Our Services

We’re on a mission to foster personal growth and empowerment, providing a space where individuals can uncover new insights, cultivate meaningful connections, and carry the essence of connection and wisdom into their daily lives.

We prioritize nervous system education and wellness, equipping everyone we serve with the knowledge and tools needed to understand and nurture their own nervous system health. Safety, authenticity, collaboration, and trust are the cornerstones of our approach to building intentional relationships. We envision a world where everyone experiences a deep sense of belonging, security, and self-awareness, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resilience.

Discovery Horse Services: Individual, Youth & Family

Our Approach

At Discovery Horse, our primary approach is a systems approach that works with the entire family system, with a strong focus on caregivers. We recognize that this may not be a fit for every family or situation. On this page, you will find service options for both you and your child, offered in various ways to meet your unique family's needs. Regardless of the level of involvement you choose, everything we do at Discovery Horse carries with it the same foundation.

Our services encompass a diverse range of environments to meet the unique needs of each family. Sessions are available on the farm, in the community, and within the comfort of your own home. Moreover, we extend our support beyond scheduled sessions, acknowledging that life's challenges don't adhere to a timetable. While we welcome individual participation, we emphasize the importance of family involvement for sustainable change. Even if parents or caregivers are reluctant to engage, we encourage their participation, recognizing that true transformation requires collective effort.

Working within varied environments is integral to our approach. By addressing an individual's nervous system and their ability to manage stress, we aim to expand their window of stress tolerance. This flexibility enables individuals to navigate the complexities of the world while maintaining self-regulation. Whether on the farm, in the community, or at home, our programs are designed to foster resilience and empowerment in any setting.

This comprehensive framework underscores our commitment to holistic growth and healing, where relationships, environment, and self-awareness converge to facilitate lasting change.

Our Staff

At Discovery Horse, our dedicated staff is the cornerstone of our transformative approach. Each practitioner undergoes extensive training in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and family systems theory to ensure they provide the highest level of support and guidance. Our team is deeply committed to ongoing professional development, staying abreast of the latest research and best practices in the field. At Discovery Horse, we believe that the practitioner's own nervous system, along with their ability to offer co-regulation, connection, and felt safety, while practicing the art of rupture and repair, and maintaining accountability and compassionate boundaries, IS the primary intervention. By maintaining their own emotional balance and attunement, our practitioners create a safe and nurturing environment where true healing and connection can occur. This foundational belief underscores every interaction, ensuring that our staff is not only highly skilled but also deeply empathetic and responsive to the needs of each individual and family they serve. At Discovery Horse we build real relationships.

The Farm & Animals

We have intentionally crafted a therapeutic farm environment with this in mind. Dandelion Farm, home to Discovery Horse, is an intentionally crafted therapeutic farm environment. Our four-legged residents include 7 horses, 1 mini-donkey, 4 goats, 4 dogs, 4 cats and 1 snake. Here at the farm, we believe deeply in the power of relationship—not only to oneself and other humans, but also to animals, plants, and the land that sustains us. Every person who joins our program is offered the opportunity to build relationships with any of our animals. If horseback riding is a goal, that can be done through building a consent-based relationship with a horse. The skills cultivated through the development of these relationships, animal and human, are transferable to any and all relationships. It is your choice as to when and how you want to include the animals and the farm in your sessions. Some people work with the horses every session, while others never enter the pasture.

  • A course developed by Robyn Gobbel, driven by science and steeped in relationships. This course will benefit all parents but is especially for parents of children with vulnerable nervous systems and baffling behaviors. This includes children with a history of trauma and toxic stress (including foster care and adoption), as well as children who are neurodivergent, gifted, have sensory processing differences, or neuroimmune disorders.  You might not know why your child has a vulnerable nervous system, and that’s OK. We can find our way together. This is not just a course; it is an experience. An experience that focuses on equipping parents to parent, in a way that aligns with who they are and how they want to be in the world.

  • Discovery Horse has been teaching this 12 module course since 2022. Over time, Discovery Horse has layered in 7 additional modules to compliment and deepen certain concepts we have found helpful in our community. The addition of horses is one of the ways Discovery Horse is deepening the experience and offering the opportunity to practice these concepts in real time in real relationships.

