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
- Look for one thing you can see.
- Listen for one sound.
- Take one slow, comfortable breath if that feels good.
For preteens
- Press your feet gently into the ground.
- Notice the temperature or texture of something safe nearby.
- Choose a quiet activity or ask to move to a calmer place.
For teens and adults
- Try slow breathing, stretching, a short pause, or noticing the environment.
- Different choices work for different people and situations.
- Stop any exercise that feels uncomfortable, dizzying, or upsetting.
Practical choices
Choose one—not all
- Notice what is around you.
- Relax your shoulders if comfortable.
- Take a sip of water.
- Ask for space or trusted support.
At a horse session
A staff member can help you step away from the activity. Horses, riding, and breathing exercises do not diagnose, cure, or treat a health condition.
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.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Caring for Your Mental Health- Publication or review date
- Last reviewed April 2026
- 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.
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.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD
Coping with Traumatic Stress Reactions- Publication or review date
- Last updated March 26, 2025
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Government information summarized in original language. This library does not reproduce VA assessments, graphics, or treatment materials.