Program boundary: Resilient Riders provides equine-assisted wellness and educational activities. It does not diagnose, cure, or treat anxiety, autism, PTSD, depression, or any other medical or mental-health condition.
For children
- Say, “I need a break.”
- Point to a break card or trusted adult.
- You can ask for help before you explain why.
For preteens
- Use clear words: “I need more time” or “Please give me space.”
- Ask for your caregiver or another trusted person.
- Tell staff what change would help you continue safely.
For teens and adults
- You may request lower noise, fewer instructions at once, physical space, or a pause.
- Choose how much personal information you want to share.
- A break is not failure; it is one way to manage participation safely.
Practical choices
Words you can use
- I need a break.
- Please give me more time.
- I need less noise or movement.
- Please get my caregiver or another staff member.
At a horse session
Staff should respond calmly, move you to a safe area when needed, and explain the next choice in plain language.
Evidence and attribution
Sources and review information
Resilient Riders wrote this page in original language after reviewing the sources below. No third-party image, worksheet, logo, assessment, or downloadable file is reproduced.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Managing Stress- Publication or review date
- May 12, 2026
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Government source summarized in original language. No source images or downloadable materials are reproduced.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?- Publication or review date
- Revised 2024; NIH Publication No. 24-MH-8085
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Government information identified as public domain. Resilient Riders uses an original summary and does not reproduce source images.