Equestrian Encounters
A Place to Find Peace, Connection & Clarity
About Us
At Equestrian Encounters, we believe animals have a special way of reaching the quiet places in our lives. Our small, family farm is home to gentle horses, Murphy the donkey, Frank the Highland steer, and other friendly furry and feathered companions — all inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and see things from a fresh perspective.
We do not offer traditional riding or lesson programs. Instead, our encounters are designed as intentional moments of reflection, confidence-building, and connection. Each experience is guided by the natural presence of the animals and supported by a calm, welcoming environment.
Some visitors come seeking clarity during life transitions. Others simply want to unplug, reset, or share a meaningful experience with someone they care about. Whether you join us for a private sanctuary encounter, a confidence-building experience, or our welcoming Meet, Greet & Groom session, our goal is the same — to offer a peaceful space where people and animals connect with purpose and presence.
We welcome children and adults of all ages. Our farm is located just outside Essex, Illinois, approximately 15 minutes from the Reed Road exit off I-55. During the winter months, encounters take place in the comfort and safety of our heated barn and indoor arena. All visits are by appointment so we can provide a thoughtful, personalized experience.
Before scheduling, we’ll connect by phone to answer your questions and make sure the experience is a good fit for you.
Click the Contact Us button to start the conversation.
Our Encounters
Meet, Greet & Groom Encounter — A welcoming introduction to our herd.
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: Contact Us
Step into the world of our gentle herd with this welcoming, hands-on experience. Perfect for families, children, or first-time visitors, this session offers the chance to meet our horses and donkey up close, learn about their personalities, and take part in brushing and caring for them. Learn to enjoy the calm that comes from this simple, hands-on connection.
During this guided hour, you will:
- Be introduced to our equines in a safe, relaxed setting
- Learn basic horse communication and body language
- Take part in brushing and caring for the animals
- Reflect on the calm and connection that comes from being present with them
The Meet, Greet & Groom experience is a wonderful introduction to Equestrian Encounters, offering a gentle way to connect with our animals and discover the peace they bring.
Private Sanctuary Encounter (Individual or 2-Person Experience)—Deep reflection and presence with gentle guidance.
Duration: 90 minutes
Price: Contact Us
Step away from the noise and into a calm, guided experience designed for presence, perspective, and connection. This private encounter is unhurried and personal—focused on quiet time with the horses, gentle interaction, and guided reflection. No riding. No performance. Just a grounded experience in a peaceful setting.
During this private session, you will:
- Set a personal intention for your visit
- Spend quiet time observing the horses and learning from their behavior
- Participate in light grooming and hands-on connection
- Practice simple grounding and calming techniques
- End with an optional guided relaxation and visualization exercise designed to help you practice calm focus.
- Leave with reflection prompts and takeaways you can use in daily life
- Perfect for individuals seeking clarity, stress relief, or a meaningful reset.
Optional 2-person version available for couples or close friends.
Confidence & Presence Encounter (Individual or 2-Person Experience)— Build confidence through intentional, supported animal interaction.
Duration: 90 minutes
Price: Contact Us
This guided encounter is designed to help you build confidence, trust your instincts, and strengthen your presence through intentional interaction with a horse. Rather than focusing on technical handling, this experience uses simple, ground-based activities to explore communication, boundaries, and self-awareness in a calm, supportive setting.
You’ll work alongside a horse in a way that highlights how your energy, posture, and intention influence connection — offering powerful, real-time feedback you can apply to everyday life. No riding. No pressure. Just meaningful coaching through experience.
During this guided session, you will:
- Explore how your body language and energy affect connection
- Practice clear intention and calm presence with a horse nearby
- Engage in simple movement-based activities designed to build confidence
- Notice what changes when you slow down and trust yourself
- Reflect on insights that can be applied to real-life situations
- End with an optional guided relaxation and visualization exercise designed to help you practice calm focus.
- Perfect for individuals looking to strengthen confidence, navigate change, or build greater self-trust.
Optional 2-person version available for couples or close friends.
What to Expect
Your visit to Equestrian Encounters is designed to be calm, welcoming, and unhurried. All experiences are ground-based and guided at a gentle pace — no riding and no prior horse experience required.
Before your visit, we’ll connect by phone to learn what you’re hoping to gain from the experience and to answer any questions you may have. This helps ensure a comfortable and meaningful visit for everyone.
During your encounter, you can expect:
- A warm welcome and brief safety orientation
- Time to meet and interact with our horses and other animals
- Guided activities focused on presence, confidence, and connection
- Optional quiet reflection and calming exercises
- A supportive, judgment-free environment
What to wear and bring:
- Closed-toe shoes (required- no exceptions)
- Comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather
- Layers during colder months (indoor arena is heated as needed)
- A curious, open mindset
Important participation requirements:
- All guests must sign a liability release prior to participation.
- Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
- Equestrian Encounters does not provide childcare or supervision services — parents are responsible for their children during the visit.
All visits are by appointment only so we can provide a personalized experience. Before scheduling, we’ll connect by phone to answer your questions and make sure the experience is a good fit for you. Winter encounters take place inside our heated barn and indoor arena for your comfort and safety.
Our goal is for you to leave feeling calmer, more grounded, and more connected — to yourself, to the animals, and to the moment.
Equestrian Encounters does not provide psychotherapy, counseling, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or any form of medical, financial, or legal services. Our coaches and staff are not licensed mental health professionals and do not present themselves as such. We do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any illness or disease. All programs are designed for reflection, coaching, education, and personal growth and are not a substitute for counseling, psychiatric treatment, medical advice, or other professional services. We do not conduct clinical assessments, make diagnoses, or prescribe medication. Some encounters may include general education and coaching tools related to stress management, self-regulation, and calm focus, including optional guided relaxation or visualization exercises. These practices are offered for wellness and educational purposes only and are not to be considered therapy or clinical treatment. Participation is intended for individuals who are able to self-regulate and take responsibility for their own wellbeing. If you are currently under the care of a healthcare provider, we recommend consulting with them before participating in any of our programs. We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue participation if necessary to maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for our guests, staff, and animals.
Notice: Illinois Equine Activity Liability Act
Under the Illinois Equine Activity Liability Act (745 ILCS 47), each participant who engages in equine activities expressly assumes the risks and legal responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage that may result from participation. Equestrian Encounters, its owners, staff, and volunteers are not liable for injury or death resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.