  • Parent Coaches must complete a year long immersion program with Robyn in order to become Registered Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors Course Facilitators. At present time Discovery Horse hosts 2 of 3 registered facilitators in the state of MN.

  • Central to Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: A Course for Parents is the recognition of the profound role of relationships in shaping behavior. We believe that by focusing on building secure connections and fostering a sense of safety, both parents and children can experience meaningful transformation. Through practices centered on connection, co-regulation, and fostering a sense of felt safety, participants learn to navigate and diminish challenging behaviors with empathy and understanding.

  • At Discovery Horse, we're more than just coaches and educators; we're partners in your parenting journey. Our dedicated team is committed to providing extensive support, guiding parents through the implementation of strategies learned in the program. We recognize the importance of ongoing support and community, offering opportunities for continued learning and growth long after the program ends. The Discovery Horse approach understands that all too often, parents are given information in times of crisis and find they aren't able to find success in the 'new' approach causing unnecessary shame and isolation. Discovery Horse uses brain, body and sensory strategies to support effective and sustainable change. Science tells us that we need to practice new ways of doing things until those new ways become our default.  The practice of the information becomes as important as the delivery of the information. This ‘practice’ is offered through relationship with our staff, our animals, and our community of parents. Our program focuses on creating lasting changes by fostering connections and providing continuous support, ensuring that the transformative journey brings the lasting change so many are seeking.

  • At Discovery Horse, we're committed to excellence. We understand the importance of adapting our approach based on feedback and experience, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of parents and families. As registered facilitators, we adhere to the highest standards set forth by course developer, Robyn Gobbel, ensuring consistency and quality in the delivery of our parent curriculum.

Core Principles

  • Our methodology centers on the belief that relationships drive change, including improvements in mental well-being.

  • Behaviors and mental health struggles signify unmet needs and distress; addressing these needs is paramount.

  • Co-regulation, facilitated by adults, leads children to self-regulation and supports individuals in changing behaviors and managing mental health challenges.

  • A caregiver's regulated nervous system is fundamental to a child's self-regulation journey and crucial in supporting mental health recovery.

  • Prioritizing co-regulation, connection, and felt-safety over control eliminates behaviors and supports mental health recovery at their root.

  • Genuine connection and curiosity foster intrinsic motivation, steering children and individuals with mental health struggles toward positive actions driven by understanding rather than fear or reward-seeking.

Family Focused Program Goals

Educating & Supporting YOU, the Parents & Caregivers

Empowering you to reduce reliance on outside professionals and agencies while addressing patterns of behavior within yourself that may no longer serve you.

Building Community

Participate in a supportive community of others who ‘get it’, eliminating feelings of isolation and shame while fostering connection and understanding within your family and within the greater Discovery Horse community.

Preserving the Family

Eliminating the need for out-of-home placement by providing the necessary support to keep your family together and thriving.

Inspiring Self-Advocacy

Encouraging and supporting advocacy for yourself, your child, and your family. Empowering you to voice your needs and navigate challenges effectively.

Enhancing Social Emotional & Executive Functioning

 Improving executive functioning skills for both you and your children, equipping you with tools to manage relationships, daily tasks, and responsibilities.

Reducing Baffling Behaviors

We focus on decreasing baffling behaviors and widening your window of stress tolerance by providing you with cutting-edge neuroscience to understand the behaviors as well as tools to support change.

Parent Education & Practice at Discovery Horse

At Discovery Horse, we understand that parenting isn't always easy, especially when faced with challenging behaviors from our children. We love them, and they baffle us. All too often parents are given tools without the guidance and support it takes to successfully implement those tools, long term. Knowing is only half the battle. Discovery Horse is committed to a long term solution that empowers parents, like you, with the education, support and community needed to navigate the complexities of parenting.

Discovery Horse Lens on Behavior

  • Behaviors are an indication of an unmet need. The goal is to find and meet that unmet need, rather than managing the behavior.

  • Compliance comes from a brain that does not feel safe (subjectively).

  • Consequences given when a child is dysregulated are not effective and instead rupture the relationship and deepen the undesirable pattern of behavior.

  • Once a child finds regulation through co-regulation from adults, the behavior can be addressed.

  • The caregiver's ability to have a regulated nervous system is imperative to a child’s ability to cultivate self-regulation (self-control).

