Welcome to Refuge Services

Refuge Services, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is community sponsored to provide services for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Refuge Services provides equine-assisted therapies to individuals of all ages. Refuge Services, Inc. offers hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, and equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) to children, adolescents, and adults in Lubbock and area communities in an accepting, supportive and Christian environment.

Nationwide, equine-assisted therapies continue to gain popularity as a legitimate form of treating many issues from disabilities to mental health and behavioral diagnoses. Refuge Services provides a therapeutic setting for physical, occupational, speech-language, or licensed mental health professionals to incorporate horses into their treatment plan. During the hour-long sessions the therapist concentrates on improving the client’s physical, sensory, emotional, cognitive, and/or psychological deficiencies as diagnosed by a medical doctor. Communication, trust, and bonding between the client and the horse provide a unique opportunity for increased productivity that has not been previously experienced in a traditional therapy session. The counselors and therapists are able to transfer the relationship between the horse and individual to the implementation of therapeutic goals and objectives, capitalizing on the increased self-esteem, body awareness, stimulated senses and overall positive receptiveness of the individual.

Refuge Services Inc. is a non-profit organization that holds a special place in our hearts. All that we do is to help the needs of individuals and families deal with special challenges. Refuge Services offers equine facilitated therapies and Specialized Summer Camps for all schooled aged children.

Refuge Services is committed to serving the therapeutic needs of children and adults by providing Hippotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Psychotherapy.

The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions served.  Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding experience physical, emotional, and mental rewards.  Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength.  For individuals with mental or emotional handicaps, the unique relationship with the horse can lead to patience, confidence, and self esteem.