challenge, offering a permanent and sheltered location for both the animals and the students who rely on the program. The facility also provides a comfortable space for students to process their therapy sessions and interact with counselors without being subject to outdoor conditions.
Four licensed mental health professionals are on staff to conduct therapy sessions, with each counselor working directly with one of four horses in the program. The approach integrates traditional counseling techniques with equine-assisted activities, enabling students to work through personal struggles while learning how to interact with the animals. Counselors use the horses to help students address challenges, develop coping skills, and foster self-awareness.
"The program combines equine-assisted activities with traditional counseling," said Ben Cravens, the school-based health clinic coordinator. He noted that this approach has shown positive results in helping students manage mental health diagnoses and symptoms, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.
The barn is the latest addition to school-based mental health services funded by the district through a grant awarded by the Department of Education in 2018. That grant also supported the construction of Highland's school-based health clinic.
The equine therapy program emphasizes patient involvement and adaptive learning through experiences with horses, teaching students to navigate situations in which the animals may not respond as expected. According to Cravens, these interactions help students gain insight into both animal behavior and their own emotions.
The barn represents a significant investment in the mental health and well-being of Highland students, continuing the district’s effort to provide innovative and effective support for its community.