  • This approach, rather than control, eliminates behaviors at their core.

  • The most effective and sustainable way to motivate children is to connect with them, be curious, and support their nervous system. Children will then be motivated to do the right thing for the right reason—not because they fear consequences or seek rewards.

Our Mission

We’re on a mission to foster personal growth and empowerment, providing a space where individuals can uncover new insights, cultivate meaningful connections, and carry the essence of connection and wisdom into their daily lives. We prioritize nervous system education and wellness, equipping everyone we serve with the knowledge and tools needed to understand and nurture their own nervous system health. Safety, authenticity, collaboration, and trust are the cornerstones of our approach to building intentional relationships. We envision a world where everyone experiences a deep sense of belonging, security, and self-awareness, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resilience.

Outcomes for Families at Discovery Horse

Improved Emotional Regulation

Youth and caregivers learn to identify, understand, and manage their emotions better, fostering calmness and consistency.

Enhanced Self-Awareness

The program helps both youth and caregivers reflect on their behavior and relationships, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Increased Confidence & Self-Esteem

Building new relationships and overcoming challenges can boost confidence and a sense of accomplishment for both youth and caregivers.

Better Communication Skills

The program encourages clear communication, helping both youth and caregivers develop more effective interpersonal communication skills.

Stronger Communication Skills

Emphasizing consistent relationships and the science of connected relationships helps form deeper, more meaningful connections with oneself and those around them.

Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills

Engaging in activities that require critical thinking and problem-solving fosters these abilities in both youth and caregivers.

Stress Reduction & Improved Mental Health

Participating in calming, nature-based activities reduces stress and improves overall mental health for the entire family.

Empathy & Compassion

Developing relationships with sentient beings enhances the capacity for empathy and compassion toward others.

Resilience & Adaptability

Facing and overcoming challenges builds resilience and adaptability, helping both youth and caregivers better handle difficulties in other areas of life.

These outcomes collectively support the holistic development of youth and families, contributing to their emotional, social, and cognitive well-being.

Youth Services

  • This 22-hour program offers direct support for children and youth aged 6 to 21, focusing on nervous system-based, relationship-focused activities both at Dandelion Farm and in the community. Participants engage in a variety of enriching experiences while receiving transportation during sessions. The package provides a comprehensive approach to developing essential skills and fostering growth. Sessions are scheduled in 60 to 120 minute increments and occur weekly.

    Location: Dandelion Farm and Community Based

    Hours of Direct Support: 22 hours

    Price Includes: Transportation (during sessions), Meals, Activity Fees and Materials

    Ages: 6 years - 21 years

    Transportation: Transportation included during sessions

    Youth to be dropped off at the farm unless transportation has been requested.

  • Spanning 36 hours over nine months, this program supports children by enhancing their skills and building their capacity for healthy relationships. Prerequisites include completing a skills package or individual sessions to build felt-safety with Discovery Horse staff to better set child up for success in a group setting. The program includes transportation, meals, activity fees, and materials to ensure a holistic support system. Group meets 2 to 3 times per month for 2 hour sessions. Staff to youth ratio is typically 1:2.

    Location: Dandelion Farm and Community Based

    Hours of Direct Support: 36 hours

    Price Includes: Transportation (during sessions), Meals, Activity Fees and Materials

    Transportation: Youth to be dropped off at the farm unless transportation services are requested.

    PREREQUISITE

    Skills package or individual sessions to develop rapport prior to being accepted into this group.

  • Designed for those who have completed our intensive programs, this group is an extension of your child's foundational experience at Discovery Horse to maintain the momentum of personal growth and relationship building skills. The program includes transportation, meals, activity fees, and materials, ensuring continuous development.

    Location: Dandelion Farm and Community Based

    Hours of Direct Support: 22 hours over 6 months

    Price Includes: Transportation (during sessions), Meals, Activity Fees and Materials

    Transportation: Youth to be dropped off at the farm unless transportation services are requested.

    PREREQUISITE

    Must have completed Discovery Horse’s 6 Month Intensive Youth Skills & Relationship Group

  • Offered while parents attend groups, this childcare service focuses on regulation and relationship-building, facilitated by a professional Kids Connection Club facilitator. Children engage in supportive activities on the farm while their parents are taking care of themselves.

