Frequently Asked Questions

Equine-Assisted ABA is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) delivered in a farm environment rather than a clinic or home setting.

Services begin with an assessment of the learner, followed by the development of individualized, goal-driven programming supervised by a RASP-A Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). Programs are created collaboratively with families to ensure goals are meaningful and relevant across environments.

The farm provides a motivating, naturalistic setting where many functional skills can be practiced in real time while remaining clinically purposeful and data-driven. 

Equine-Assisted ABA is a clinical service grounded in behaviour science. Horses are not the treatment; they are part of the environment in which evidence-based ABA strategies are implemented.

Sessions may be fun and engaging, but they are always goal-directed and guided by individualized programming.

No. Riding is never required.

Programs may include mounted, unmounted, or ground-based activities depending on the learner’s goals, comfort level, and safety considerations. 

Many meaningful goals can be addressed without riding at all.  Please see our new Nature Program that has no horse interaction

Horses create unique learning opportunities that are difficult to replicate in traditional clinical environments.

As sensitive herd animals, horses respond to body language, emotion, and communication. This provides learners with immediate feedback and meaningful opportunities to practice emotional regulation, communication, confidence, and leadership.

At True Colours, horses are part of the learning environment where evidence-based ABA strategies are delivered.

That’s very common, and programs always move at the learner’s pace.

No interaction with horses is forced. Many goals can be addressed without direct horse involvement, and learners can gradually build comfort with the environment over time.  There is also a non-horse program option for those who are not ready.

Yes. We are happy to collaborate with existing teams to support continuity across home, school, and farm environments.

All services delivered at the farm operate under our clinical supervision, safety policies, and program standards.

Yes. Equine-Assisted ABA may be eligible for Autism Funding when services are delivered under BCBA supervision and align with approved goals.

Families are encouraged to confirm eligibility directly with the Autism Funding Unit (AFU), and we are happy to support families with documentation when appropriate.

All programs are developed and supervised by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).

Sessions include regular clinical oversight to ensure program fidelity, ethical practice, and data-informed decision making.

Administrative time allows staff to review data, complete session documentation, and communicate important clinical information.

This ensures that programs are continuously adjusted based on progress and aligns with professional standards for high-quality ABA services

No prior horse experience is required. Learners are supported by trained staff and horses that are carefully selected for their temperament and suitability for working with children.

True Colours uses the Horse Powered Behaviour Intervention™ (HPBI) model, which integrates behaviour science, experiential learning, therapeutic horses, and the natural farm environment to support meaningful skill development.

Our sessions include individualized behavioural programming designed and supervised by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, with trained Behaviour Interventionists working directly with learners. Sessions take place in a specialized therapeutic farm environment where carefully selected and trained horses are part of the learning process.

These programs are structured clinical services designed to support meaningful skill development rather than recreational riding activities.

Families begin by contacting us to schedule an intake meeting. During this meeting we learn about the learner’s strengths, goals, and support needs before developing an individualized program plan.

True Colours was inspired by a deeply personal moment for our founder, Tina.

After a difficult day when her son wondered why he struggled to make friends, Tina sang the song True Colours to remind him that he was loved exactly as he was — and that others would see his brilliance if they looked closely enough.

At True Colours, our goal is not to change who learners are. Our goal is to support them in building skills, understanding themselves, and letting their true colours shine.