Helping Anxious Kids Build Confidence This Summer — Without More Talk Therapy

If you’re a parent of a child with anxiety, you know how heartbreaking it is to watch them struggle. The constant worry. The fear of trying new things. The big emotions that take over when small problems feel overwhelming. You've likely searched how to help my child with anxiety more times than you can count.

While talk therapy can be helpful, many anxious kids — especially those with low self-esteem — need something more. They need hands-on experiences where they can practice coping skills and build real-world confidence. They need to feel it in their body, not just talk about it in a therapy office!

That’s where therapy with horses for kids with anxiety can make a real difference.

Why Some Anxious Kids Need More Than Traditional Talk Therapy

Many parents find that even after months of therapy, their anxious child still struggles when real-life situations happen. They may understand coping tools in theory, but in the moment—at school, at camp, or with friends—they freeze, melt down, or avoid altogether.

That’s because many kids with anxiety and low self-esteem learn best by doing, not just talking. They need safe, structured experiences where they can:

• Practice calming their body when they feel overwhelmed

• Build confidence by successfully trying new tasks

• Experience small, supported challenges that build emotional regulation

Experiential therapy for kids creates these opportunities, helping anxious children practice coping skills as emotions arise — in real time.

The Power of Therapy With Horses for Kids

Horses naturally mirror emotions, making them ideal partners for anxious kids who struggle with confidence. When a child is nervous or overwhelmed, the horse responds to that energy. But when the child learns to slow their breathing, steady their body, and approach calmly, the horse reflects that back.

In our Pompton Plains, NJ therapy with horses program, kids work on:

• Grooming, feeding, and leading horses

• Recognizing how their emotions feel in their body

• Practicing confidence building skills in a safe, fun setting

• Learning responsibility and trust without feeling pressured

The horses provide instant, gentle feedback — something many anxious kids need in order to truly feel how they’re doing emotionally.

What Types of Kids Benefit From our horsemanship therapy group?

This program is designed for:

• Kids with anxiety or constant worry

• Children who struggle with low self-esteem or perfectionism

• Kids who feel overwhelmed by their emotions

• Children who are hard on themselves and fear making mistakes

• Parents looking for alternatives to talk therapy for kids with anxiety

• Anxious kids who learn better through hands-on activities

Horse therapy for kids with anxiety gives your child a chance to build confidence in a fun, interactive way — without feeling like they’re "in therapy."

Summer Program Details

We’re offering a 4-week series designed to give kids consistent practice with emotional regulation and confidence building:

• Day: Wednesdays

• Two age groups:

  • 5–7 year olds: 10:00 AM

  • 8–12 year olds: 11:30 AM

• Location: North Jersey Equestrian Center | Pompton Plains, NJ

• Cost: $80/week.

Give Your Child a Chance to Feel Confident This Summer

If your child has struggled with anxiety, big feelings, or low self-esteem, this is a chance to help them grow in a safe, supportive environment—without the pressure of more talk therapy sessions.

Through therapy alongside our horses, your child can learn how to stay calm, build confidence, and handle emotions — all while having fun!!!

🌿 Spots are limited.

Reserve your spot today and give your child the tools to feel stronger and more confident this summer.