    Regulation and Relationship focused child care while parents are attending Discovery Horse Groups.

    Professional Kids Connection Club Facilitator

    Youth to be dropped off at the fam unless transportation services are requested.

  • Discovery Horse offers reliable transportation services within a 100-mile radius, ensuring clients can easily access our programs. Rates vary based on distance, with options for round trips or one-way journeys. This service ensures all clients can participate in our therapeutic programs without transportation barriers.

  • This comprehensive 9-month program is aimed at parents of children with challenging behaviors. The course, available in-person, virtually, or as a hybrid, supports biological, adoptive, and foster care groups. Participants benefit from family sessions, materials, and snacks, fostering a supportive learning environment.

    Total Hours of Education & Support:     84

    Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: A Course for Parents. Course was written & developed by Robyn Gobbel and is a deep dive into her best selling book: “Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors”.

    Biological, Adoptive & Foster Care Groups Available

    In-Person / Virtual / Hybrid Options

    38 Hours of Training (Typically 19 sessions over 9 months)

    6 Hours of Individual Sessions (Intake/Mid-Course/Graduation)

    Parent Support & Practice Group - 40 hour over 20 group sessions over 9 months

    Price Includes: 2 Additional ACTIVE Co-Parents, Materials and Snacks


    Notes:

    This course runs roughly 9 months. Regardless of the method of delivery : virtual or in-person - Price for the course stays the same.

    Some groups may include horses as coaches and co-facilitators. All horse interaction is challenge by choice and not required to participate.

  • This 44-hour training course over 6 months offers parents essential skills to manage big, baffling behaviors in children. Available in-person, virtually, or as a hybrid, the course includes individual sessions, materials, and snacks. It supports biological, adoptive, and foster care groups, providing a solid foundation for effective parenting that feels good.

    Total Hours of Education & Support: 44

    Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: A Course for Parents is written by Robyn Gobbel and is a deep dive into her best selling book: “Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors”.

    Biological, Adoptive & Foster Care Groups Available

    In-Person / Virtual / Hybrid Options

    38 Hours of Training (Typically 19 sessions over 6 months)

    6 Hours of Individual Sessions (Intake/Mid-Course/Graduation)

    Price Includes: 2 Additional ACTIVE Co-Parents, Materials and Snacks

    Notes:

    This course runs roughly 7 months. Regardless of the method of delivery : virtual or in-person - Price for the course stays the same.

    Some groups may include horses as coaches and co-facilitators. All horse interaction is challenge by choice and not required to participate.

  • Available for parents who have completed the training course, this group provides community and ongoing support with 24 to 48 hours of sessions over six or twelve months. Parents continue to practice and refine their skills in a supportive group setting. The program includes materials and snacks.

    NOTE: Individuals must have completed the parent training course in order to enroll in this support group option.

    Total Hours of support: 24

    2 groups per month (12 groups total)

    Materials and snacks provided

    12 Month Group
    Total Investment: $1,560 per participant

    Total Hours of support: 48

    2 groups per month (24 groups total)

    Materials and snacks provided

  • Discovery Horse offers reliable transportation services within a 100-mile radius, ensuring clients can easily access our programs. Rates vary based on distance, with options for round trips or one-way journeys. This service ensures all clients can participate in our therapeutic programs without transportation barriers.

Parent Services

Ala Carte Services

  • Scheduled Sessions

    • Location: Dandelion Farm, Community Based, and In-Home

    • In Person Sessions

    • Virtual Sessions

    Pricing

    • Pricing may vary according to the amount of professionals needed for the session.

      • Individual and couples sessions typically require 1 professional

      • Parent/Child sessions or family sessions require 2 professionals

    Support

    • Phone support is offered between sessions as needed.

We understand that the intensive approach may not be suitable for all families. At Discovery Horse, we offer individual sessions tailored to your pace. The parent education course is also available in this flexible format. During the discovery & orientation process you and your Discovery Horse team will develop a plan that is manageable, predictable and meets the need of your unique situation. Not everyone we serve comes to us for youth & family services.

Individual sessions are a good place to start for those not looking for intensive family support.

All parent and family based work ties in Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: A Course for Parents

Next Steps

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