Resilience Workshops for Youth and Adolescents
Registration is now open for Buckaroos!
Starts Monday, September 14, 2026
Workshop meets weekly for 10 Weeks from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and change that can bring anxiety, isolation, and self-doubt. At NCEFT, we help young people navigate these formative years by building resilience, strengthening interpersonal skills, and fostering a healthy sense of self through meaningful connections with peers and our extraordinary horses.
NCEFT’s licensed mental health professionals and equine specialists utilize exercises to reduce anxiety, build confidence, enhance communication, and improve social skills while observing and interacting with horses. Spending guided time with horses is proven to promote healing, lower stress, and offer insight about oneself and the world around us.
Age-appropriate activities such as journaling, group discussion, and art will also be incorporated. Our horses, along with our dedicated staff and a small group of peers will help participants take these challenging adolescent years in stride. NCEFT’s programs are not intended to serve as stand-alone treatment for mental health disorders, but rather to complement traditional talk therapy. A member of our Mental Health and Resilience team will conduct an initial evaluation with each applicant to determine program fit and eligibility. No horse experience is required to participate.
Buckaroos Resilience Workshop for Elementary Schoolers (ages 7-10).
This Workshop’s theme is Connection: building friendship, communication, and teamwork with horses and our peers. Horse activities such as grooming, haltering, leading, obstacle courses, and other ranch based skills and games will be introduced to develop our social skills in a fun, relaxed environment. Activities such as nature walks, group discussion, and art will also be incorporated. One of our final meetings will be a mounted mindfulness session where all participants will have the opportunity to ride. No prior horse experience is required.
Click here to apply and we will be in touch with you within 10 business days with more information.
Workshop Details:
- This 10-week workshop, held on Mondays from 3:30pm to 5pm, starts on September 14th.
- It is a mixed gender group with members ranging in age from 7-10 years old.
- We cap the group at 8 participants, so the group will be small and each participant will get plenty of attention and time with the horses.
- The workshop is facilitated by Sarah Peters, LMFT, and one of NCEFT’s expert horse handlers.
Cost and Payment:
- The total cost is $1,760 for ten 90 minute sessions.
- A deposit of 20% of the total fee ($352) is due to hold your child’s spot.
- That deposit is payable by calling our Lisa or Eileen at our front desk: 650-851-2271.
- The remaining balance is due by September 11th, the Friday before the
workshop. - Financial Assistance is available to those who qualify.
Steps Resilience Workshop for Middle Schoolers
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Please apply here and we will be in touch with you within 10 business days with more information.
Strides Resilience Workshop for High Schoolers
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Please apply here and we will be in touch with you within 10 business days with more information.
