"Horses change lives. They give our young people confidence and self-esteem. They provide peace and tranquility to troubled souls; they give us hope."
– Toni Robinson
Horses have always somehow managed to be a part in my life. Whenever I was younger, maybe about 10 or 11, my nanny used to take me to a farm to go on trail rides every weekend, and I used to look forward to that so much. They would only last about an hour maybe, if I got lucky that day, an hour and half but they were the best times of my life! Now here I am, 28 and I have been working at an equine rescue for about 2 years and it has brought me so much closer to the therapeutic side of equines and has made me realize why I am so passionate about them.
What is equine therapy, you may ask? Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a range of treatments that involve engaging activities which professionals guide clients through, with equines. This helps promote better mental and physical health while also stimulating our bodies and souls while being one and connecting with such a majestic creature.
Engaging in activities such as grooming, feeding, leading, and riding can help people develop skills such as responsibility, communication, emotional control and a sense of peace. Best thing about equines, is that they are non-judgmental and nonbiased! You can go to them and voice any need or concern of yours and always expect to have a shoulder to lean on. If you are having troubles expressing your feelings, as it is too painful, an equine can help you process these experiences through cognitive therapy, play therapy, talk therapy, activity scheduling, and storytelling.
Emotional awareness, independence, impulse control, and self-esteem are just some of the potential benefits that equine therapy provides for its clientele. Horses often mirror a client's behavior or emotion to convey a certain understanding and connection to ensure that the client feels safe and content. Like other pets, horses also require work like feeding, grooming, exercising, bathing, etc. and this can provide therapeutic experiences for your clients and help provide structure and routine.
Equine therapy is not just for one age group, it's for all sorts! Unlike your traditional talk therapy office, equine therapy can offer a more comfortable environment for clients to discuss their concerns and experiences. Although we may think a barn may not be your typical office setting, you would be surprised it's quite beneficial.