Connecting Hearts Through Horses

Our equine-assisted coaching programs and summer camps in Zelienople, PA build confidence, emotional awareness, and the skills you need to form healthy relationships.

Summer Camp, Pony Club, But Better registration now open! Secure your child's spot at camp. Spots filling up fast!

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JeanK

“I got more out of this in 1 hour than I have with years of talk therapy.” -Jean M.


What is an equine-assisted coach?


Do you know what a life coach is?

That's basically what I am, but I use horses to help my clients.




Why horses?


Horses respond to our true feelings, not our words or social masks. Unlike humans, horses offer immediate, honest feedback without judgment.


This creates an opportunity for authentic self-discovery and emotional growth that's hard to replicate in traditional coaching or talk therapy settings.


What can equine-assisted coaching do for me or my child?

We’re connected to our screens, but missing true connection to ourselves and others. Equine-assisted coaching and equine-assisted learning creates a space to break free from all the "noise" and endless performance.


Meaningful interactions with horses help children and adults rediscover their authentic selves, build real confidence, and learn to navigate life's challenges with renewed emotional strength.

Why HeartSong EAC?

Health is wealth, and good emotional health leads to a richer, happier life. Working with horses can help you achieve this.


Whether your 6th grader is struggling with anxiety, your 10th grader is overwhelmed with high school, or you’re an adult who's had enough of toxic relationships, our approach goes beyond traditional horsemanship to create real, lasting changes in your life. 

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With HeartSong EAC, children learn vital emotional regulation skills through engaging activities. Teens build confidence and authentic connections. Adults discover new ways to handle life's challenges through mindful horse-human interactions.


Our trauma-informed, certified professional coach brings over 25 years of experience in developmental psychology and equine-assisted learning.


With certifications from EACA and Natural Lifemanship, HeartSong EAC Coach Laura Nickel creates a safe, supportive environment where everyone can grow and thrive — at their own pace, in their own way, away from screens and the many anxiety-inducing distractions of modern life.

Discover Our Programs

Struggling with anxiety? Finding it hard to trust? Feel stuck in old patterns? Through gentle guidance and the healing power of horses, discover a new way forward.


Each session is personalized to your unique journey, moving at a pace that feels right for you. No horse experience needed — just an open mind and willingness to grow.


Call to learn more and schedule an appointment: (216) 714-2893

1-1 Coaching

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For Kids

  • Navigate big emotions with confidence
  • Learn how to recognize and build healthy relationships
  • Find their voice and set healthy boundaries
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For Teens

  • Real self-confidence (not just the social media kind)
  • Tools for handling peer pressure and stress
  • Authentic connections in a judgement-free space
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For Adults

  • Clarity in decision-making
  • New ways to handle life's challenges
  • Deeper self-awareness, emotional resilience, and confidence

Registration OPEN NOW for Our Summer Camps

Pony Club, But Better

Dedicated summer camps for ages 7-11 and tweens 12 -14

Our Pony Club, But Better summer camps offer more than a traditional horse camps. We teach horsemanship skills alongside games AND activities designed to develop your child's social and emotional skills.



Your child will:


  • Build confidence as they overcome new, exciting challenges
  • Develop greater resilience that helps them navigate life's ups and downs
  • Learn empathy through caring for and connecting with our horses (and each other)


They'll make lasting friendships, unplug from technology, get outside (and out of your hair)  — all within a safe, supportive environment led by experienced professionals.


FAQs

  • What safety measures are in place during camp activities?

    All activities are supervised by trauma-informed, licensed professionals with years of experience working with children and horses. We maintain low camper-to-instructor ratios, use well-trained horses, and follow strict safety protocols to ensure a secure environment for your child.

  • Who are the instructors and staff at HeartSong EAC?

    Our camp is led by Laura Nickel, a trauma-informed, licensed professional with over 25 years of experience working with children and horses. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and certifications from the Equine Assisted Coaching Association (EACA). All staff members are trained in safety protocols and share a passion for helping children grow through equine-assisted activities.

  • What's the camp schedule?

    We offer 5 separate week-long camps that run Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. 

  • How is HeartSong EAC different from other horse camps or Pony Clubs?

    HeartSong EAC combines the excitement of traditional Pony Club activities with fun summer experiences and a focus on social and emotional learning. Our trauma-informed approach and licensed professionals set us apart, providing a unique environment where your child not only enjoys horse-related activities but also develops important life skills like emotional resilience, empathy, and problem-solving.

  • What is the camper-to-instructor ratio?

    We maintain low camper-to-instructor ratios, typically 6 campers to 2 instructors, to ensure personalized attention and a safe environment for all participants.

  • Will my child ride the horses?

    Our primary focus is on ground-based activities that build trust, confidence, and connection with horses. While riding is not the main focus, there will be opportunities for supervised riding experiences depending on the session and the readiness of the campers.

Get Started Today

Whether you're interested in individual coaching or have questions about our summer camps, we're here to help you take the first step.



Call or text (216) 714-2893 to discuss which program is right for you.